8 Ways to Help Independent Artists Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence
Suffering from negative thought loops, self-doubt, or uncertainty is inevitable as a musician or creator. No matter how long you’re in the business, you can never fully shake it. That’s right, even professionals who have been performing for decades experience moments of uncertainty. There will always be that small voice in your head that undermines your accomplishments. Author Steven Pressfield famously refers to this voice as “Resistance” in his 2012 book The War Of Art (which you can grab a copy of HERE). The trick is learning how to handle it so that nothing holds you back from pursuing your artistic goals. Let’s dive into some tools and techniques to help independent artists overcome doubt, build confidence, and maintain consistency in their work.
1) Practice awareness.
When negative feelings and doubts creep in, catch them before they spiral out of control. Being aware of it can help you decide how you respond. Taking a timeout from your day to journal or meditate is a great way to practice awareness.
2) Reframe negative thoughts.
Challenge negative thoughts and self-doubt by reframing them in a positive light. For example, instead of thinking "I'm not good enough," try "I'm willing to learn and grow." Recognize your own strengths and celebrate your achievements.
3) Keep learning
Investing in yourself as an independent artist is crucial for staying sharp and competitive. Invest in your growth by taking classes, attending workshops, listening to podcasts, reading books, and exploring mentorships in your direct niche. Learn new techniques and master new skills. There are endless free tutorials on YouTube on everything from music theory to how to mix an entire record from start to finish. Applying yourself with the right focus helps you to become more well-rounded, identify your blind spots, and ultimately build confidence as a musician.
4) Lean into community
Surround yourself with musicians at various career stages. Share your music with others and ask for feedback to help you identify areas where you can improve. The act of sharing your passion with someone else can help you get out of your head and embrace the process. Collaborating with other artists who bring out your creative drive and spark new ideas is one of the best ways to get out of a rut. I’m a firm believer that the person you become is heavily influenced by the 5 people you spend the most time with in closest proximity. So look around you and see if these people mirror the values and qualities you want to embody as an Artist. Having a community behind you is a valuable tool to overcome self-doubt and build confidence as an independent artist.
5) Invest in high-quality gear - (or know the gear you have inside and out)
Use high-quality or reliable gear that gives you consistency, including your instruments, sound equipment, and recording gear. This can give you something to lean on in times of uncertainty across performances and recordings. For seasoned professionals, these are the tools they can rely on when presented with unpredictable variables, like working in a new studio or playing a different venue. It allows you to trust yourself, keep showing up, and function at a high level despite all obstacles. For more on this, listen to our Gear Candy segment with legendary producer and engineer Steve Evetts here.
6) Embrace failure
Failure is an inevitable part of the creative process. The temporary discomfort is just that—temporary. Use it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and build confidence as a musician. Perfection is not attainable, and it’s important to keep creating regardless of perceived flaws. Practice self-compassion and don’t bother comparing your progress to that of others. There are too many variables to make that even remotely worthwhile. Fall in love with the journey of creating and revising to take a song to its final form.
7) Recharge your battery
Look to your inspirations and remember why you are driven to create in the first place. What was that critical moment that first sparked your passion? What feeds your soul? Remembering your purpose can help you push through periods of doubt. Find the things that help you get in touch with your “Why” and motivate you to run back into the studio. For me, this is often the stories I hear on some of my favorite creative podcast. That’s actually what inspired me to start my show The Record Process in the first place!
8) Be it until you see it (don’t just “fake it until you make it)
Act like a professional. Believe that success is going to happen and take the actions that will get you there. That means investing in yourself and having tools like a marketing strategy, brand identity guidelines, reliable studio workflow, professional gear, a team, press kit, project management tools, etc. Focus on building the Systems that you’ll rely on as your career scales. This will breed solid creative and professional habits, which are the biggest source of consistency as an artist. Side Note: read Atomic Habits by James Clear - I promise you will not regret it! And remember, consistency is more valuable than any one song, post, or singular action.
If you found this helpful, take a second to download my FREE ARTIST STRATEGY GUIDE here. It’s filled with more thought-provoking concepts and music career growth tips designed to help you evaluate your holistic approach to building a lasting movement with your music.
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