Defining my Priorities

As I think about how I want to move forward, I have to prioritize my projects and my time. What actions can I take right now to move forward? And what actions can I be taking in the near future to move forward?

The first thing I feel I need to do is increase my number of complete songs. My songbook has plenty of half songs that I wrote a verse or two for, but never finished. I need a more diverse selection of completed songs that I can start sharing with people. Having more incomplete songs than complete songs doesn't do me much good and won't get me very far.

The next thing I need to do is start taking steps to find composers and/or bands who have an interest in my songs. I don't play any instruments and can't afford to take lessons right now. I need to get in trouch with people who can set my songs to music and are willing to work with me.

Of these two priorities, I can get more specific about what I need to do to reach my goals. For example:

Priority 1-Completing More Songs
-Moments of Happy
-Anything to You
-Victim Card

Priority 2-Connecting with Composers
-Posting my Lyrics
-Singing my Songs
-Posting Ads to Find Anyone Interested

Not only have I identified my top two priorities, but I have also clarified the steps I'll take to complete these tasks. Each of these steps can be broken down even more to be more specific about what needs to be done, but what I have now serves the purpose of setting my priorities so I can reach my goals. I plan to make this a great year!

~Eliza

Recognizing Your Growth

A funny thing happened last night while I was going through some boxes I hadn't unpacked. I found my first songbook! There may have been some other notebooks that I had scribbled some songs in, but it was the first notebook I ever considered a songbook.

A few of the songs were pretty good, but most of them were absolutely horrible! It's amazing how differently I approach songwriting than I did six years ago.

Today I take it more seriously and back then it was something I did when I got bored and didn't have anything else to do. Still, the differences are incredible. And it's encouraging to realize how much I've improved and grown as a lyricist.

Take a moment today to look over some of your old songs. You'll probably be surprised to see how much you've changed and how much you've improved.

~Eliza

Another Rejection

Passion Level: 10
Motivation Level: 10

A few days ago I received an email from the staff of the American Songwriter Lyrics Contest. The second song I submitted, Can't Take Away Who I Am, was not a winning entry.
I had confidence in both of the songs that I submitted, but after reading the winning entries I don't think my songs are well suited for this contest. I am debating whether I want to submit another song, but I doubt I will.

~Eliza

A Success and a Failure

Passion Level: 10
Motivation Level: 8

My song fragments goal was not reached by the end of the year. I was able to complete "Way That I Can Understand" but I'm disappointed that I was unable to finish "Despite the Things You Say". The song is about half done. This song means a lot to me and has a very strong message. It's a message that I care about and want to share. It's about an issue I want to take a stand on.

So what do you do when you set a goal for yourself and then don't make it? You finish what you set out to do, no matter what day it is. And you put your excuses behind you.

The only reason I didn't reach my goal is because I got overwhelmed with other things that were happening in my life. If I want songwriting to become more than a hobby I can't make a habit of letting those kinds of things become excuses. Life happens. That should be an inspiration instead of a roadblock.

~Eliza