Blocking Out Negative Thoughts

Being a musician isn’t just about playing well, writing great songs, or getting gigs—it’s also about managing the mental battles that come with a creative career. One of the biggest struggles for many of us is dealing with negative thoughts, especially when it comes to self-worth and musicianship. No matter how skilled or experienced you are, that little voice of doubt can creep in: Am I good enough? Am I wasting my time? Why am I not where I thought I’d be by now?

These thoughts can be crippling if you let them take over. But the truth is, self-worth as a musician can’t be tied to numbers, external validation, or industry recognition—it has to come from within. So, how do we block out those negative thoughts and keep pushing forward? Here are a few ideas:

1. Reframe Your Definition of Success

It’s easy to compare yourself to others and feel like you’re falling short. Maybe another artist is getting more streams, better gigs, or bigger opportunities. But success in music isn’t one-size-fits-all. Define what your version of success looks like—whether it’s finishing an album, improving your playing, connecting with an audience, or simply continuing to create despite the odds.

2. Stop Seeking External Validation

Streaming numbers, social media engagement, and industry recognition don’t define your worth as a musician. Some of the greatest artists in history were overlooked in their time. Instead of seeking validation from numbers, focus on your growth. Are you improving? Are you making music that feels true to you? That’s what really matters.

3. Develop a Healthy Creative Routine

Negative thoughts thrive in chaos. Creating a structured routine around your music—whether it’s daily practice, songwriting sessions, or even just dedicated listening time—helps keep your focus on progress rather than self-doubt. Treating your craft with consistency and discipline will naturally build confidence.

4. Surround Yourself with the Right People

Your environment plays a huge role in your mindset. If you’re constantly around people who bring negativity, criticize without being constructive, or don’t support your journey, it’s time to rethink your circle. Surround yourself with musicians and friends who uplift, challenge, and inspire you rather than drag you down.

5. Celebrate Small Wins

As musicians, we tend to focus on what we haven’t achieved rather than what we have. But every small step forward—finishing a song, getting a great performance in, making a new connection—deserves recognition. Taking a moment to appreciate progress keeps you from spiraling into negativity.

6. Learn to Detach from the Outcome

One of the hardest lessons in music is accepting that you can’t control everything. You can put your heart into an album and it might not get the response you hoped for. You can audition for a gig and not get it. But none of that defines your worth. What matters is that you keep creating, keep playing, and keep moving forward regardless of the outcome.

7. Be Kind to Yourself

Would you talk to your best friend the way you talk to yourself in your lowest moments? Probably not. So why do it to yourself? Recognize when you’re being overly critical and replace those thoughts with something constructive. Instead of “I’ll never be good enough,” try “I’m still growing, and every day I improve.”

8. Remember Why You Started

At the end of the day, music is supposed to be something you love. The industry, the competition, the expectations—those things can drain that love if you let them. Take time to reconnect with why you started playing in the first place. Play for yourself. Write without worrying about who will listen. Reignite the passion that made you choose this path.

Final Thoughts

Negative thoughts are part of being human, but they don’t have to control you. As a musician, your worth isn’t determined by a chart position, a record deal, or an algorithm—it’s in the dedication you put into your craft, the people you inspire, and the joy you get from creating.

So next time self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself: You’re here for a reason. Your music matters. Keep going. @MusiciansMentorPics