Page 8 - Songwriters Workshop issue 2

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Developing Your Songwriter viSion

Scott Krajca, cpc, cHt

If money and your current skill level were not an successful people have known for hundreds of years-
issue, what would be your biggest dream as a song- what you focus on and believe, will most likely create
writer/lyricist? the result. The thoughts and ideas we focus on will
literally create a reaction in the body. Synapses in the
Maybe you can answer this question immediately or brain have been recorded to move when someone
maybe you’d have to stop and think about it. While switches from negative thoughts (i.e. I’ll never make
some would even scoff at the idea of entertaining it, I’m not good enough) to desired present-state
such a “woo-woo” idea. But here’s the thing. We outcomes (i.e. I am a successful songwriter, I get to
are all traveling down the “river of life”. Sometimes do what I love whenever I want).
the river is smooth, sometimes we can barely hang
on for dear life through the Class VI rapids life can It’s not to say that people with negative thoughts are
throw our way. not successful. Sometimes raw talent is undeniable
and has nothing to do with the thoughts we have.
But again, since I am also an engineer, I look at
probabilities. How many songwriters get by on raw
talent alone? For most, having a vision, work ethic,
connections, and honing skills have been the keys to
success (like most successful people).

Your “Wish List”
So, let’s start visioning. This first step is usually an
exciting one for most people. Allow yourself 20-30
minutes to grab a piece of paper and pen, or jump
on the computer , and give yourself permission to
answer the following question: What will it look like
Would you rather have a vision and plan on how to and feel like to reach my ultimate dream as a song-
get down the river, or would you rather just lie back, writer/lyricist?
float on, and let the river take care of the rest?
Here are some tips when doing this exercise:
Not surprisingly, many people approach life like the • Go hog wild! No dream is too big! What
latter – no plan, at the mercy of chance and the idea vision or dream would completely blow your socks
that you will be “taken care of.” While I personally off? Write down all of the juicy details. No detail is
believe in a higher power, I have also come to the too small.
realization that while we are on planet earth, there is • Be completely honest with yourself. Throw
a higher probability we will achieve our dreams if we out all of the rules. For example: If you do not want
are intentional and learn to fill our “raft” with people to perform in front of people, then make sure that is
and resources that make us better and who want us not part of your vision. Don’t worry how to become
to get to our big dream. successful, just focus on the end state for now.
• Watch out for any negative or limiting
As a certified professional coach, I have learned thoughts. Do the best you can to ignore those voices
through past clients (and my own mistakes) that the for this exercise. If you need to, ask this voice to go
odds of achieving a goal without a vision (and plan) take a hike for now.
are fairly low. • Be as detailed as you can: list out people you
want to be with, who you want to work with, what
The Science Behind Visioning you will look like and feel like, the financial out-
Quantum Physicists are finally backing up what come, what your house and office looks like, what

08 SONGWRITERS WORKSHOP