Overcoming Cognitive Distortions for Artists
Aspiring social media rappers and producers face a multitude of challenges in their creative journeys. While technical skills and networking are crucial, one of the most overlooked barriers to success is mindset.
Among the most debilitating mental hurdles are thinking traps and creative blocks, which distort perception and lead to stagnation. These cognitive distortions, if left unchecked, can sap your motivation, creativity, and belief in your potential. Let’s break down the most common thinking traps and explore actionable strategies to overcome them.
Thinking traps are patterns of thought that distort reality and amplify self-doubt. These mental habits are often subconscious, but their impact is deeply felt, particularly in creative industries like music. Whether you’re dealing with a slow-growing fan base, criticism from listeners, or the constant comparison to more established artists, these traps can make even small setbacks feel monumental.
Polarized Thinking: The Trap of Extremes
Also known as “all-or-nothing thinking,” polarized thinking forces you to view your efforts in absolutes. You either “make it big” or “fail completely.” For instance, an up-and-coming rapper might think, “If my track doesn’t go viral, I’m a failure.” This rigid mindset sets you up for disappointment because success in music is rarely an overnight event—it’s a gradual climb.
Polarized thinking often leads to burnout because the pressure to achieve perfection prevents you from celebrating small victories. Instead of enjoying the journey, you’re constantly chasing an unrealistic ideal.
Shift the focus from results to the process. Ask yourself… What did I learn from creating this track? How have my skills improved since my last release? Celebrate progress, no matter how small. Each track, performance, or beat you create is a step forward. Music entrepreneurship rewards commitment. Allow yourself room to grow rather than demanding immediate success.
Mental Filtering Fixating on Negative Self Talk
Imagine posting your latest beat online and receiving dozens of compliments—but there’s one negative comment that sticks with you. Instead of feeling encouraged, you’re consumed by that single piece of criticism. This is the essence of mental filtering: a cognitive distortion where you focus exclusively on negative feedback while dismissing the positive.
For rappers and producers, this trap is particularly dangerous because it erodes self-confidence and discourages risk-taking. When you magnify criticism, you might avoid experimenting with new styles or even releasing your work altogether.
Taking time to practice thought tracking and reflection is a mindset changer. Analyze feedback and ask is it constructive, or is it simply an opinion? What can I learn from the positive comments? Consider keeping an inventory of positive feedback. Revisit it whenever self-doubt creeps in to remind yourself of the support you’ve received.
Remember, even the most successful artists face criticism. The key is to separate constructive input from destructive negativity. Often negativity hits artists hard. There will be moments and experiences you’ll notice in hindsight looking over your history where it may feel like you messed up once and will never let yourself forget it.
Overgeneralization A Flop Doesn’t Define You
Overgeneralization occurs when you draw broad conclusions from a negative experience. For example, if one song underperforms, you might think, “No one likes my music. I’ll never make it.” This distorted thinking stifles creativity because it makes failure feel catastrophic rather than educational.
Many iconic artists faced rejection early in their careers. What sets them apart is their willingness to learn from setbacks and keep creating. Viewing failures as stepping stones rather than roadblocks is crucial for long-term growth.
I often reframe failure as feedback. After a disappointing encounter with a fellow artist or release. Reflect on these questions, did I communicate effectively? What can I improve next? Am I experimenting enough, or am I playing it too safe? Growth in music comes from persistence and a willingness to adapt. Each track you produce teaches you something new. Whether it’s about your audience, your sound, or your overall strategy.
The Impact of Thinking Traps on Creativity
Cognitive distortions like these can have a ripple effect on your creativity, motivation, and overall mental health. When you’re stuck in a thinking trap, you’re more likely to procrastinate due to a fear of success and or failure. This can prevent you from starting new projects. Limited experimentation is a result of comfort zones. You might stick to “safe” ideas to avoid criticism. Burn out is often a result of unrealistic expectations that lead to overwork and eventual exhaustion. Being able to recognizing these patterns is the first step to breaking free from them.
Strategies for Overcoming Creative Blocks
Overcoming thinking traps isn’t just about identifying them—it’s about actively reframing your mindset. Here are practical strategies to help you maintain creative flow. Set feasible goals. Break large goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For example, instead of aiming to go viral, focus on growing your audience by releasing one high-quality piece of art each month. Seek out constructive feedback. Share your work with trusted peers who can offer useful input.
Their insights will be more balanced than random comments online. Adopt a creative growth mindset. Its a mindset that allows you to view challenges as opportunities to learn. Celebrate improvement, not just results. Practice appreciation as much as possible no matter if what you share gets likes or not. Reflect on your achievements regularly, no matter how small.
Appreciation can help shift your focus from what you lack to what you’ve gained. Embrace adventure as you grow and express in your creative expression. Treat each project as an experiment. Not every track will be a hit, and that’s okay. The lessons you learn are invaluable.
Final Thoughts
Cognitive distortions amplify self-doubt, hinder artistic growth, and make the creative process more daunting than it needs to be. By recognizing and reframing these thinking traps, you can unlock your full creative potential.
This adventure isn’t about eliminating mistakes but transforming how you perceive them. Mistakes aren’t failures they’re stepping stones. When you embrace the process and practice self-compassion, you’ll find yourself creating with freedom and confidence.
So, are you ready to break free from your thinking traps? Start small. Celebrate your wins. And remember every beat, lyric, and performance counts. Stay locked in and active. This is the first installment of our blog series on cognitive distortions. Be on the look out for two more installments.
This is information that has helped me along my adventure and continues to be of vital importance and it’s necessary I share it with you.
Justin David
Creative man • Philosopher • Artist • Producer
