Overcoming Cognitive Distortions for Artists
Aspiring social media rappers and producers face many challenges on their creative adventures. While technical skills and networking are important. One of the biggest obstacles is thinking traps. Mental hurdles like creative blocks can hold you back. These cognitive distortions can lower your motivation, creativity, and belief in your potential. Let’s take a look at the most common thinking traps and how to overcome them.
Thinking traps are thought patterns that distort reality and fuel self-doubt. These habits often happen subconsciously, but they can greatly affect your creativity, especially in the music industry. Whether you’re struggling with a small fan base, criticism, or comparing yourself to more established artists, these traps can make even small setbacks feel much bigger than they are.
Polarized Thinking The Traps of Extremes
Also known as “all-or-nothing thinking,” polarized thinking forces you to see your efforts in extremes. You either “do it real big” or “it is mid completely.” For example, a new rapper might think, “If my track doesn’t get 1,000 plays, I’m mid.” This mindset sets you up for disappointment because success in music takes time; it’s a gradual process.
Polarized thinking can lead to burnout because the pressure for perfection stops you from celebrating small wins. Instead of enjoying the adventure, you’re always chasing an unrealistic goal.
Focus more on the process than the results. Ask yourself, “What did I learn from making this track?” or “How have my skills improved?” Celebrate every step forward, no matter how small. Each track, performance, or beat you create is progress. Music entrepreneurship rewards commitment. Give yourself the space to grow rather than demanding immediate success.
Mental Filtering Fixating on Negative Self-Talk
Imagine posting your latest beat online and getting dozens of compliments. Why is it one negative comment sticks with you? Instead of feeling encouraged, you’re consumed by that one piece of criticism. This is mental filtering. A cognitive distortion and creative block where you focus only on the negative feedback and ignore the positive.
For rappers and producers, this trap is especially dangerous because it lowers self-confidence and discourages taking risks. When you dwell on criticism, you might avoid trying new styles or even hesitate to release your work.
To break free from creative blocks, practice thought tracking and reflection. Look at feedback and ask yourself: Is it constructive, or just an opinion? What can I learn from the positive comments? Consider creating a list of positive feedback and revisit it whenever self-doubt creeps in. This can remind you of the support you’ve received.
Remember, even the most successful artists face criticism. The key is to separate helpful input from negativity. Criticism can hurt, but in hindsight, you’ll see that these moments of creative block don’t define you.
Overgeneralization: A Flop Doesn’t Define You
Overgeneralization happens when you make broad conclusions from one negative experience. For example, if one song underperforms, you might think, “No one likes my music. I’ll always be mid.” This kind of thinking is a creative block because it turns failure into something catastrophic instead of a learning opportunity.
Many famous artists faced rejection early in their careers. What sets them apart is their ability to learn from creative blocks and keep creating. Seeing failure as a stepping stone instead of a roadblock is key for long-term growth.
I like to reframe failure as feedback. After a tough experience, ask yourself: Did I communicate well? What can I improve? Am I experimenting enough or playing it too safe? Growth in music comes from persistence and a willingness to adapt. Each track you create teaches you something new, whether it’s about your audience, your sound, or your strategy.
The Impact of Thinking Traps on Creativity
Cognitive distortions can have a ripple effect on your creativity, motivation, and mental health. When you’re caught in a thinking trap, procrastination becomes more likely due to a fear of success or failure. This fear can stop you from starting new projects. You may also limit your experimentation, sticking to “safe” ideas to avoid criticism. Burnout often follows when unrealistic expectations lead to overwork and eventual exhaustion. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward breaking free from them.
Strategies for Overcoming Creative Blocks
Overcoming creative blocks isn’t just about identifying them; it’s about actively shifting your mindset. One of the most effective strategies is setting feasible goals. Breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks helps make progress feel more achievable. For instance, instead of aiming to go viral, focus on growing your audience by consistently releasing one high-quality piece of art each month. Another important strategy is seeking constructive feedback from trusted peers. Sharing your work with those who offer useful, balanced input can be more valuable than random comments you may receive online. Adopting a creative growth mindset is crucial as well. This mindset encourages you to see challenges as opportunities to learn, allowing you to celebrate your improvement, not just the results. Practicing appreciation can also shift your focus from what you lack to what you’ve gained. Reflecting on your achievements, no matter how small, helps maintain motivation. Lastly, embracing adventure in your creative expression is essential. Treat each project as an experiment, knowing that not every track will be a hit. That’s okay because the lessons you learn from these experiences 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 lookout for two more installments. This information has been crucial to me on my own journey, and I continue to find it of vital importance, which is why I’m sharing it with you.
Justin David
Creative man • Philosopher • Artist • Producer
