We’ve all been there… Maybe you were there right now… You’re staring at a blank page and facing one of your biggest demons: “Writer’s Block”.

“Where do I begin?” you ask yourself while in a total loss of ideas…

It really doesn’t matter if you’re attempting to write your next blog or getting ready to plunge into that English paper or even that first series of notes for your next song or composition… Your eyes glaze out of focus as you desperately search for your muse but to no avail. Sound familiar…?

Perhaps the answer you seek is not on the blank paper (yet)… Maybe it’s anywhere BUT that document! It seems that the harder you try to focus on the task at hand, the further your mind drifts away from it like a lifesaver that you’re pushing away from you by flailing too hard…

The narrower the tunnel, the less peripheral vision, right?

I have found that “Happy Accidents” can be your best friend if:

1) You recognize them

2) You embrace them

Time and again, when I’m composing or sound designing or songwriting, when I am too steadfast in my preconceived ideas, the universe will snicker and throw me a very unexpected curve to which I have a few choices:

1) Ignore it

2) Get frustrated because of it

3) Laugh and move on

4) Humbly follow its lead and discover the inspiration I’ve been seeking

Countless times, it is exactly such a happy accident that proves to be so much better than my tired and predictable formulas that allows me to be prodigious in my work. Closed minds = closed doors. Open minds = infinite possibilities. This holds true for any artistic endeavor, and I would go so far as to say that this holds true for all of life. 

Stagnation or progress? Tired or rejuvenated? Boring or invigorating? 

You see, the old saying “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got” holds as much truth to the arts as it does to business and relationships. 

Progress demands stretching beyond your comfort zone and experiencing something new. And when something is new, it tends to inspire you because your senses have not acclimated to it yet – your mind eagerly attempts to chew on it; digest it; assimilate it… Before you know it, you’re trying your best to keep up with it! This is why your English teachers told you to just start writing – anything – just START! How true this wisdom is for making music… and money… and ANY soon-to-be great achievement! 

So… what are you waiting for??? JUST START!!! And invite all those random happy accidents into your life and consciousness like the best friends that they are. Serendipity is a wonderful companion if you let her be… 

Stay unique,

-Mark V Sheldon