Brent Baxter is a hit songwriter with cuts by Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Lady Antebellum, Joe Nichols, Gord Bamford, Ruthie Collins, Ray Stevens, and more. He’s written a top 5 hit in the US and a #1 in Canada… so far.
Songwriting is a journey. If you have big dreams for your songwriting, then it’s a long journey. It’s been my experience that a wise path is critical to a successful journey. Here are the elements of a wise P.A.T.H.
Purpose.
Why are you on this journey in the first place? Where do you want to go, and why do you want to go there? Without a clearly-defined purpose, without a desired destination at the end of the path, all you can do is wander. Find or define your purpose.
Action.
The path will not travel under your feet. You have to get moving! Take action, but not just any random action. The point isn’t to walk in circles or to run in place. Take the action you believe will move you in the direction of your purpose.
Time.
Any purpose worth following will not be fulfilled overnight. You have to put in the time. You have to resolve yourself to sticking with it for the long haul.
Habit.
Habit multiplies the effects of your efforts. When you have Purposeful Action Taken Habitually (hey, that spells P.A.T.H., too), that’s when all your positive momentum starts adding up like a snowball rolling downhill.
The path to success is paved with the stones of Purpose, Action, Time and Habit.
God Bless,
Brent
KNOW THE ROW
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Good word, Brent. Thanks for your words along the way.
Thanks Brent! Beautiful! Beautiful!
Rachel 🙂
Thanks for the knowledge with your words. I am a lyricist, and I know I have a great God given talent, I will not give up, and I will keep climbing to the top till I get there. Being the sign of the goat I guess is why I keep climbing. Any advice on how to get my songs out there to major artist?
Thanks and God Bless
Debra Kay
Hi, Debra! As for how to get to an artist, you can look under the “Songplugging” category on this blog. Good luck and God bless!
You are absolutely right. I guess I am “The Happy Wanderer,” A PBS show before most people were born.
Hi Brent, I got your email on writing lessons and would love to schedule a writing lesson with you when I’m prepared. Maybe like in March, I drive over the road and I’m out for up to a month at a time. I have a guitar in the truck with me I use when writing songs and send them to Preston Palmer studios in Conway to do full band demos for me. Is there a link I can get to your scheduling on to pick a time when I’ll be inn off the road and able to sit in front of a computer, or maybe I can get through Nashville. Sorry I missed your February 17. Lesson, but I was snowed inn in Road Island, and wasn’t sure where they were sending me next. I need a couple weeks notice for my company to get me home. Really looking forward to a writing lesson with you, I’ve been playing guitar for 30yrs and still take lessons when ever I can, from who ever I can. Till then Thanks Again hope to talk to you soon! Take Care and GOD Bless!
Earl Keith. 681 Hwy 25 N. Guy, Ar. 72061 501-339-7082.
Hi, Earl. I’ve added a new tab to the top of the site called, “Coaching.” It contains links to any times I have available. I don’t do very much 1-on-1 coaching right now, but what I do have will be under that tab. I also have small group online coaching available from time to time, and that will be under “Coaching,” too. Stay safe out on the road!
This is a great post Brent. Prompted me to write a blog post of my own. 🙂
http://jimmylogan.blogspot.com/2015/02/some-reflection-on-path.html
Wow, Jimmy! Thanks for sharing. I enjoyed your blog post, and I’m glad you enjoyed mine!