The life of a DJ can be both exhilarating and exhausting. DJing itself can be very intense. With long hours, finding the perfect song selection, hauling heavy equipment, negotiating with clients, and maintaining focus during performances, DJing can be a demanding profession that can lead to burnout.

Below are some strategies to help you stay motivated and inspired.

How to Stay Motivated as a DJ: Tips and Tricks

Remember why you started.

Think about the moment you decided to become a DJ or first fell in love with music. Was there a song you couldn’t stop listening to? Was there a DJ you saw live at a club or festival who inspired you to pursue music? Was it going to deep house raves as a teenager? Thinking about this moment can remind you of why you DJ in the first place.

Stay positive.

Look for happy guests in the audience or remember experiences where people were satisfied with your DJ performance. While you’re playing, look for the people dancing and smiling the most, and remember that it’s your talent helping to create that experience for them. And if no one is dancing, think about a time when someone came up to you and complimented you on your set or a moment you got the whole crowd jumping up and down.

Refresh your music selection.

Download new songs or remixes to add to your set. If you’re tired of playing the same Top 40 songs during every set, look for an interesting new remix of a hit or a new song that might be tomorrow’s hit. BPM Supreme offers a huge library of hits and unique remixes, as well as tracks by up-and-coming artists on White Label. Refreshing your music catalog and digging for music is a great source of new inspiration.

Evaluate your goals.

Evaluate your goals and set new ones with action steps. When you first got into DJing, you probably dreamt of playing stadiums, or maybe you wanted a thriving mobile DJ business that would allow you to quit your day job. If you are not playing enough gigs, or the gigs you are doing are not the gigs you dreamt of, maybe it’s time to reevaluate the actions you take every day.

Write out your goals for five years, one year, six months, and so forth, and then write down a list of concrete actions you can take to achieve those goals. Make your goals “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely).

Break free from comparison.

Stop comparing yourself to others. There will always be another DJ making more money, playing better gigs, or being more famous than yourself. The most important thing to focus on is your journey, not anyone else’s. Think about where you are and the steps you can take to be in a better place.

Choose your circle wisely.

Surround yourself with positive people who have good attitudes and support your goals. Build relationships with people who inspire and motivate you. It can make all the difference!

Consider all of your career options.

Consider getting a day job and DJing on the side. If the pressure to make ends meet is stressing you out or forcing you to take gigs you don’t want to take, consider getting a stable day job and then DJing only the type of gigs you prefer on nights and weekends.

Livestream your DJ sets as a creative outlet.

Livestreaming is a great way to DJ exactly the way you want in whatever genre you prefer. It’s your time to create your own show. If you are getting frustrated by the playlists your clients are asking for, give yourself another outlet by going online. For more information about how to livestream your DJ sets, see this article.

Exercise and eat right.

Taking care of yourself is essential for a successful DJ career. Make time for exercise and healthy eating during the day so you can be an alert and happy DJ at night (or during the day.) These aspects of your daily life have a huge impact on your mental health and energy.

Keep a clear head.

Stay away from excessive alcohol and drugs. It may be tempting to turn to alcohol or drugs when you’re not feeling good about your life, but they will only make matters worse and make it more difficult for you to solve your problems.

Take some time off.

If you are feeling burnt out as a DJ, take a day off from work. Spend time in nature, play a sport, or do another activity you love. It will clear your head so you can feel refreshed when you come back to DJing.

Get outside.

If you find your mood slipping, or you wake up in the morning and are struggling to get out of bed, force yourself to go out of the house and get some sunlight. 

Create your own tracks or remixes.

Learn to produce your own music and remixes to stand out from the crowd. By adding your creative flair to your DJ sets, you’ll enhance your brand as a DJ.

Find your playful side.

Adults have a tendency to be serious all the time. Spending time with kids or pets can help you reconnect with your playful side. This can help relieve stress and boost your creativity.

Manage your expectations.

Dreaming is so important, but it’s also good to be realistic. Success may take more work or a longer amount of time than you anticipate. The “overnight” successes you see on TV often spent years honing their craft before anyone discovered them.

Get enough sleep.

A good night’s sleep works wonders for your mood. By contrast, getting only a few hours of sleep can put you in a bad mood. If you have a late DJ gig, try to get to bed after the gig, and don’t schedule anything too early the next day.

Spend time with family and friends.

Ironically, DJing can sometimes be a very isolated profession. Whether you’re scrolling through music archives to build your playlist or in an isolated booth far above the dancers at the club, your social contact can sometimes be limited. Humans are social beings. That’s why it’s so important to get in touch with family and friends and have genuine interactions.

Reward yourself for little wins, not just big wins.

For example, you’re practicing your set and just mastered a new scratch technique or transition. While this might not be your Grammy-award-winning moment just yet, reward yourself for putting in the time and energy to learn something new. 

Ask yourself why you DJ.

Is it your passion for music? Is it your love of nightlife? Is it the joy you get from pushing buttons? Remind yourself of the reasons why you DJ the next time you hit the turntables.

Staying motivated as a DJ is not just about improving your DJ skills, but also about being a well-rounded and mentally healthy person. This requires life skills that extend beyond music, and ultimately allow you to bring a better musical experience to the crowd.

About the Writer

Anna Awe is a DJ, producer, and singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. She is passionate about helping DJs and artists use entrepreneurship and digital media to pave their own paths in the music industry.