Let’s face it: every producer, no matter how seasoned, has stared at a blank DAW session and felt that sinking feeling of nothing. No ideas. No motivation. Just the overwhelming urge to check Instagram, reorganize your sample library for the 47th time, or suddenly decide it’s the perfect moment to deep-clean your studio desk. This, my friends, is Resistance—a term popularized by Steven Pressfield in his book The War of Art. Resistance is that invisible force that keeps you from doing your most important work. It’s the enemy of creativity, and it loves to hang out in the studio.

But fear not. After years of battling Resistance (and occasionally losing), I’ve learned a few tricks to kick its ass and get back to making music. Here are five actionable strategies to help you overcome Resistance and break through writer’s block.

1. Start Before You’re Ready

Resistance thrives on perfectionism. It whispers in your ear, “You’re not prepared enough,” or “You don’t have the right sound yet.” Spoiler alert: you’ll never feel 100% ready. So, the best thing you can do is start before you think you’re prepared.

Open your DAW, load a simple drum loop, and just play. Don’t worry about crafting the perfect drop or finding the most innovative synth patch. Just create something. Often, the act of starting—even if it’s messy—breaks the mental barrier and gets the creative juices flowing. Remember, you can always edit later. The goal is to get out of your head and into the music.

2. Embrace Constraints

Paradoxically, having too many options can be paralyzing. When you’re staring at a massive plugin library or an endless grid of MIDI notes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This is where constraints come in handy.

Limit yourself to one synth, one drum kit, or even just three tracks in your session. Force yourself to work within these boundaries, and you’ll be amazed at how creative you can get. Constraints force you to think outside the box and focus on what really matters: the music.

For example, try writing an entire track using only a single note. Sounds crazy, right? But it’s been done (look up “monophonic techno” if you don’t believe me). Constraints strip away the noise and help you focus on rhythm, texture, and arrangement—the building blocks of great electronic music.

3. Steal Like an Artist (But Make It Your Own)

Resistance loves to tell you that your ideas aren’t original enough. But here’s the truth: nothing is truly original. Every artist is influenced by others, and that’s okay. As Austin Kleon says in Steal Like an Artist, “Don’t wait until you know who you are to get started.”

If you’re stuck, try reverse-engineering a track you love. Analyze its structure, sound design, and arrangement. Then, use that as a jumping-off point for your own track. The key is to add your unique twist—whether it’s a weird time signature, an unexpected sample, or a completely different vibe.

Remember, even the greats “stole.” Daft Punk borrowed heavily from disco and funk, and they turned it into something entirely their own. So, don’t be afraid to borrow ideas. Just make sure you’re adding your flavor to the mix.

4. Break the Routine (But Keep the Habit)

Routine is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s essential for building momentum and making progress. On the other hand, doing the same thing every day can lead to burnout and creative stagnation.

If your usual workflow isn’t working, shake things up. Try starting with a different element—maybe a bassline instead of drums, or a vocal sample instead of a synth. Experiment with new genres, tempos, or scales. Or, take your laptop to a coffee shop, park, or anywhere outside your studio. A change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity.

That said, don’t confuse breaking the routine with abandoning the habit. Consistency is key. Even if you’re not feeling inspired, show up to the studio every day. As Pressfield says, “The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”

5. Remember Why You Started

Resistance is sneaky. It doesn’t just attack your creativity; it attacks your sense of purpose. It makes you question whether your work matters, whether anyone will care, or whether you’re even good enough. When this happens, it’s time to reconnect with your why.

Why did you start making music in the first place? Was it the thrill of creating something from nothing? The joy of losing yourself in a groove? The desire to share your emotions with the world? Whatever your reason, hold onto it. Write it down if you have to. Keep it somewhere visible in your studio.

When Resistance tries to derail you, remind yourself that your art matters—not because of streams, likes, or fame, but because it’s an expression of who you are. And that’s worth fighting for.