I've been songwriting for many years, and it doesn't get any less frustrating over time.
But like any skill, some muscles need to be exercised, and a little bit of routine or discipline goes a long way. So I start my day with a creative write- three pages of nothingness. Or I put a 10 minute timer on, don't think, and write whatever comes out (regardless of how nonsensical it may appear). This way, when you have time, you can go back and underline any ideas or phrases that might be worth keeping, and explore them.
Another option within the creative writing realm, is to pick an emotion, and pair it with an object. Sia often does this (Elastic Heart, Chandelier, Titanium). Try and explore the object/emotion from a what, where, why, how perspective. You'll be surprised how much your lyric writing will improve by doing this.
And if you are anything like me, a really nice new pen & notebook is a great motivator. New gear for new habits, that's why I have so many gym clothes.
Another thing I've recently started doing is 15-20 minutes songwriting the moment I wake up, and just before I go to bed. This avoids mental exhaustion, scrutinising over that one lyric, and hours of unproductiveness. Essentially, this approach gives our minds a breather, we come to a writing session fresh and inspired, and hopefully our subconscious does a little work for us in the interim.
Someone once told me songwriting is 10% inspiration, and 90% perspiration. So to combat the sweat, try these little tricks to help keep your creativity flowing.
C x