Music Mental Health Diary Entry Day 7: Why You Should Never Let the Sun Go Down on Your Problems

By Rich Steve Beck

You’ve probably been there—lying awake at night, replaying an unresolved issue or stressing over something you didn’t quite finish during the day. I know I have. In the music world, where creativity and deadlines often collide, letting problems linger can feel like carrying around a weight that only gets heavier with time. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in that cycle, stick with me here.

The Weight of Unresolved Issues

For me, unresolved problems often start small—a missed note during practice, a lyric that doesn’t sit right, or even just a task I meant to tackle but didn’t. These things seem minor at first, but the longer I ignore them, the bigger they feel. You might notice the same pattern: a melody you didn’t finish tweaking starts nagging at you, or a project you pushed aside begins to loom over everything else. By the time you address it, the issue feels far more overwhelming than it needed to be. Does that sound familiar?

Why We Avoid Facing Problems Head-On

I often avoid dealing with issues because it feels easier—or at least less painful—in the moment. Confrontation is uncomfortable, and sometimes I convince myself that if I wait long enough, the problem will just resolve itself. But you and I both know that rarely happens. Instead, the tension builds, and what could have been a quick fix turns into something much heavier. Do you ever find yourself delaying tough decisions or pushing problems aside, hoping they’ll disappear?

How Problems Grow in the Quiet Moments

There’s something about nighttime—or even just quiet moments alone—that amplifies problems. For me, it’s when my mind starts spinning: Did I do enough today? Is this idea worth pursuing? You might experience the same thing—lying awake or staring at your instrument, replaying moments you wish you could redo. What starts as a small issue can quickly spiral into something that overshadows your creativity. Does your mind ever turn into its own worst critic after dark?

The Power of Addressing Things While the Sun Is Still Up

One of the most freeing lessons I’ve learned is the power of addressing problems early—even if it’s just a small step. It doesn’t mean solving everything perfectly; it means acknowledging the issue before it grows. Sometimes, I’ll jot down my thoughts to clear my head or send a quick message to someone to open the door for a conversation. You might find similar strategies helpful—whether it’s having a quick chat with a collaborator or simply breaking the problem into smaller, less intimidating pieces. Does facing things in the moment feel intimidating—or like a relief?

What Happens When You Don’t Wait Until Morning

When I tackle problems early, they almost always feel smaller and more manageable. A quick check-in with myself—like revisiting a track I’ve been avoiding—can prevent stress from spilling into the next day. Taking five minutes to organize my thoughts about a project can stop doubts from snowballing into creative blocks. You might notice the same pattern—addressing things now prevents them from becoming bigger than they need to be. Does taking action early ever leave you feeling lighter?

How to Start Resolving Before Bedtime

Letting the sun go down on your problems doesn’t mean you have to fix everything perfectly—it just means you take a step toward resolution. For me, that might mean writing in my journal to process emotions, sending a calm email to clarify a misunderstanding, or simply telling myself, “This is where I’m at right now, and I’ll handle it tomorrow.” You might find similar strategies helpful—whether it’s talking to someone you trust or breaking the problem into smaller, less intimidating pieces. Does taking even a small step feel doable—or overwhelming—to you?

The Peace of a Clear Mind for Creativity

There’s something magical about going to bed with a sense of closure, especially as a musician. For me, it’s not about perfection—it’s about knowing I’ve done what I can for the day. Even if the problem isn’t fully resolved, I feel lighter because I’ve acknowledged it and set the stage for moving forward. You might notice the same thing—when you address issues before bed, your mind feels quieter, and creativity flows more freely the next day. Does the idea of ending your day with peace feel within reach—or far away?

Learning to Trust the Process

One of the hardest parts of not letting the sun go down on your problems is trusting that you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. I’ve had to remind myself that progress is better than perfection. You might feel the same pressure to solve everything immediately, but sometimes, just starting the conversation or taking one small step is enough. Does trusting the process feel comforting—or frustrating—to you?

The Freedom of Not Carrying Yesterday’s Burdens into Today

At the end of the day, music is about expression, growth, and moving forward—and carrying yesterday’s problems into today only holds you back. For me, addressing issues as they come—instead of letting them pile up—has been a game-changer. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Every time I choose to face something instead of ignoring it, I create space for clarity, creativity, and peace. Does imagining a life where you don’t carry those burdens feel freeing—or daunting?

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Rich Steve Beck is a podcaster (PMFC Global TV), pro audio engineer/producer community leader (Produce Mix Fix and Conquer), full Music Producers Guild member, and pro mastering engineer who's worked with platinum-selling and Grammy-winning audio engineers.

He is also on a huge journey discovering about his own mental health and has felt a calling, as a large music community leader, to be an advocate for open mental health discussions across the industry.

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