03/02/2026
After 11 years as a mixing engineer, these are the 3 things I wish someone told me earlier - that made me at least 20% better at mixing (and they have NOTHING to do with plugins).
1️⃣ MOVE YOUR BODY DAILY
20 minutes of exercise transforms decision-making. Physical movement increases blood flow to your brain, sharpens focus, and improves frequency recognition. My EQ choices became more confident. Those 3-hour sessions stopped feeling overwhelming.
2️⃣ MAINTAIN SOCIAL CONNECTIONS & MEDITATE
Isolation kills perspective. Regular conversations with non-music friends keep me grounded in how normal people hear audio. Fresh perspectives prevent mixing only for engineers. Meditation clears your mind and improves calm decision-making.
3️⃣ PRIORITIZE SLEEP & STRESS MANAGEMENT
A well-rested brain makes better sonic decisions. When stressed or tired, I over-EQ everything and second-guess every choice. 7+ hours of sleep = trusting my instincts and finishing mixes faster.
THE TRUTH:
Great mixing is 30% technical skill.
70% clear decision-making.
Your best mixes don’t happen in your DAW.
They happen in your life.
Take care of your mind. Your mixes will follow.
BONUS: Ableton Live 12 user?
Comment “LITE” and I’ll send you my free mixing template in your DMs 📩
What would you add up to this list?
