Motivational Tips for Practicing
When people go to a concert to hear a musical performance, they are left marveling at the talent and uniqueness that the performers display and can only wonder to themselves how such a display artistic mastery and confidence could ever be brought to fruition.
These performances can spark within the viewer an insatiable interest in learning how to play music and the dream of becoming a successful, professional performer. They go to the music store to buy an instrument, they dig out Dad’s old acoustic guitar from the closet, or maybe look on craigslist for a sweet deal on a used piano, they also might start singing in the car or shower more strongly and meaningfully to their favorite pop tunes. Eventually they might start to tackle their “dream piece” whatever it may be and find sheet music or tablature for it.
It is at this point that the reality of how challenging music can be begins to take shape. Even people with musical experience begin to think “How am I supposed to play something this complicated?” “I can’t sing this high!” “I’m not smart enough to play this.” “I’m too old” “I’m not talented enough.” “I’m not the creative type, only a genius could compose something of this caliber.” And so on. The fiery motivation that once drove people this far begins to diminish rapidly.
Too often people assume (I used to be one of them) that such performers are “naturals” or are “innately talented”. This is not true. Let me say this again. It is NOT true. The people who are at the top of their game didn’t get there because of innate or natural talent, they all got there through the implementation of a growth mindset and refined methods of practice.
The growth mindset is simply “the belief that your basic qualities are things you can cultivate through your efforts.” Your destiny is in your hands and is not something predetermined for you.
Long story short, if you adopt the growth mindset, you will no longer view everything you try in life as something that can be passed or failed. You will instead look at your progress and be motivated to continue your progress in whatever you decide to do.
I highly recommend the book “Mindset” by Dr Carol S. Dweck if you are interested in learning more about the growth mindset and how it will change the way you look at achieving goals.
Having a progress oriented mindset is key for learning music and sticking with practice. The practice process itself must also be cultivated. You have to know how to practice which is an art in itself. Having a good instructor is key for learning how to practice. My philosophy about teaching music to give the student enough tools and show them how to practice in order to become as self-reliant as possible, minimizing the need for an instructor (me).
Get out there and get what you want! Don’t set limitations for yourself and stay consistent with whatever goals you have. Remember that….
Life is fun, not easy!
“If you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else, it’ll spread over into the rest of your life, it’ll spread into your work, your morality, into your entire being. There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there. You must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you”
-Bruce Lee