Practice & Discipline

One of many reasons I am not a good musician is that I really do not enjoy practicing.

The word “practicing” brings to mind repeating something over and over. Practicing is something to be endured.

Practice is something that I have to do, not that I want to do.

Some people say that practice makes perfect, but how can that be? Being perfect makes perfect. I am much less likely to do something well the first time I try it. No amount of practice will make those early attempts perfect.

I am not very motivated to be disciplined.

I usually see practice and discipline as challenges, tests that I need to pass. If I need to spend fifteen minutes a day practicing, my efforts generally are to spend as little of the time actually practicing as possible.

My primary goal in practicing is to be finished and able to say that I have already practiced.

When I think about things I do regularly, it is important for me not to see them as practicing. I can be very motivated to do something every day, gaining experience and learning lessons, as long as I do not call it practicing.

First, it helps me to receive some tangible benefit as early as possible. I need to get some joy or feel comfortable or have a sense of accomplishment to motivate me to continue.

Second, I need to value what I am doing. I need to believe in the goal toward which I am working, and believe that what I am doing is moving me toward my goal.

Third, it helps me to see what I am doing not as practicing, but developing a new habit.

So, what are you practicing?

What do you need to continue in a practice?

[image by Sam Howzit]