
You are leaving the Music Building after a long day of classes...and, DANG IT! There she is! That one bassoonist is ALWAYS there practicing!
The next morning you arrive early to cram for a piano quiz...DID SHE SPEND THE NIGHT? There is that same bassoonist still practicing her scales! You have heart, passion, and drive. What extra "practicing" gene does she possess? It seems unfair.
In reality, your colleague has simply re-evaluated her habits. We tend not to evaluate our life-style as a series of recurring "habits." Indeed, like in music, any recurring patterns constitute "habits" in our bodies and minds.
What is your "daily habit"? How familiar is the following scenario?
The alarm chimes and you snooze until, in a panicked state you MUST run to class. You arrive late. An assignment is due, however, you fell asleep last night completing the work. The class concludes and you want to practice, but the stress of the morning has worn you down. You retreat to a coffee shop with a friend instead.
____________
The result (no practicing) derives from multiple habits compounding upon one another. This creates a heightened stress upon body and mind. Changing even ONE habit will have a positive impact on your daily routine. Try, for example, re-imagining this scenario 1.) without snoozing, 2.) arriving 30 minutes early to class, 3.) finishing your homework. How does this change your resultant stress, and therefore practicing?
That first week of "no snoozing" will be BRUTAL. However, remember, the positive synergy of habit within our field and our anatomy.
________________________
ASSESS YOUR HABITS.
What keeps YOU from the practice room?
What are the minuscule alterations to your "daily habits"
that allow you to access your fullest potential?
The next morning you arrive early to cram for a piano quiz...DID SHE SPEND THE NIGHT? There is that same bassoonist still practicing her scales! You have heart, passion, and drive. What extra "practicing" gene does she possess? It seems unfair.
In reality, your colleague has simply re-evaluated her habits. We tend not to evaluate our life-style as a series of recurring "habits." Indeed, like in music, any recurring patterns constitute "habits" in our bodies and minds.
What is your "daily habit"? How familiar is the following scenario?
The alarm chimes and you snooze until, in a panicked state you MUST run to class. You arrive late. An assignment is due, however, you fell asleep last night completing the work. The class concludes and you want to practice, but the stress of the morning has worn you down. You retreat to a coffee shop with a friend instead.
____________
The result (no practicing) derives from multiple habits compounding upon one another. This creates a heightened stress upon body and mind. Changing even ONE habit will have a positive impact on your daily routine. Try, for example, re-imagining this scenario 1.) without snoozing, 2.) arriving 30 minutes early to class, 3.) finishing your homework. How does this change your resultant stress, and therefore practicing?
That first week of "no snoozing" will be BRUTAL. However, remember, the positive synergy of habit within our field and our anatomy.
________________________
ASSESS YOUR HABITS.
What keeps YOU from the practice room?
What are the minuscule alterations to your "daily habits"
that allow you to access your fullest potential?