Three tips for setting – and reaching – your goals

As we begin a new year, many of us reflect upon last year’s accomplishments – and the many things we somehow failed to accomplish – and contemplate how we can make this year a better one. Let’s do a quick 360, looking through our special PTM lens to see what we can look forward to in 2010.

1. What’s done is done

Did you achieve all of your musical goals in 2009? No? Well, guess what? No one else did, either! If you manage to hit every goal you ever set, that only means that you aren’t setting challenging enough goals.

TIP: Stop beating yourself up over missed goals, lazy streaks, unforeseen difficulties mastering a particular bit of technique, or whatever. What’s done is done! Relish your accomplishments, whether meager or myriad, and look forward to the year ahead!

2. Look for the opening(s)

Not one of us has the “perfect job” that allows us to practice when we want, as long as we want, wherever we want. Factor in family, spouse’s employment, and other commitments, and it’s easy to get discouraged. When is it even possible to play?!?!

TIP: Try to look at those “obstacles” as puzzles to be solved rather than roadblocks. Two hours a day may never be possible for you; sadly, it isn’t for me, either. Playing an instrument is just like (financial) investing, though: start with whatever you can. If you spot an opening of five minutes a day, TAKE IT! Your progress corresponds with your dedication, but even slow progress beats no progress. Once you’re in the mindset of daily playing, you’ll also be surprised at the other openings that present themselves…as long as you’re flexible.

3. Set realistic goals and GO FOR THEM

Once you’ve gotten past the self-flagellation (#1) and have identified some opportunities for practicing/playing (#2), it’s time to write down some goals. This is where the rubber really hits the road.

TIP: Identify incremental goals, write them down, and work toward them daily. Maybe you want to increase your range by one note/month, learn a new chord every week, tackle a new etude or concerto every quarter, or just learn to tune your new instrument. All are worthy goals. Write them down, review your list each day, and do your level best to work toward them daily. You’ll miss a day here and there, of course, but seeing those goals each morning will help you keep on track. How do I know that? Well, if it can work for me, it can work for anyone.

May you all have a wonderful, productive, and richly rewarding 2010!

All the best,
Mark

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