New years resolutions
It’s that time of year again. And when I say “that time”, I mean the beginning part of the year. The part that is filled with hope and limitless possibilities for what may come in the next 365 days. When we reflect on what we’ve accomplished in the past year, but more importantly, what we want to accomplish in the coming year. If you’re like me, You’ve got a lot of music you want to accomplish this year and to help you accomplish your new years resolutions, here are some tips!
Don’t overshoot
New years resolutions tend to bring on big changes you want to happen in your world. Learning a new instrument, getting a band up and going, getting your solo artist career going. Whatever it is, you’re probably looking at the big picture and end result. Try looking at smaller pieces of your puzzle!
If your goal is to eat healthier, you start one day at a time. Same with any musical goals. Do you want to get a band together? Find a drummer first, then bassist. Want to start playing gigs? How many songs do you have? Start with one performance ready song, then add another. Set smaller goals to work towards your big, “in one year from now” goal
Gauge your progress
If you want to pick up a new instrument, this is really simple! Learn one song, then another, and if by the end of this year you’ve built up a repertoire, then by god you’ve done it!
It’s not always easy to gauge your progress, but you have to find your starting point first. If you want to write more original music, figure out how many tunes you have right now. Maybe you’ve only got 3 original songs and now you can track if you’ve accomplished your goal and written more than 3 songs!
You’re not alone
Believe me, you’re not the only person making a new years resolution. Talk to your family and friends. Letting people know what your resolution is will help hold you accountable. But don’t let that intimidate you. Ask them what their goals are. Even if you’re not sharing the same goals (most likely you aren’t) you can motivate each other to keep at it!
Keep at it
Don’t get discouraged, and don’t stop. You’ve made an agreement with yourself and nobody else. If you want to fulfill your new years resolution, you’re going to have to work on it each and every day! Until you’ve accomplished your goal, you need to keep your goal in mind every day.
Don’t get discouraged.
One of the most common, and worst made new years resolutions is the “I want to go to the gym 5 times a week”. This is a terrible resolution! You’re setting yourself up for failure. You cannot commit to plans 13 weeks from now- or at least 5 separate plans. And what happens that first week you don’t make the cut? You get discouraged!
Now this holds true from the gym. You probably are thinking of somebody right now who’s already given up on that resolution. Well this is the same for musicians that make the following resolutions
- I’m going to practice every day
- I’m going to learn a new song every week
- I’m going to write a new song every week
- We’re going to play 2 gigs each month
Now I’m not saying you can’t accomplish this. Kudos if you do! But! I’d like you to revise your resolution, if that is your resolution, and add one caveat, one escape hatch. “I’m going to practice every day this year….That I can” If you miss a day of practice because you’re in bed with the flu- you didn’t fail your resolution. You just physically couldn’t do it! If you’ve practiced 28 days this month but go on vacation for 3 days and can’t bring a drum kit, well I’d say 28 days is pretty good! Don’t be discouraged by missing a day or two, or not having time to work towards your goal the week of finals. Celebrate the wins and get back to it!
Best of luck with all your new years resolutions, whether they be musical, or not. If they are musical, We can help! Mention this blog in the month of January, and you’ll get a special gift when you sign up for lessons! If your new years resolution is to be a better musician this year, pick up a new instrument, or just add more music to your life, call us!
Happy new year