Doing it right (for you)

If you're a musician, you're likely not a stranger to perfection or perfectionism, or to the feeling that you have to get it right. 

In fact, perfectionism can often breed a lot of success for a musician......for a while. The drive to continue working to get it "right" can push us forward. Often, until we are right up against a wall of frustration or stalled development.

There is a certain amount we need to be able to do right in music and in life - our scales, the etude for our next lesson, eating three meals a day, driving safely on the highway, and maybe those orchestral excerpts you want to be especially perfect for your next audition.

At some point, perfectionism becomes straight up self-criticism and causes us to question a lot about our playing and performance. It might cause us to think things like: "If only I could have done it right like so-and-so....I bet that they don't struggle with breathing like I do," or "I bet they don't miss a day of their workouts or binge Netflix instead of practicing."

Thoughts of how everyone else is "doing it right" can permeate our preparation for auditions, job interviews, our practice sessions, and even our daily life.

In the age of social media, it seems like everyone's practice routines, strategies for success, and endless accomplishments are on full display.

Of course we start to wonder if we're getting it anywhere close to right. It's only natural to question your intuition when the messaging says that everyone else has the answers. 

There are a few realities that evade us in the messaging we often receive. When you have a moment of self doubt in practice or in life remind yourself that:

When you see other musicians/people succeeding you see only the tip of the iceberg.

Only you understand what works for your life.

Your aspirations can be different than others.

You are the only person who can do what you are dreaming of,

Only you know what message you'd like to share, and being honest is different than being right. 

Messy is way more interesting than perfect.

There are enough people "doing it right" in the world. Trust yourself to do it your way, to follow your intuition, and to share your message even if it's messy.

Also, it's not normal to feel obligated to influence thousands of people online every day. Focus on making a difference for yourself and those around you.

Trust yourself to do it right....for you.