How to Set Attainable Goals For Musicians Part II
From the Series:
The Mental Key of Music
Ellistrations Music Apparel and Gifts
In the last lesson from The Mental Key of Music, we discussed the fact that without a goal you are like a ship without any direction. The captain of the vessel (you) is a very frustrated individual without any clear objective or target. You were given a specific assignment of listing and establishing your main goal or purpose.
In this issue, our priority is to focus on the steps required to attain that goal
Notice: If you missed the last issue, please access it by going to www.ellistratioins.com and clicking on the archives page.
Ok, now you have taken the required first step and decided what it is that you want to get out of your musical life. The next step is to break down that goal into smaller attainable steps or “mini goals” An ancient Chinese proverb states, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” These mini goals, or steps, must be measurable, based on a timetable and they need to be realistic. There is no point in setting a goal of memorizing all the major and minor scales within one week, because it is too unrealistic.
Mini goals or steps must be measurable, based on a timetable and need to be realistic…
When I was in Jr. High School, (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) I took private lessons on my instrument. My lesson teacher required that I purchase a copy of the Beginning Rubank Method Book. At the front of the Rubank book, there was a weekly schedule showing how many of the lines I was to learn and practice for the week. As I completed each lesson, there was a series of boxes on the schedule that an “X” was placed in as I completed each lesson. The plan took you all of the way through the entire book.
It was very effective! Many of the lessons were easier and able to be completed much quicker than the timetable established. Sometimes, the lessons had to be repeated because they required more skill to learn. The bottom line of this experience was that the Rubank book had a VISUAL set of mini steps or goals that you could actually look at and see your progress. It actually got to be a very exciting motivator, because you could actually see your progress through each lesson.
In this case, the overall goal was to complete the entire Rubank Method Book. The mini steps the lessons and lines I had to learn on a weekly basis. So here is a breakdown of the Goal Formula:
1. Determine your goal. (Discussed in the last issue)
2. Design a series of mini steps that will take you through one of your goals.
3. If you can, make a visual checklist that will chart your progress. Put this chart up where you can see it daily and keep track of your progress. Definitely look at it before each session. It will be a great motivator!!!
Assignment:
Using a weekly planner (which can be bought at any office store) or using a word processing program on your computer, make or design a chart of mini steps of action. Make sure you have room to put your assignments, dates and times. Put your chart up on a wall where you practice so you can see your results.
TIP: It is one thing to read these assignments and fantasize about them. It is a totally different experience to actually put them into action. Do yourself a favor, go out there and do them!!
In the next installment, we will cover Your Major Purpose on your instrument and how all of these smaller steps will get you there.
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