How to get over the procrastination of practicing guitar
So many people give up on guitar because they believe they are not talented enough.
Yet, on a day to day basis, they have not put in the hours and minutes required to get better.
What are some of the factors that slow people down or even stops them from sitting and doing the work it takes?
- They believe that guitar should be easy
I’ve heard this one many times before and have even once thought it myself. Then when you start playing, you have the realization that, maybe this is going to take a bit longer than I first imagine.
Because the expectation is quite different from reality, it can be disheartening to a lot of people. And when they realise this, they start to lose the believe that they can achieve what they want, in the time span that they want.
If you are in this position, then you either have to get someone who can help you achieve more in a shorter space of time, like a guitar teacher. Or expand your timespan and be patient with yourself.
If guitar is something you are really passionate about, then it doesn’t matter how long it takes. Try to correct your thinking and enjoy the journey of learning.
- They believe they have to be perfect at all times
If you are a perfectionist, this might be holding you back from learning the guitar. If you think that you won’t be making a lot of mistakes, and I mean a tonne of mistakes. And definitely in front of other people as well. And you are worrying about being judged or having the perfect practice diary and schedule and plan before even getting started.
Then you will never start.
You want to take baby steps, one step at a time, and if you have someone to help you along those baby steps, great! If not, just take it easy. Don’t worry about being perfect, because that doesn’t exist. And just get started, make mistakes and correct along the way.
- Not having the right system to move forward
Maybe you are just so uncertain about what to do, that you do nothing. This can happen too, and it’s all too easy to give up just because you don’t know exactly what you’ve got to do.
When this happens, you need an easy to follow system. It could be having a couple of simple exercises to help you warm up each time you practice. Or setting a time of day aside to practice the guitar, and this is your sacred time that no one can disturb you.
Whatever it is, set up a system that sets you up for success with learning the guitar.
Each time you find yourself procrastinating on learning or practicing the guitar, try to work out why that is. Because not solving the issue and burying it will just lead to you regretting not pursuing the guitar the way you’ve always wanted to.
About author:
Guitar School London is run by Guitar Tuition East London, and is set up to help guitarists from all around London, England to become passionate, creative musicians. Using innovative teaching and learning methods from outside of normal guitar teaching. They can able to help their students see extraordinary results and new found confidence in themselves.