Katrin's post inspired me to be on the lookout for little things in my life where I might learn some big lessons, and I found one! I have a slight astigmatism that makes it difficult for me to see distant things in focus. However, this problem is not so severe that I can't live my life without glasses or contacts. In fact, I had not been wearing my glasses consistently for a loooong time. Recently, however, I decided that I was tired of squinting, and I decided to pull my glasses out and see what difference it made.
Wow.
I felt like Superman when I put them on. I could see for miles! Okay, maybe not, but I couldn't believe how poorly I was seeing before and didn't care. I have known since I got prescribed glasses several years ago that they would make my life easier, but I convinced myself that I could do just fine without them.
What does this have to do with music? Well, I think we treat our practice habits the same way. Or at least, I do. I know how I need to practice in order for me to learn my music efficiently and permanently. I am well aware of the fact that when I practice correctly, my life is easier and my confidence in my playing is increased. However, I often seem content to fall into my old ways of practicing, and I convince myself that I am doing fine by just hacking away haphazardly at the huge stack of music on my desk. But eventually, I find myself scrambling for notes I thought I had learned or just feeling less confident than I'd prefer (like squinting to see without my glasses). When I finally decide to do what I know is good for me (like putting on my glasses), I am always ashamed that I wasted so much time when I knew better.
I don't know why this seems to be part of human nature. We know what food is good for us, but we would rather eat anything else. We know that we should exercise, but Netflix. I know I should wear my glasses and practice what I preach when it comes to practicing, but I often don't. At least, I am aware of inconsistency, and I am working on improving myself in that area.
So, as you go throughout your day, make that choice to do what you know you should do. Oh! And keep an eye out for lessons in places you'd least expect them!