Discipline Is Difficult

When I started this blog, I had a plan to post each Friday. Consistency builds trust and all that.

Last week I missed a post, after only three weeks.

I get energized by new perspectives, ideas, and experiences. By expanding my periphery, I enjoy a fuller, more informed view of the world.

But routines are anathema to me. They are devoid of excitement, fun, and newness.

They are also how growth happens.

I think most of us struggle with discipline to varying degrees. Even the most disciplined people I know have areas of their lives they wish they could grow.

I have had extremely bright students, successful in their careers and family lives ask me for lessons. It was not because they weren’t intelligent, driven people who could utilize resources and teach themselves. Having a person hold them accountable to practice was a strong motivator to work on their craft.

I often tell students that consistency, if only for five minutes a day, is better than cramming in an hour of practice right before a lesson. Establishing a habit of intentional, regular practice is the best way to progress as a musician.

This is true of life as well as music. I’ve been learning this during the last month. Since I was in third grade, I have been overweight to some degree. During most of my twenties, I carried between fifteen and twenty extra pounds. Since moving here to La Crosse, I’ve created (and for the most par followed) routines to help me become healthy and fit, and I am now three pounds away from my goal weight. I am seeing the fruit of a month of intentional, focused work.

But it hasn't been a perfect process. One Sunday a few weeks ago, a couple we met at church took us out for lunch. I ate a meal that on its own was more than my daily allotted calories. I felt so sick for the rest of the day. Some days I actually gained weight. But I've kept up my routine. And now I’m seeing it pay off. I believe I can apply this to other areas of my life.

As I build my studio here, I’ve decided to start teaching online lessons, allowing me to reach more people. I currently have seven students, and I need this little reminder to keep working at building my online presence. I need to continue my rhythm of sending out quotes even though most of them don’t turn into anything. Building a business is hard, and it will take my creativity and curiosity to succeed. But it will also require intentional, regular work. This blog is one way for me to strengthen these muscles.

What about you?

What is one goal you’ve been trying to reach?

What small discipline will help you get closer?

I would love to hear from you!