Monday 19 December 2011

Letting Go Of Negativity, A Guitar Player's Journey

When I was in High School I wanted to learn to play guitar. I started off well. I found a good teacher and after a few months could play some chords and even a few simple songs. Brocade 143-070 exam And I kept at it for another year or so. But then one day I just quit. I was trying to play the solo to Stairway to Heaven and just couldn't do it.
At this point, my expectations were too high. How could a newbie possibly be expected to play a solo that required the hands of an experienced guitarist? I compared myself to one of the world's great musicians, decided I was not up to the task, and quit. Ahh, ignorant youth.
I'm older, and hopefully a little wiser now. I'm playing guitar again. And I'm trying to learn the solo. Ahh, the solo. My Mt. Everest. But now, instead of telling myself I can't do it, I tell myself, "Yes, you can do this. You can play anything you want. Practice and have fun."
Now when I hear Brocade 143-120 exam another guitarist play something difficult I don't think, oh, he's better than me, I'll never be able to do that. I think, I can play that, too. Be positive. Tell yourself you can do this. If you tell yourself you can't, then guess what? You can't. Go ahead and say out loud: I can. Even if it feels a little untrue at first. Repeat it often and you'll start to believe.
I don't compare myself to others anymore. It just isn't fair. These days, I only compare myself now to myself a few weeks ago. Has my new self gotten better? Usually the answer is a resounding YES! If the answer is no, it's usually because I haven't been practicing.
Before, I didn't want to hear anyone play guitar, because just about everyone was better than me. But now, it doesn't matter. I love listening to other guitarists play. I can learn from them. The musical world is open to me and I can run through the orchard plucking songs and ideas from any tree I desire.
So stop comparing yourself to others. It just isn't worth it. Get better slowly and track your progress. GISF Look back at your old self's ability level and marvel at how much better you are now. Pat yourself on the back and have fun at whatever you are trying to learn.

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