Everyone Can Learn: CONSISTENCY

Success doesn't come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently - Marie Forleo

Children thrive off of routines and schedules. Knowing what to expect and what is going to happen next provides safety and security. But not just for kids... developing routines, schedules, systems and habits can provide security, productivity, fulfillment and even a greater sense of happiness and purpose to those of all ages. When we are consistent, we are progressively working toward something. Whether this is developing a healthier lifestyle, a practice schedule, working to pay off debt, potty training, etc. It all comes down to consistency. Until we are consistent, we are unable to evaluate what is working and what is not. Until we are consistent, we are unable to grow. 

When we are trying out new routines and schedules with young kids it can be discouraging when things don't go according to plan. They might argue and resist, act out or refuse. But until we are consistent, they don't know that we mean business. Until we are consistent, they don't know that this isn't going away. Until we are consistent, they aren't given a chance to understand. 

                        You should only practice on the days you eat - Shinichi Suzuki

We can be consistent in practice by setting a schedule.

Set a schedule for practice and then commit to it - but be realistic. If you have committed to practicing everyday at 5:00, but three days out of the week it is a real struggle to make it work, then acknowledge that. Brainstorm another way. Maybe try a different time of day or shift the expectation for that day, and  then keep going. Being consistent doesn't mean you can't be flexible. Being consistent means that when it doesn't work out the first time, or the 50th time, we still continue to try, one small step at a time.

            It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop - Confucius

We can be consistent in practice by developing a routine.

The biggest time waster with practice is not knowing what to practice. Practice should consist of the following blocks: a warm-up, review, technique, run through of your working piece and repetition chunks of small spots. Lastly, you can end practice with anything else fun you want to play! Other then the warm-up, you can put these blocks in any order you like. If you can consistently follow an order or routine to your practice, you'll spend less time wondering what you should be working on and more time practicing (in the end either making your practice shorter, or just that much more productive!). Once you've developed a routine, it's okay to be flexible and shake things up every now and then. Maybe you'll discover a new way to practice that you like better! Until we are consistent with one routine though, we have nothing to compare an alternative routine to. 

    If you are persistent you will get it. If you are consistent you will keep it - Anonymous

We can be consistent in practice by practicing smarter, not harder.

Place importance on the amount of focus there is during practice rather than the amount of time. Understanding that a few minutes everyday is far better than hours on just 1 or 2 days. Don't be discouraged by practice when it's hard! When something is hard, it just means we have A LOT to learn. Stop and brainstorm how you can break the problem down into more manageable chunks or ask your teacher for help. Repetitions of these small chunks are key to progress, but they can also hinder us if we are not consistent. If we repeat without focus and with mistakes, then we aren't progressing. If we can slowly and consistently repeat with focus and accuracy, we will progress. 

It's not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It's what we do consistently - Tony Robbins

We can be consistent when it comes to practice by having a positive attitude and a growth mindset. 

Knowing WHY we are practicing can help put us in the right attitude to practice. Our WHY could be wanting to learn a certain piece, or get to a certain book. Maybe it's learning a new technique or being able to play with beautiful tone or working toward the next recital. Maybe it's simply the journey of learning something new. Sometimes a positive attitude in practice can get blocked when we are frustrated or feel like we aren't progressing. Having a growth mindset and understanding that our abilities aren't limited can help us through these inevitable struggles. When we have a growth mindset we can be a detective and look at environmental factors, our level of consistency and if maybe we just need more time before we see progress (which brings me to my last concept for this practice series... coming soon!)

Everyone Can Learn: Environment Part II - The Senses

Our environment plays such an integral role in how and what we learn. Not only are the models in our lives important, but our visual surroundings, what we are listening too, how our environment feels, smells and tastes all play a role. Although many of these I am presenting as aids to enhance learning the violin, they can be applied to learning anything.

SEE: An area free of distractions and clutter is ideal. If this isn't possible, having a focal point like a stand, picture or sign could work. Something that draws in your attention to the task at hand. Fill the room you are learning in with light and space. Make it functional and convenient with books and pencils, your instrument already unpacked (maybe on a stand or hook), rosin and a tuner close by. If your practice area changes, then have a bag or case to hold all your supplies that you can carry from room to room. Have your practice chart readily available. If you have to take time to search for it each time you practice, most likely you won't use it. Make everything you can convenient and right at your finger tips so there are no excuses. When our learning environment is visually pleasing, inviting and practically set up, it sets the stage for a productive practice.

HEAR: What we are listening to on a regular basis is vital to our learning. All babies learn how to speak their mother tongue language and they do so naturally because they are exposed to it 24/7. When we are constantly exposed to that which we want to learn, we very naturally begin to learn it. If we listen to fine violin music and hear the pieces we want to play on the violin, the entire learning process is done so with much less effort. Take a few moments to create playlists of the repertoire you are learning, your review pieces or maybe pieces you want to learn. Set timers to remind yourself to turn your music on or until you've done it enough times you've created the habit. Try active listening of your new pieces and follow along with your music as you listen. Watch videos of performers you admire!

TOUCH/FEEL: How things feel when we are learning is also important. If our clothes are uncomfortable or we feel cramped in the room or maybe we are hungry or thirsty or tired or full of energy. These can all affect our learning process. Sometimes a child who can't seem to focus for practice is just hungry, or needs to go to the bathroom or can't stand the feel of their socks! Or maybe they had a tough day at school and they need to vent or take some time alone before they can focus. Reflecting on how we feel inside and out before practice can make a huge difference in our productivity.

SMELL & TASTE: Although taste and smell have less to do with our practice success, definitely how we are nourishing ourselves benefits how we learn. If we aren't eating or drinking enough good things, this can mess with our mind and how we feel physically. Same with smell. Trying to practice in a smelly room can be distracting (the joys of practicing in university practice rooms comes to mind!). So maybe light a candle or diffuse essential oils. Use a nice lotion before you practice as a ritual to get you in the right head space. Make sure to have a drink of water and/or a light snack before you start. Figure out what tastes and smells affect your learning and what is right for you. 

There are so many little things we can do to make our environment motivating and comfortable for learning. Many of these ideas are fairly simple and probably well known, and yet we don't always take the time to apply them to our lives. If something isn't working, take a moment to identify it, analyze it, and come up with a plan to make practicing more convenient for you so you are making the most out of your time. Start small and set your environment up for success!