To begin answering this question, consider the following three objectives:
DEFINE YOUR GOAL
“A goal properly set is halfway reached.” —Zig Ziglar
What are you trying to accomplish? Maybe you are trying to learn a new piece, or perhaps you are trying to learn a new technique. A goal such as “just getting better” is not specific enough. Figure out what exactly your goal is, and then you can move on to the next step. Defining your goal might be very simple, or it might take some time. It’s OK to have more than one goal, but it is best if you can narrow those goals down to specific, achievable benchmarks that can be defined. Once you have your goal clearly defined, move on to the next step.
MAKE A PLAN
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” —Pablo Picasso
“Backwards Planning” is the best way to create an effective plan with the end goal in mind. For example, if you are trying to learn a piece to perform at a recital, start with the recital date. Determine other target dates to use as checkpoints along the way. Here is an example:
April 15 - Recital
April 1 - Perform for small group of friends/family
March 15 - Record yourself playing the entire piece
March 1 - Entire piece learned (at tempo)
February 15 - Entire piece learned (75% tempo)
February 1 - Second half of piece learned (50% tempo)
January 15 - First half of piece learned (50% tempo)
January 1 - Start
Notice how this plan is in reverse chronological order, meaning that we are keeping the end goal in mind as we create each checkpoint. This creates a sense of urgency (but not panic) all the way back in January 1, and more importantly, it provides focus along the way. Depending on the individual, a more specific plan may be called for. For our example above, maybe each day has a specific number of measures to learn. Here is a detailed breakdown for a piece that is 90-100 measures:
January 15 - First half of piece learned (50% tempo)
January 12 - Measures 30-40 learned (50% tempo)
January 9 - measures 20-30 learned (50% tempo)
January 6 - Measures 10-20 learned (50% tempo)
January 3 - Measures 1-10 learned (50% tempo)
January 1 - Start
Here, the “mini goal” (in this case, on January 15) is at the top of the list, and everything that follows is divided up to support that main goal. Taking the time to properly plan can keep you honest and on track towards meeting your end goal!
JUST DO IT
“The most dangerous distractions are the ones you love, but that don’t love you back.” — Warren Buffet
You’ve set your goal and made your plan. Now it’s time to just get it done. Get to work!
Stuff happens. Distractions get in the way. If you fall behind, you might get discouraged. Just remember that your plan has allowed for some flexibility, and while (in our example) the recital date might be non-negotiable, the other dates leading up to it are adjustable. In other words, if you fall behind in the beginning of February, you can catch up in the next two weeks. Stay after it.
Just remember that this can be the most challenging part. For some people, having a plan and sticking to it comes naturally. Others just don’t function that way. Regardless of who you are, it is worth setting goals, making plans, and working to accomplish them. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go perfectly all the time; remember that every failure is a chance to learn and grow. Stay motivated, do your best to stay on track, and you will accomplish everything you set out to achieve.