Commitment and the Long View

If you're made the big move to Nashville or are even considering the option, you have made a commitment to music. Whether your goal is to become a hit songwriter, an artist, or a working professional musician, achieving that goal requires a commitment to the path you've chosen. We've all heard many times over that building a career takes time, and that there's no such thing as an overnight success. I think that's absolutely true. But I also believe that there are different levels of commitment, and if you're serious about your career it's important to answer this question: what are you committed to, the goal or the process of achieving it?

The distinction is crucial. I think that committing to the process leads to limitless growth and the continual expansion and realization of potential. It means recognizing your strengths and weaknesses, and always looking for ways to improve both. It's a tall order and a lifelong process, but it also means that there is always something new to dig into and get excited about.

When it comes to playing an instrument, this idea is at the heart of why so many people get "stuck". It's important to realize that your ability to learn and grow is not about your level of talent (an unmeasurable and unhelpful thing to focus on anyway) but your level of commitment. Directly tied in with this idea is the acceptance of a long-term view: that large goals may not be attainable in a short time, but an ongoing series of short-term goals WILL gradually move you forward. Over time, those small accomplishments add up....and even more importantly, they build upon and reinforce each other so that progress becomes exponential and not just sequential. We grow in leaps and bounds when we stick it out long enough for the process to happen.

Practically speaking: if you want to learn to play your instrument better, you make the commitment to practice. But recognize what you have room for in your day-to-day life and adjust your expectations accordingly. If all you have time for on a regular basis is five minutes a day, then commit to five minutes a day. It may not seem like a lot, but over six months or a year you'd be amazed at how much you can accomplish. The continued reinforcement of daily practice is a powerful thing. But the long-term effect is even more powerful, especially when we give ourselves permission to allow the process to unfold....when we make the commitment to allow it to happen.