Happy New Year! This is the time of year that I tend to feel especially clear and inspired. Because we’re influenced by the cycles of the earth and of society, most of us experience these feelings in some way at the beginning of the year. For me, the feelings also have to do with having taken the previous week off from teaching and consequently enjoying a less rigid schedule.
Included in the week is usually a stack of new books and a few domestic projects. I also tend to generate a lot of ideas about new things I want to do musically in the year before me. When we get inspired this way, we naturally want to perpetuate our motivated state in order to enjoy the satisfaction of ongoing productivity—and so, many of us make resolutions.
Any Time’s a Good Time!
The new year isn’t the only time I make resolutions, though. I like to make something-like-resolutions throughout the year, creating projects and goals for myself and committing to those goals. The practice is actually kind of addictive, especially in the realm of guitar, where at some point commitment and magic become indistinguishable, as one springs forth from the energy of the other in an endless cycle. It is my wish that all guitar players spend as much time as possible in this wonderful cycle!
I wrote about how to achieve the commitment, discipline, motivation, and inspiration that is necessary to initiate and maintain this cycle and become a limitless guitarist in You & Your Guitar. I hope you’ll read (or re-read) that portion of the book soon—it will help you a lot! Remember that making and keeping a commitment is best accomplished when you provide yourself the support, mindset, and practices I describe in the book and it can be remarkably buoyed by using the DAILY.
When you make a plan to support your goals, be sure to make it a realistic one that you can fit comfortably into your life every day. Have fun with it, keeping in mind that is a gift to yourself—and don’t forget to stay in touch with your guitar friends to keep your spirits up and your interest fresh!
