LJS 163: 5 Things to Do When You Feel Un-Motivated to Practice
Learn Jazz Standards Podcast - A podcast by Brent Vaartstra: Jazz Musician, Author, and Entrepreneur
Welcome to episode 163 of the LJS Podcast where today we talk about what to do when you feel un-motivated to practice. Sometimes we are burnt out, sometimes we just don't want to and don't have a good reason. It can be confusing especially since deep inside we know we want to become better jazz musicians. Don't panic, here are 5 things you can do.
Listen to episode 163
Tell me if you can relate to me here.
If I were to describe myself to somebody else, I would say, "Brent is a husband. He is an entrepreneur. He is a foodie. He likes to travel and he's a musician".
And music is an important part of my life. It's an important identifier. I identify myself as a musician. A good percent of my self-worth is tied into being a musician.
So obviously, I want to improve as a musician always. But you know, the funny thing is sometimes even when I have ample opportunity to do so, I don't feel like practicing.
I'm un-motivated to practice sometimes and that's a strange thing- to want to improve but yet not be willing to put in the work to do so.
But it's natural. I'm sure that you can relate to me as well with that. So today I want to talk about 5 things that I do when I feel unmotivated to practice. And it's probably not everything that you're expecting.
In this episode:
1. Let go and take a break
2. Listen to music you like
3. When you're ready, come back to your instrument and play something you think is fun
4. Find your source of inspiration
5. Re-evaluate your goals
Thanks for listening to this episode of the Learn Jazz Standards Podcast. If you aren't already, make sure you are subscribed on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
I look forward to having you join me in the next episode!
Important Links
LJS 159: Brain Hacking for Speeding Up Your Jazz Improv Success
30 Steps to Better Jazz Playing