At the start of a new year, many musicians set our sights on new goals and aspirations. New Year’s resolutions are notorious for not sticking, but it’s important to set intentions and goals that are realistic and a little flexible. There’s no bad time of year for a new plan to mindfully develop our skills and passion.

One of the most common goals for musicians is to practice more consistently. Sometimes life gets in the way – you may not be able to play as much as you’d like every day. (I don’t think I’ve ever been able to play quite as much as I’d ideally like!) You may want to make a distinction between your intentions and your goals – keep in mind that the intention is to practice with greater regularity, and if one goal doesn’t work out in supporting that intention, you’re free and in fact wise to change your approach! Some people find it helpful to name a number of hours they want to spend with the guitar over the course of a week or a month, or longer, and to plan a little more practice on less hectic days. Others use the Japanese planning principle of kaizen, dedicating themselves to tiny incremental changes, which for some people can sound like, “I’m going to play a song on the guitar every day.” One song isn’t much but it’s better than none, and many find that one song easily turns into playing far more! Making a flexible but sufficiently challenging commitment to regular practice sessions gives us a chance to become the musicians we want to be.

Another important intention for musicians is to seek out new sources of inspiration. Going to a live show, exploring styles of music that aren’t familiar, or playing with a friend can all inspire new ideas. Playing a musical instrument is in a sense like having a relationship with a partner, friend, or family member – the fun and learning are enhanced when you try something new together. 

Motivation can often wane for many reasons. A lot of us lose steam because progress is typically gradual, and sometimes it’s hard to see how far we’ve come. One way to keep motivation is to celebrate the effort itself. If you’ve been working on the same song all week, that dedication in and of itself deserves recognition, independently of how much improvement you’ve made. In addition, you’re probably improving more than you think. Record yourself practicing something, and after another week or two, look back at the old video. You’re likely doing something better already. Offer yourself an extra measure of gentleness and kindness when you’re pursuing something that’s difficult for you. Gradual learning is very typical, and a natural requirement for playing an instrument. You weren’t born with a guitar in your hand after all – some people are quicker studies than others, but it’s a body of skill that takes time to acquire. If you learn a little about the learning process itself, you might find the journey as exciting as the destination!

Lastly, don’t forget self-care. Music is a matter of heart and soul, but musicians are also athletes of small motor coordination! We need to take care of ourselves physically and mentally too, just like any wise athlete would care for their body and mind. Exercise, proper rest, and relaxation will all help your body and mind stay stable, strong, flexible, and balanced, to optimize learning and performance!

As we embark on another year filled with opportunities for growth and creativity, make sure you have intentions and goals in place to make your practice more regular, stay inspired and refreshed, and care for the body-mind that supports your journey. With wise intentions, flexible and realistic goals, and a devoted heart, this could be your best year yet as a musician!