Practice Practice Practice!

Many of us have been there: it's been a stressful week filled with things you hate doing and people you'd rather not talk to, and when you finally make it home, you stare at your songwriting notebook or your beloved instrument, and all you can see is a torture device instead. Suddenly, you see your dad relaxing on the sofa and watching a football game and you push the thought of practicing your art as far back in your mind as possible and sit down beside him and cheer your team on.

Most of the time, the instant gratification of casting aside our responsibilities leads to future guilt and frustration, as we look back and wish we had had the enthusiasm to practice when we had the chance. 

As is oft repeated, those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it. Chances are, this isn't the first time you've found yourself neglecting your musical duties, and if you think back on the last time that happened, I know you'll remember exactly how that felt afterwards. Think of it as making a sacrifice for your future self, who – don't forget – is still you. Your present self will disappear, but you'll always have the future. 

Think of practice as a stepping stone to a better future. Don't take it as a burden; instead think of it as a chore that you have to complete every day. The best way to get into this mindset is to write down all the steps you need to take in order to reach a certain goal, chopping them up in manageable pieces. Being able to visualize yourself getting closer to success will make work that much more inviting.

Unfortunately, life is filled with stress, boredom, fatigue, and work, but don't forget that you are 100 percent capable of pushing past these walls into future success and a sense of accomplishment. Now go pick up that notebook or guitar and make some music!