When life gets busy, it's hard to stay motivated to practice. Or to motivate our kids to practice.
But there's one simple reason we tend to procrastinate on these things.
Whether it's music, working out, or any other creative project that requires setting aside daily practice time.
The problem is this:
We only think about the future benefits of the activity.
Think about it. How many times have you thought:
I'll sign my kids up for music because it will be good for them when they're older.
I should work out today, because I'll avoid health problems when I'm older.
I should practice today because I'll should be able to finally play this piece next week.
But the future is hazy. It's fictional. It hasn't happened yet.
And because it hasn't happened yet, it doesn't register to us as being important.
So, the important question to ask is: "Why today?"
What are the benefits of doing the thing today? Not the benefits that exist in the uncertain future?
I'll sign my kids up for music because I'll get to witness them becoming musicians today!
I should work out this morning because I'll be less stressed and have more energy today.
I should practice today because I'll get to escape the day for a while and immerse myself in musical challenges, problems, solutions, and discoveries.
Imagine today's benefits, and the barriers to starting will dissolve.
Or at the very least, your practice will become much more interesting to think about.
