The key to progressing well is down to the practice habits we create.
I've been reading a bit about how habits work recently and these are the things I have found interesting:
1. Inspiration and motivation might be where the ideas for habit changing activities come from but they cannot be relied upon for long term success. For something to become a habit, it must become so normal that you don't even notice yourself doing it. E.g. you don't need motivation every morning to brush your teeth, you just do it regardless.
2. The best way to create a new habit is to attach it to an existing habit so that the existing habit becomes the reminder for the new habit. E.g. Put the floss next to the toothbrush so that every time you brush your teeth you are reminded to floss as well.
3. Focussing on an end result distracts from good habit formation. Habits are about changing behaviour, not the quickest way to an end result.
4. Starting small and easily achievable is the key to creating a new habit. It can always be built upon once the habit it there.
I've been talking and sharing ideas about practicing with a number of friends and other teachers. I've put together a poster of practice thoughts and ideas. Everything is fairly obvious and ideas that most people will be familiar with but sometimes when it comes down to actually practicing, these ideas are not at the front of our minds. I have displayed one near my piano for myself and in teaching rooms in the schools I work in.
I have been distributing them to my pupils with the aim that it will help trigger some better and more varied practice habits
I've been reading a bit about how habits work recently and these are the things I have found interesting:
1. Inspiration and motivation might be where the ideas for habit changing activities come from but they cannot be relied upon for long term success. For something to become a habit, it must become so normal that you don't even notice yourself doing it. E.g. you don't need motivation every morning to brush your teeth, you just do it regardless.
2. The best way to create a new habit is to attach it to an existing habit so that the existing habit becomes the reminder for the new habit. E.g. Put the floss next to the toothbrush so that every time you brush your teeth you are reminded to floss as well.
3. Focussing on an end result distracts from good habit formation. Habits are about changing behaviour, not the quickest way to an end result.
4. Starting small and easily achievable is the key to creating a new habit. It can always be built upon once the habit it there.
I've been talking and sharing ideas about practicing with a number of friends and other teachers. I've put together a poster of practice thoughts and ideas. Everything is fairly obvious and ideas that most people will be familiar with but sometimes when it comes down to actually practicing, these ideas are not at the front of our minds. I have displayed one near my piano for myself and in teaching rooms in the schools I work in.
I have been distributing them to my pupils with the aim that it will help trigger some better and more varied practice habits
RSS Feed
