A Moment for Reflection

Today I decided to take a few minutes out of my busy schedule to listen to a recording of a solo I played at ISYM in 2011. I am not particularly proud of how I performed that day, so I usually don't go back and listen to the recording. 

Something was different when I listened to it this time. Instead of thinking about how bad I played that day, I thought about much I have improved. I thought about why I am not proud of the performance I had...and if I still have the same issues today. I realized that some of the weaknesses I had then are still weaknesses..but I also noticed that some have become strengths. 

I thought about why I still have some of the same weaknesses. For many of my weaknesses, it's not because I don't know what to do..it's simply because I choose not to practice certain things, even though I know I should practice those things. The only thing stopping me from working on my weaknesses is myself. So yes, maybe if I would have practiced (more) in high school, I wouldn't have some of those weaknesses..but that is in the past..so I need to remind myself that hard works pays off..and that the sooner I start working on my weaknesses the sooner that they might not be weaknesses anymore. I also have to remind myself that some things may always be a weakness that I will always have to practice..but it's about making them less of a weakness or barrier that keeps me from playing certain literature. 

As I head into the final weeks of the semester, I will try to stay positive and remind myself that hard work pays off! 

"Don't encourage mediocrity. Play at your best and don't be second class in the head." - Arnold Jacobs