Small Steps Equals Big Progress
Is your goal to be a good musician, or do you simply want to play an instrument for fun? No matter what your goal is, it can be attainable through tiny, small (atomic-level) changes. By applying the principles from James Clear’s book, Atomic Habits, reaching your goal becomes much easier if you focus on the system that supports it.
The premise in Atomic Habits is that if you improve by just 1% each day, by the end of a year, you’ll be thirty-seven times better than when you started. Small improvements made daily add up. So, instead of focusing solely on your goal, focus on the system—the process that leads to the desired results. Do you identify as a musician? If so, you can prove that identity to yourself daily through small wins.
Do you plan to practice? Set that as a goal and turn it into a habit. Habits take around 27 consecutive repetitions to become a part of our mindset. If you’re not practicing regularly now, start with small steps. Practicing just 5 minutes a day is still a better habit than none at all.
Does practicing feel like a dreaded activity? Sometimes new habits can be hard. Reward yourself after your practice session with something pleasant and enjoyable, creating a motivation ritual. As a student here at SAMA, you’re already part of a culture that values music.
Consider using a habit tracker to monitor your progress and see how long you can maintain your streak. Challenge yourself to practice for a certain amount of time each day and see how many consecutive days you can keep the chain intact.
Here’s how to create a good habit:
- Make it obvious
- Make it attractive
- Make it easy
- Make it satisfying
A quote from Atomic Habits: “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision. But as that decision is repeated, a habit sprouts and grows stronger. Roots entrench themselves, and branches grow. The task of building a good habit is like cultivating a delicate flower—one day at a time.”
