I used to think that making New Years Resolutions was a silly thing to do.

SPOILER: I still do. 

Why don't we just make goals and stick with them? I truly believe that there's too much pressure related to a resolution because you have to complete that activity or eat the same way all day every day. Shouldn't a change in your lifestyle be gradual - one good choice here, one healthy meal here, one cheat meal there? Why not?! That is SO. easy. 

I feel the same way about practicing. I have a hard time making myself do things but that doesn't mean I'm going to force myself to practice 5 hours every single day - I know I should practice as much as possible, but a girl's gotta work to make money for food, rent, etc. I noticed during the previous semester that I would make excuses about all of these things and would avoid practicing. Somehow I still improved my playing, but not as much as I wanted. Reflecting on the semester made me realize that I've done this for literally as long as I can remember... and that was not a good feeling.

I sat down on my couch and felt sorry for myself. My conscience, having great timing as usual, kicked into high gear and told me "Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You're literally the only thing preventing your progress. Stop blaming other people for this because it's YOUR FAULT. DO BETTER."​

My last two weeks were very busy... even that might be an understatement. Performances, attending a wedding, traveling, homework, practicing, working, extra rehearsals, all of the behind-the-scenes work that nobody ever sees. If you're a musician or music major, you know what I'm talking about.

On top of everything that life threw at me, I got sick. It's really hard to practice when phlegm is stuck in your throat and prevents you from breathing out of your nose. Trust me on that one. It was so tough to stay positive and productive. I didn't practice as much as I should AND I allowed negative thoughts to occupy my mind. "What am I doing here?" "Should I just quit?" "Let's be honest, I'm probably the laughing stock of the entire music school... I can't even play Dvorak 8." ​

I'm sure everyone has heard "So what do you want to do with your life?"

If you answer "I'm pursuing a music degree/career in music," some people curl up their nose and scoff right in your face.
"What can you do with that degree?" "You know you're not going to make any money, right...?" Meanwhile in your head, you're thinking and daydreaming about the limitless possibilities you know exist.
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