I love cognitive dissonance: the concept, but also when I come upon an intact example in my own thinking. Cognitive dissonance is the idea that we can hold two seemingly opposing thoughts at once. It’s not just possible, it’s beautiful – to be able to live in a world where two opposing ideas can both be true.
I asked my students today to accept the following cognitive dissonance regarding their internal mindset when practicing and rehearsing.
- I am hyper-critical of my performance, noting every error so that I can more effectively correct it. I focus on my weaknesses and challenges.
- I am gentle with myself, acknowledging the hard work I’m doing and that growth and success doesn’t come overnight. I readily forgive my mistakes.
The idea that we can be both hyper-critical and gentle simultaneously seems impossible, but in fact it’s the only way to succeed. If we are only hyper-critical, it’s too easily to become demoralized and quit. If we are only gentle, it’s too easy to settle for less than our very best.
We must do both. We must accept the cognitive dissonance