Don’t mix them up.
I attended a clarinet studio masterclass with the brilliant British clarinetist Julian Bliss. In his question and answer, he was asked about how he finds the discipline and motivation to practice. Here’s part of his answer:
“Discipline and motivation, I think, are two very different things. You have to have the discipline, and then once you start seeing the results and things start to improve, then you have the motivation.”
Julian Bliss
Motivation is an outcome of the work, not necessarily present before you start. It’s from seeing the work lead to results that you find your motivation to keep working. You might start a practice with a desired outcome, but it’s really the discipline of that practice (daily, weekly, monthly) that leads to changes in yourself and the motivation to continue.
To use an example from my own life: the reason I’m writing today is because I wrote yesterday and the day before that and on back. On back for ten years without a break, starting Nov. 4, 2014.
The discipline is what keeps me showing up, and the motivation comes from seeing what this practice has done for me. For my thinking, for my perspective, for my own personal growth and for the knowledge that I’m offering support to my colleagues.
Start a practice and have some discipline. The results will give you the motivation and then you’ll be amazed at what you can do.
Thanks to everyone who has read my daily posts, and here’s to the next ten years!