There is a balancing act in handling personal failures – particularly when it comes to mindset. Performing arts students should be reminded regularly of these two opposing forces.
Take your mistakes seriously. Work hard to recognize mistakes, work hard to prevent mistakes, and work hard to correct mistakes once made.
Don’t take your mistakes personally. Remind yourself that you are not your mistakes, and that mistakes are an inevitable part of pursuing art.
Which are your students struggling with today? These opposing muscles must both be strengthened for musicians to succeed. Remember that the student not taking his mistakes seriously today may be the one taking them too personally tomorrow – and he will need different encouragement depending on his state of mind.