Don’t Break The Chain
In my Millionth Anniversary video back in 2012, I talked about Jerry Seinfeld’s motivational technique for tricking yourself into getting things done. “Don’t Break The Chain!”
Since February 19, 2012- I’ve kept my pledge to play guitar every day, no matter what. That’s 660 days! Yes, sometimes it’s just a few minutes right before bed. But more often, once I pick up the guitar, I end up playing for a good session.
I no longer need to draw X’s on a calendar, as in Jerry’s technique- I just know that I don’t want to miss a day. This technique really builds new, effective habits.
When travelling, I always bring my travel guitar (Traveler EG-1). I’ve taken it on multiple trips to China, Australia, Hawaii, and Japan, as well as road-trips, camping trips, etc. It has a full-sized 24 3/4” scale neck, so it’s an effective practice-substitute for my Les Paul. And it’s flexible- it has an integrated headphone preamp with aux-in and distortion circuit for playing along with mp3’s, though I most often play unplugged/acoustic.
So how has my playing improved in the last 660 days? I’m often surprised at the things I can play now that I would never have even tried previously (the solos in Jessie’s Girl, Just What I Needed, and Shook Me All Night Long stand out).
But still, I have a long way to go, and I need to consider how to make my practice time more efficient. Since I started this, I’ve learned so many songs that I always have a large library of cool licks and solos to review. But I’m realizing that I shouldn’t exclusively play songs – I also need to balance it with strengthening exercises and scales/CAGED knowledge, and improvising skills. I’ll try to do more of this in my next 660+ days of practice
Want to establish new habits? Try this, it works- Don’t Break The Chain!
David
December 13, 2013 @ 5:12 pm
I’ve noticed that when I play every day for even several weeks consecutive that the familiarization, or forsight, have improved incredibly. I actually surprise myself sometimes. I believe muscle memory is also a big factor in the equation of playing, albeit a variable not a constant. I think I will now commit to a better playing regimine myself. I’m glad I came here and read this. Thank you
John
January 3, 2014 @ 12:15 pm
Best of luck to you. Keep it up!
-John
2 Million Views! - Planet Z
February 18, 2014 @ 11:29 am
[…] that time, I have indeed continued to play guitar every day – my chain is unbroken! Unfortunately, due to work and band commitments, I haven’t had the necessary free time to […]
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August 18, 2017 @ 12:38 pm
[…] Since I acquired this travel guitar in 2011, I’ve taken it with me on every excursion and trip, so I can keep my fingers on the strings every day. Don’t break the chain! […]