Over the last few years, I’ve become more of an observer of my behaviors and habits. Certainly more than at any other time in my life. I see this period as a kind of “sorting.” What do I need to hold on to, and what do I need to eliminate? It’s like an internal spring cleaning.
For example, growing up while training to play the trumpet, there was literally no excuse for not practicing every day. It was like brushing my teeth—a daily habit that became ingrained in me.
Lately, I’ve noticed that I was feeling guilty and chastising myself if I didn’t practice. But then I stopped to reflect. While I know I improve when I practice regularly, I’ve reevaluated both the need and the emotional reaction when I don’t sit to practice daily.
I’ve realized that “bullying” myself for missing practice is a no-win situation, and it’s something I need to let go of in order to be a more balanced and rational human. The world won’t end if I skip a day, and there’s nothing critical at stake if my skills are not honed to the highest level.
Have you ever looked at your own habits and beliefs to see if there are any unnecessary or harmful ones that might benefit from a closer look?
Just because our careers are behind us doesn’t mean we’re done growing. It is to our benefit, satisfaction, and self-love to eliminate the areas that either make us miserable or are no longer relevant in our lives.
Thoughts?
