WHY MOTIVATION WON'T MAKE YOU A GREAT PIANIST

MARINE LACOSTE / ARTICLE / Feb 2, 2024

Have you ever felt a great motivation to start playing the piano, but a few months later, all that energy and enthusiasm seemed to have disappeared?

And now you’re just waiting for that motivation to come back? Questioning yourself if this is even for you. Well, we’ve all been there!

In this video I want to share with you the difference between motivation and discipline, why you need both of them and how they can help you overcome procrastination in your practice.

But first, let’s talk about Why Most People Struggle to Stay Motivated.
One of the main reasons is the lack of Immediate reward. Human beings often seek instant gratification. When working towards long-term goals, the delayed rewards can make it hard to stay motivated, especially if progress seems slow.

Also, we tend to aim for unrealistic goals or to have a lack of clarity. Setting goals that are too ambitious or not having a clear, achievable plan can lead to frustration and a decrease in motivation.

MOTIVATION

So now, Imagine motivation as lighting a match. It’s that initial spark, the exciting burst of energy when you start a new project. It’s powerful, but like a match, it’s short-lived.

Motivation gets you started. It’s the reason you first sat down at the piano, filled with dreams of melodies and harmonies. But relying only on motivation is like expecting a single match to keep you warm all night.

DISCIPLINE

That’s when discipline comes in!
Discipline is an ongoing process, like tending to a hearth. It’s not as glamorous as the spark, but it’s what keeps the fire burning.

With discipline, you practice on a regular basis, even when you don’t feel like it. It’s setting a schedule, creating habits, sticking to it, and slowly watching your skills grow. Discipline is what turns that initial spark of motivation into a lasting flame.
It’s what truly makes us grow in life.

An excellent book about creating habits is ‘’Atomic Habits’’ by James Clear. In his book he’s explaining in detail the importance of building strong habits for our personal evolution.”

WHY YOU NEED BOTH

Now you might wonder, why not just rely on one? The truth is, that motivation and discipline complement each other.
Motivation is your starting point, the reason you start this journey. Discipline is the map and vehicle that keeps you on the path.

Without motivation, passion wouldn’t exist but discipline makes it happen.

Together, they ensure not only that you start but also that you continue, especially through challenges and moments of doubt.

Discipline is something you do, and choose to do; motivation is a thing that can come and go, which you cannot choose to do or control.

PROCRASTINATION

So, just like the fire needs new logs to survive, your goals and dreams need continuous effort to grow.
So how can you overcome procrastination?

It’s about using both motivation and discipline. Start by connecting with your motivation. Remember why you started, revisit your goals, and visualize your success.

Then, reinforce it with discipline and strong habits. Create a routine, break tasks into smaller steps, write down short-term and long-term goals and celebrate small victories. Remember, consistency is key.

While motivation is the spark that lights the fire, discipline is what keeps it burning. Together, they’re a powerful duo that can help you overcome procrastination and achieve your goals, whether it’s mastering the piano or anything else”.