Today, I confess: I look for corrections. Everywhere.
I am constantly wondering, How could this thing - whatever "it" is - be better? More efficient? More correct? More convenient? More enjoyable?
It's sort of a teacher default, right? We spend our lives diagnosing weaknesses and solving problems of every kind.
Improvement is our expertise. We help students with everything from physical impediments to mental hangups (and all the musical details in between).
While there is truth in this idea, I've long campaigned for teachers to spend more time amplifying student strengths, rather than dwelling on lengthy lists of corrections.
In other words, start with what's working... then use those successes to address what is not.
My working theory is this: When students approach their instrument with a thorough understanding of their strengths, they are FAR more likely to embrace the process for necessary improvements.
The opposite is not true. Students who approach their instruments thinking only of their weaknesses are not likely to feel competence in any aspect of their musicianship.
Here's the kicker, friends...
As deeply committed as I am to this truth in teaching, the recent onslaught of New Year/New You Energy has made me realize I'm totally missing the boat in applying this concept to myself. And I'm not alone.
Don't get me wrong; I unapologetically LOVE the inherent optimism of a New Year. New routines and systemizations flood my thoughts and give me hope I'm not willing to let go of.
But let's be honest here: For any of us who embrace the New Year's hype, there's a lot of focus on IMPROVEMENT.
...and very, very little attention given to our strengths.
Just like our students, I find it highly unlikely I'm going to find satisfaction by focusing only on the things I need to do better.
Rather, I think the healthiest way to approach the New Year is to make a list of the things I'm doing WELL at this stage of life and build from there.
By shining a light onto natural strengths and previous accomplishments, we're far more likely to find solutions and systems that will work for us.
Let's face it: We have a lifetime of experience knowing what works for us and what doesn't. We also know change is possible if we go about it the right way.
I hope we can all work together in 2025 to AMPLIFY OUR STRENGTHS, allowing any desired improvements to grow from there, rather than vice versa.
So, teacher friends... let's make a list! Set a timer for 3 minutes (give or take) and name your strong suits. List your biggest accomplishments. Put words to the best of what you bring to this world.
This is the first step in helping you find a path to improvements that will actually stick. The best way to craft a blueprint for what you hope to build this year is to reflect on where you've been successful thus far.
I've spoken my peace, and now it's YOUR TURN: Do you have big feelings about New Years Energy? Want to share your Plans/Goals/Intentions? HIT REPLY and tell me about them!
🥂 May our hopes for the future be scaffolded by a solid understanding of the strengths we already possess. Cheers to bringing this truth to our students *and* to ourselves. 🥂