"If you're getting an A, you're working too hard."...

I have a friend whose husband was told this often in med school, claiming they were often encouraged that B's were sufficient.

Does this freak you out as much as it did me?

I know; it's not exactly the approach we hope for from our medical professionals. 🫣 BUT - it's actually not as shocking as you may originally think.

I've since had this conversation with multiple surgeons, attorneys, and other "high stakes" professionals, and they've all confirmed the sentiment one way or another. They were taught how to discern the amount of effort a task needed to be successful.
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​And - spoiler alert - not every task in life needs our 100%.

All of us - regardless of career - need to learn how to "spend" our attention.

...This doesn't settle well with the musicians and teachers I know...

We tend to be a very "all-in" bunch. When we commit to doing something, WE DO IT BIG.

We FEEL our work deeply. Most of us credit our success in music study (and everything else) with plain-and-simple, REALLY HARD WORK.

But I will also contend, in that hard work, we were not likely taught when to let up. Learning to know when we'd put in "enough"; to trust the foundations and skills we've built.

I don't know about you, but I want more of THAT discernment in my life.
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I shared this quote from Francis Chan on Instagram last night:

Here's the thing: We work in a job where details matter. "Good enough" is not the mantra to adopt if we want to nurture great musicians of tomorrow.
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But - at the same time - I know there are areas of my life and work where I'm thinking too hard, and not spending my time well.

I wish I could tell you I had all the answers in this department, but this straight-A/Teacher's-Pet/Define-Myself-By-My-Productivity/Recovering People Pleaser is very much on the journey with you.

As with all the work I do, I just want more friends to join me on the journey of my thoughts.

So: HIT THAT REPLY BUTTON and tell me an area of life where you think you can justify "B" work. I'm REALLY curious to hear what you come up with.

🥂May we all make peace with the limits of our time; knowing what is most deserving of our best, and what can settle for less. 🥂

Other Ways I Can Help You:

One-to-One Teacher Consultations So far, this month's consult clients have met with me regarding effective sightreading practices, how to "break up" with a student, implementing a no-makeup policy, starting a podcast, and more. If you have questions about the ins-and-outs of TeacherLife, I'm happy to help. More details here

Patreon Community Our next Teachers-Teaching-Teachers (TTT) event will be NEXT week: Friday, September 22nd. ​ Don't miss this opportunity to spend time learning with other incredible teachers. Can't make it live? Joining the $6 tier also buys you access to ALL TTT replays. Check Out the Patreon Here

Can't-Live-Without Repertoire Catherine Rollin's Prelude collections are a staple for me and my Intermediate students who love - but aren't quite ready for - Chopin. They come in three books, but skip the individuals and just get the "Complete" edition. Trust me. PS: I think they're fun to play myself, too. Get Yours Here

This Week on the Podcast ​Episode 143 is all about the most polarizing tool in our profession: The Metronome! Listen In

A Favorite Thing My students always leave their lessons smiling when I send them home with a "special shout-out" sticky note. Find them on my Favorites List

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NOW: Hit that REPLY Button and tell me where you can afford to give "B" work!

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Onward and upward toward better dispensing of our energies! 🥂

Want to check out PAST One Thought Thursdays? Find the Archives Here.​

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