Anyone who has wanted to learn to play the guitar can remember the enthusiasm in the beginning.
In the first few weeks, one picks up the guitar regularly and practice happens with enthusiasm. Even a little progress feels satisfying.
Then life gets in the way.
Work runs late. Family responsibilities take over and time reserved for practice are used to do something else. One practice session becomes shorter and another is skipped altogether.
Then it's time for the next lesson.
Sitting for a lesson without having practiced is uncomfortable. Some students apologize for not practicing and others have an explanation.
A few days of missed practice is not a problem by itself but, when this pattern repeats, the decline in both consistency and enthusiasm becomes obvious.
The longer the gap between practice sessions, the more difficult it becomes to return to it.
Gradually there is less to work on in each lesson.
The conversations become longer. There is talk about music, equipment, songs, artists and other things.
Talking feels easier than playing.
Over time, learning to play the guitar begins to feel like a task.
At some point, giving up feels easier than continuing.
There is relief in that decision because the pressure goes away.
The guitar is still in the room, but looking at it feels uncomfortable.
Comments ()