Coming Through The Tunnel

So much to focus on

It’s been rough but it feels like I’m finally coming through this episode. I’m so relieved. I just want to get back on track now and it feels like I am as I regain my focus. My rhythm guitar is slowly continuing to improve which does feel good, I’m making progress with my Can’t Stop bass project and as expected the added pressure it making me really focused. I make sure it moves forwards every day, I pay more attention to what that progress is and I’m procrastinating far less. I even managed just to “get on” and write the solo my teacher asked me to without overthinking ... that in itself is huge progress. He gave me very specific parameters to work with though so that definitely made a difference. We’re working now on every project with my yearly goals in mind and that’s really inspiring. I like the organisation, structure and direction.

I’ve been working hard on drums as always trying to keep things moving in the right direction. A mixture of older exercises, new ones & some new concepts trying to make it all move up together. I’m trying to keep learning songs & work through the Drumeo method. I just finished level four and apart from a few weak areas I need to tidy up it was just a case of dotting the i’s & crossing the t’s. On to level five but no rush, I only use that as a way to organise everything I’m doing with my teacher. Mostly I use the site as a way to expand on things we’re covering together in lessons and it’s great for that. I’m working from Stick Control doing slow free stokes to build control & also as a heal down foot exercise to build coordination, endurance and strength. Both are helping, boring but helping!

My poor teacher has had a hard start to the year with me so far & while it’s not something I could avoid, if I could have, I would have. Hopefully soon I’ll start to justify these methods with results and I’m very, very confident I will because I can see a big difference from them already. That plus with my anxiety subsiding I will be able to control myself better and hopefully make things much more enjoyable for him in lessons. It’s horrible being such a difficult person when I actually care so much.

One area I’d like to work on with my drum teacher is a longer term “project” like I am with my other teachers. They add a lot of value and inspire me but It will have to wait though as I think it’s best to let the dust settle. Hopefully that will be an option at some point, I really liked the idea of doing Take Five when he suggested it but I’ll be patient at least on this area, I’ve got plenty to keep me working hard.

I’ve finally begun work on “the” anniversary song and I’m a lot more confident than I was as I now have a structured plan. There will be bumps in the road but at least I’m moving forwards.

Finally I’m making progress on my performance issues, it will take time but again at least I’m working on it positively. I always listen, I always consider and I always take action if I can, it’s just a case of figuring out what the right action is!! I always say it but I would be so grateful for help sometimes... this is HARD!

A side note & food for thought because it’s something I’ve noticed a lot recently. I always think it’s a shame that people put so much value on those who obtain success easily. It’s admirable because it’s unusual and, yes, they are special people, I’m not trying to detract from that but you can’t learn anything from it. I believe by studying and appreciating those who fight, those who adapt, those who succeed in doing things against the odds, despite their inability, there’s such an important lesson there. But people rarely see it, I think that’s a shame for everyone.

Ps my memory is improving!!! I noticed recently I’m able to remember more notes and learn parts quicker but also I can remember things like discount codes & passwords for more than a few seconds. It’s really noticeable. How about that, let’s hope it continues!