How To Get Motivated When You Feel Uninspired

We all have days when we don't want to practice. We're human!

Like any good habit, daily practice takes discipline, focus and commitment. The great thing is, once you have created a daily practice habit, you don't even have to think about it. No commitment needed. You'll stay motivated. Because you'll just do it automatically as part of your daily routine.

The challenge is getting to that point.

Make your practice target so small, and so easy to achieve, that it's a win with just 2 minutes. Just keep the streak!

Here are 5 ideas to get you practising, even on days when you don't want to.

1. Set a timer on your phone for 2 minutes. Go to the piano, start practising, knowing you can stop as soon as the alarm sounds. Make the practice time so small, and so easy to achieve, that it's a win with just 2 minutes. Just don't break the daily streak!

   
   

2. Gamify your practice. Label the bars or scales, from 1 to 6. Roll a die, then practice whatever corresponds to the number you roll. Make the 6 items small and specific.

   
   

3. Use an app. Instead of working on your pieces today, play a note naming app. Or a rhythm app. Or perhaps a play-along sight reading app. There are many great options that can help you build valuable music skills.

   
   

4. Get accountability from a practice buddy. Have someone you know check in with you daily to ensure you've practised. They don't need to play an instrument to help you. Maybe you can also be their accountability buddy!

   
   

5. Listen instead. Look up your piece on YouTube and see how other performers play it. Can you find a how-to video that gets you un-stuck? What other pieces can you find and listen to by the same composer?

   
   

Remember, just keep the daily streak going!