Transform your Playing routine in 66 days
It takes around 66 days to create a new habit.
The idea that it takes this long to develop a habit stems from research conducted by Dr. Phillippa Lally and her colleagues at University College London. In their study, they found that on average, it took participants around 66 days of consistent behaviour to form a new habit.
So, what does this mean for aspiring musicians looking to make music-making a regular part of their daily lives? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician looking to refine your skills, committing to a regularly playing your instrument is essential. Here's how the 66-Day Rule can guide you along the way:
The 66-Day Playing Challenge: What to Expect
Embarking on a 66-day playing challenge requires commitment, consistency, and a willingness to embrace both successes and setbacks along the way. Here's what you can expect during each phase of the challenge:
Days 1-22: The Honeymoon Phase
In the early days of the challenge, you may feel motivated and enthusiastic about practicing regularly. You're eager to see progress and may experience a sense of accomplishment after each practice session.
Days 23-44: The Dip
As the novelty wears off, you may encounter challenges that test your commitment to the habit. You might experience feelings of boredom, frustration, or self-doubt, particularly in with difficult pieces or passages. This phase is critical because it's where many people give up on forming a new habit.
Days 45-66: The Mastery Phase
Push through the dip and stay consistent with your playing routine, you'll begin to notice significant improvements in your skills and mindset. Playing becomes more automatic, and you’ll start to enjoy the playing regardless of the immediate results.
Tips for success
Set A Goal: Give yourself a goal and something to aim for in your playing. It could be to play a particular song, improve your technique, or increase your repertoire. Having clear objectives will keep you focused and motivated.
Create a Schedule: Consistency is key when it comes to forming a habit. Allocate a set time each day for playing your instrument or singing, whether it's 10 minutes in the morning or an hour in the evening. Stick to your schedule as closely as possible, treating it as non-negotiable time dedicated to making music.
Start Small and Build Momentum: If you're just starting out, don't overwhelm yourself with lengthy playing sessions. Begin with shorter, more manageable sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you build confidence, strength and stamina. The goal is to establish a sustainable playing routine that you can maintain over the long term.
Be Flexible and Adapt: Life can be unpredictable, and there will inevitably be days when sticking to your playing schedule feels challenging. Instead of getting discouraged, be flexible and adapt to the circumstances. If you can't find your usual amount of time for playing, aim for a shorter session or focus on a specific aspect of your playing instead. And if it doesn’t happen at all, don’t worry - pick up again where you left off the next day.
Track Your Progress: Keep track of your playing and monitor your progress over time. This could be as simple as jotting down notes in a book or using an app to log what you;ve done and your achievements. And celebrate your milestones along the way!
Stay Motivated and Stay Consistent: Developing a habit takes time and persistence, so don't be put off when things don’t go as planned or your playing plateaus. Stay motivated by reminding yourself of the reasons why you're passionate about music and the goals you're working towards. Find motivation and inspiration by watching your favourite artists play, working with your teacher and sharing with friends.
Let’s get started
In just 66 days, you can create a playing routine and lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical exploration. Embrace the ups and downs, focus on your goals, and enjoy getting better, one playing session at a time. So, what are you waiting for? Let the 66-day practice challenge begin!