“How do I stay motivated?”

It’s a question I get asked a lot as a piano teacher. But maybe it’s not the question we really should be asking.

The book Atomic Habits by James Clear offers some fascinating insights into how we do or don’t form and maintain habits like daily piano practice. The author argues that motivation is “overrated,” and that other things, like environment and identity, matter just as much. If you’re getting started on your musical journey, or coming back to it after some time away, here are some tips to help you make the most of your piano practice and stick with it.

1. Use The Two-Minute Rule:

Practicing the piano for long stretches of time can seem daunting. Try using The Two-Minute Rule instead: commit to practicing for just two minutes each day. This makes it much easier to get started, and once you’re sitting at the piano, you’ll often find yourself practicing for much longer stretches of time.

2. Focus on Small Wins:

Remember to celebrate small wins along the way. Each new concept you master, each new element of technique you learn, each piece you finish, you’re one step closer to your goal. Know that each time you sit down at the piano, you’re on the road to musical success, and the road to musical success is ultimately paved with these small victories.

3. Embrace the Process:

Learning the piano is a journey, not a destination. Like any journey, it has its ups and downs. Embrace the process, and don’t get discouraged by setbacks. Look at every new challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. If you’re further along now than you were when you started, that’s reason enough to be glad.

4. Optimize Your Environment:

Consider the environment around your piano. Is it clean and tidy and well-lit? Perhaps adorned with flowers, art, and/or photos of loved ones? Make your piano a place you want to spend time, ideally in a place you visit often anyway, such as a main room in your home. Anything that reduces friction–defined as the physical or mental effort required to perform a task–is worth implementing.

5. Redefine Your Identity:

Ultimately, the best and most lasting way to stick with your piano practice is to make it a part of your identity. When you see yourself as a “pianist,” rather than simply “a person who plays the piano,” practicing becomes less of a struggle and more of a natural extension of who you are. So, decide who you want to be, and then prove it to yourself every day with small wins.

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If you’re ready to get started or take the next step on your musical journey, I’m here to help! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to take your skills to the next level, I offer personalized piano lessons tailored to your individual goals and learning style. Reach out today, and let’s start making music together!