How to set goals (that you’ll actually achieve!)
Every year on January 1st, the most amount of unachieved goals are set. This includes many musicians setting goals for what they want to achieve musically. There is a clear reason for this, yet people do it year after year. It is understandable why people want to set goals - they want to better themselves in one way or another. After setting goals time and time again that go unachieved, it can make them feel as though they can’t change or they are unable to achieve new things.
Why are goals not being achieved?
Why are all of these goals not being achieved? It’s because people are setting unachievable goals. Many of these goals sound like “I’m going to win first chair in orchestra” or “I’m going to practice every day.”
The problem with these goals is they are either over reaching or they aren’t completely in the control of the person setting the goals. You can’t control whether or not you get a particular chair in orchestra. If you currently aren’t practicing consistently, how can you expect to practice seven days a week?
Set Achievable goals
Instead, you want to set achievable goals. These are small goals that you have control over.
Set a goal that you are fully in control of
In place of saying you want to win first chair in your orchestra, concentrate on what you can achieve. You can make sure that you are prepared for your audition and that you learn something from the process. You can plan out your repertoire well in advance and find a way to ensure you have enough time to learn the music thoroughly. You can make sure that you play through your audition program X amount of times to get yourself into the headspace you’ll be in during your actual audition.
Start smaller
If you are wanting to progress more and make sure you are practicing more frequently, concentrate on a smaller, more achievable goal. Maybe say you will aim to practice five days a week, and ideally Monday through Friday. If you have time, you can practice more days, and if something comes up during the week, you now have a buffer over the weekend to allow you to achieve your five days a week. If this goes really well for you after a month or two, now you can increase your goal!
Conclusion
Everyone is capable of accomplishing their goals. It all comes down to being intentional with the way you initially set your goals. Always ask yourself, “Is this something I’m able to control?” “Is this something that is doable and something that is realistic for me to achieve?”.
Wishing you all the best year yet in 2025!
