Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: commit to the bit
music, perfectionism, mindset Shannon Lewis music, perfectionism, mindset Shannon Lewis

Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: commit to the bit

You may have heard of the phrase “commit to the bit” here and there, but maybe haven’t put much thought into it. But whenever I end up in a situation reflecting on performance anxiety as well as finding joy in performing music, or even every day life (in the joy of being), I always come back to that phrase - commit to the bit. 

It means completely committing your whole self to whatever thing it is you’re doing, and trusting. No half-measures, no apologies - just your full self. Even when everything inside is going “no, let’s go back to what’s normal, comfortable, what we’re used to and hiding away.” 

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Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: self-recording
perfectionism, practice, music, recording Shannon Lewis perfectionism, practice, music, recording Shannon Lewis

Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: self-recording

Recording my own playing…just the thought gave me the heebie jeebies for a long time. Everyone says we should do it for a whole host of reasons, but sometimes the thought of it gives the eugh.

Well…I hate to say it, but they’re right.

“But I don’t like the way I sound on a recording, the minute I hit record all my skill goes out the window, it makes me nervous, what if someone else hears it, what if someone else hears it and gives unsolicited advice, but I know it’s for practice and improving but I just can’t stop doing takes until it’s perfect.”

Does that sound familiar? I see you (unless you don’t wish to be perceived, I totally get it.)

I too was once very put off by recording my own playing and listening back. Sometimes I still am…but I feel the eugh an do it anyway.

Here’s why…

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