Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: don’t forget the good when you critique yourself

Thoughts from a recovering perfectionist: don’t forget the good when you critique yourself

When someone asks you to reflect on a performance or playing in a lesson or practice or rehearsal - you go straight to what can be improved, right? It feels so weird, maybe a little boastful to mention anything you liked about whatever the situation was, right? Try acknowledging what went well, because we don’t level up unless something goes well.

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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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