Welcome to another Harp Tips Tuesday Newsletter - weekly tricks and tips to help you become a better harpist!
Today I want to talk about Limiting Beliefs.
Limiting beliefs are those which constrain us in some way.
Limiting beliefs are often about our selves and our self-identity. We often have limited self-images of what we can and cannot do. If I think 'I cannot sing' then I will never try or not go to singing lessons to improve my ability. This is the crux of many 'I can't' statements: we believe our abilities are fixed and that we cannot learn (from Changing Minds)
The good news is, most of these beliefs are based on false ideas so with a little bit of effort in getting rid of these beliefs and replacing them with better, more rational and more positive thoughts you can start to really see yourself as the harpist you want to be, and then start enjoying your harp playing more and see much better progress.
One reason we form limiting beliefs is to excuse ourselves from what we perceive to be our failures. When we do something and it does not work, we often explain away our failure by forming and using beliefs which justify our actions. But in doing so, we do not learn and may increasingly paint ourselves into a corner, limiting what we will think and do in the future. (http://changingminds.org/explanations/belief/limiting_beliefs.htm)
If there’s ONE single biggest problem many musicians share, it’s a lack of confidence. Not just confidence in their ability to play a particular thing: underneath is often a deeper unease, a sense that maybe you’re struggling because you just don’t have the talent. This is possibly the biggest and most damaging obstacle, because it often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
The simple solution for the learner is to realise that your immediate goal is not to be a great harpist. Your immediate goal should be to be able to play whatever it is you’re working on with confidence and authority. That means that your goals need to be modest in the beginning – but setting one modest and attainable goal after another is a sure path to progress. You may not have the skills to play what you want to play just yet, but you can learn to play something easier and play it well.
Here are some of the most common limiting beliefs I hear from students. Do any sound familiar?
1) I`m Too Old To Learn
This is a big one and it is complete nonsense.
I have taught the harp to so many people who are over retirement age. And guess what…the ones who stick with it are the ones who succeed. Of course things like arthritis may be an issue, but as long as you practice properly, you will get better.
So much of learning anything is about confidence more than anything, and harp is no exception. Older people really believe their age will hold them back whereas children don`t care about their age – they just play. Take a leaf out of their book and stop worrying about the results ahead of time!
2) I`m Tone Deaf
Are you really? Only about 5% of the population are actually tone deaf. Most can actually hear that the pitch is off but lack the skills to correct themselves. This can be easily learned.
3) I`ve Got No Rhythm
Rhythm is something that can be worked on frequently throughout the day and many of those people we think of who have great rhythm worked hard to get it.
Practice your rhythm skills and they will improve! Check out the Apps I recommend in this article to help your rhythm!
4) I Don`t Have Enough Time To Dedicate To Practising
We all wish we had more time. So since you can't get more time, you need to use your time better! The way you practice your harp is much more important than for how long. Make sure you've downloaded my Effective Practice Guide for more advice on this
If you have ever had any of the above false self-limiting beliefs about your harp playing, now you know how wrong they are. Taking time to unpick our limiting beliefs can free you up to achieve more than you ever believed possible!
My Harp Chat Facebook Group is a good place to go for advice and encouragement from other harpists, and if you need sheet music, video lessons or anything else, find it on my website.
Try challenging your limiting beliefs and see if it helps your harp practice this week!