We all have said it a hundred times. “I need more discipline.”
The truth is we don't need anymore discipline than we already have.
When I was in college, I was a part of various music groups and was freelancing. I would spend many weekends glued to my harp in a practice room cramming music. I later learned that it wasn't that I didn't have enough time or didn't have the will. It was that I didn't prioritize to use the discipline I had, the best way I could.
You see, discipline is actually the accumulation of good habits. People that appear to have great discipline have actually developed good habits. Developing good habits doesn't take discipline, it takes willpower.
"Willpower is the key to success. Successful people strive no matter what they feel, by applying their will to overcome apathy, doubt, or fear."
Willpower is renewable energy. To build good habits, you must work when your willpower is at its highest level. For most, it's in the morning and dips by 3pm. This is why I tell my students to practice in the morning, they make significant progress, and have more willpower to build good habits in their practice. The end result is a disciplined student.
The pay off of developing good habits is liberating. It releases you from worry and allows you to work smarter not harder. Successful, happy musicians have figured this out and live to develop good habits.
What do you do to develop good habits?
Your Happy Musician