Chapter 1: The Importance of Practice

Are you neglecting the significance of consistent practice? As I approach my 30s (let's be real, I'm still in my 20s—29 counts!), I've found myself in a routine that feels more like a checklist than a fulfilling life. I’m making a conscious effort to drink more water, limit myself to a single cup of decaf coffee each morning (no more than 12 ounces—cue the eye roll), and keep up with my lengthy vitamin regimen. Recently, I even created a detailed daily schedule to regain my momentum.

While I’m hesitant to keep blaming the pandemic for my struggles, it undeniably disrupted much of my life. I appreciate the positive changes it brought, like new perspectives and opportunities, yet I mourn the spirited person I used to be. It’s true: I miss the days when friends would text me, “Where are you?” instead of “How are you?” Now, I find myself mostly at home, absorbed in work.

I’m striving to reconnect with writing, as it’s been ages since I’ve let my creativity flow freely. Truthfully, I cherish this space. Lately, I’ve felt a strong desire to revisit the creative outlets that once brought me joy in my younger days (yes, I’m officially at an age where I can refer to my past as "younger years"). My partner, noticing my enthusiasm for drawing, surprised me with a complete artistic sketch set, which includes everything from sketchpads to various pencils and erasers. He essentially encouraged me to dive back in.

Initially, I felt overwhelmed and uncertain about where to begin. However, I decided that today would be the day I picked up a pencil. I started sketching eyes—once my favorite subject to draw—and surprisingly, I found that I still had a knack for it (clearly, I needed a boost of confidence). As I focused intently on this activity, I began to experience that familiar joy of creating and watching my skills improve.

Reflecting on my initial hesitation, I spent the first 20 minutes searching for “How to start drawing” and other related tutorials. I stumbled upon an exercise that emphasized a crucial point: regardless of your passion or talent, improvement requires dedication and effort. Throughout this process, there will be times when you feel disheartened or uninspired. That was the lesson I needed to absorb. I realized that I had been dwelling on the moments I didn’t enjoy my craft, incorrectly equating that with a lack of interest. The truth is, I simply need to practice.

This insightful video discusses the often-overlooked aspects of managing a practice and offers valuable lessons on staying engaged and motivated.

Section 1.1: Overcoming Creative Blocks

Revisiting your passion can sometimes feel daunting, especially when faced with creative blocks. It's essential to acknowledge these feelings and understand that every artist experiences them.

Subsection 1.1.1: Tools for Inspiration

Chapter 2: Techniques for Growth

This video highlights a vital yet often neglected piano practice technique that can significantly enhance your skills and understanding of music.