{"id":21222,"date":"2020-01-01T09:43:41","date_gmt":"2020-01-01T17:43:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=21222"},"modified":"2022-08-23T13:40:00","modified_gmt":"2022-08-23T20:40:00","slug":"5-ways-to-stick-to-your-resolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/5-ways-to-stick-to-your-resolution\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways To Stick To Your Resolution"},"content":{"rendered":"<h5 style=\"color: #0b76db;\"><em>Scroll down for a downloadable practice timesheet!<\/em><\/h5>\n<p>You don\u2019t need to \u2018believe\u2019 in New Year\u2019s resolutions to want to make a change in your drumming life. Some people don\u2019t like to make resolutions because they think they\u2019ll let themselves down, but here\u2019s the wintery truth (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/5-winter-practice-tips-for-drummers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">as cold as practicing in your garage this season<\/a>): any drummer can reach their goal if they know how to stick to it.<\/p>\n<p>Life tends to be slower around the holidays, which means your head might be clearer than usual. If you can use that clarity to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/trick-yourself-into-practicing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">develop a more effective practice routine<\/a> this year, there are ways to make sure you can actually cross your goals off the to-do list (instead of regretting flimsy resolutions).<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve been telling yourself you\u2019re going to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/ac-dc-drum-transcriptions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">learn that AC\/DC song<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/developing-your-weaker-hand-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">improve your left hand control<\/a>, or get acquainted with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/a-drummers-guide-to-funk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">new drumming style<\/a>, this is the best time to do it. So here\u2019s your recipe for resolution redemption:<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Set achievable goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>If you set impossible goals &#8211; or even reasonable goals on an impossible timeline &#8211; you\u2019re unlikely to achieve them, which will only bring you frustration and make it less likely that you\u2019ll follow through.<\/p>\n<p>How do you know if a goal is achievable?<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It\u2019s just outside of your comfort zone or above your current skill level<\/li>\n<li>It can be measured<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s foundational or can be broken down into manageable components<\/li>\n<li>It gets you excited<\/li>\n<li>It can be completed in a realistic time frame<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/are-you-an-intermediate-drummer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">be aware of your skill level<\/a> and be honest about how much time you have in your schedule &#8211; otherwise you may be setting a goal or assigning it on a timeline that you won\u2019t be able to achieve anytime soon.<\/p>\n<p>If you really like structure, setting SMART goals can keep you on track:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>S (Specific &#8211; be clear about what you want to accomplish)<\/li>\n<li>M (Measurable &#8211; so you can quantify your progress)<\/li>\n<li>A (Achievable &#8211; it isn\u2019t impossible)<\/li>\n<li>R (Relevant &#8211; it\u2019ll move your playing forward)<\/li>\n<li>T (Time-bound &#8211; you\u2019ve given yourself a deadline)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Set specific goals<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Saying \u201cI want to be a better drummer\u201d is a good place to start, but it\u2019s a big, broad target that gives you too much room and can be overwhelming. What are some components that will contribute to your improvement? How far can you break down your goal? What do you have to learn or improve on to get there?<\/p>\n<p><iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Sometimes it\u2019s easier to choose a song that represents your goal outcome, and figure out what you\u2019ll need to learn or practice to nail the track.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>I want to be a better drummer &gt; <em>I want to play more fluidly<\/em> &gt; <strong>I want to get comfortable with at least <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/10-drum-fills-every-drummer-should-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 common drum fills<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>I want to get into a good practice routine &gt; <em>I want to play every day<\/em> &gt; <strong>I want to practice for one hour every day<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>I want to play funk &gt; <em>I want to play syncopated beats without thinking about it<\/em> &gt; <strong>I want to be able to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/stanley-randolph-drum-lessons\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">play \u201cFunky Drummer\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<li>I want to get faster &gt; <em>I want to be able to play a thrash beat at 220 BPM<\/em> &gt; <strong>I want to be able to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/slayer-raining-blood-drum-cover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">play \u201cRaining Blood\u201d<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Decide exactly what you want to accomplish and what it\u2019ll take to get there. Then work backwards toward your goal.<\/p>\n<p>Master educator Dom Famularo has some fantastic and inspirational practice tips in this hour-long lesson:<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"8 Steps To Maximize Your Drumming Practice\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PaHoX-xmhxE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Put it in your schedule<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>A great plan means nothing if you can\u2019t make room in your schedule. No matter how badly you want to hit your targets, and no matter how rarely you make excuses, it may not be physically possible to put the work in if you haven\u2019t set aside blocks of time in advance (especially if you&#8217;re a busy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/tips-for-drummer-moms\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drummer mom<\/a> or busy <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/tips-for-drummer-dads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drummer dad<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>And that\u2019s exactly what needs to happen, whether it\u2019s before you go to work or school, after rehearsal with the band, or when the kids are out with a relative. If you wait until you \u2018feel like it\u2019 or until you have a spare moment, you\u2019re less likely to practice. Maybe \u2018stop procrastinating\u2019 is one of your resolutions.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019re more likely to make quicker progress with more short practices than with fewer long practices, so if you can set aside even one 30-minute window of time per day &#8211; and actually block it out in your calendar for the next few weeks or months with a reminder on your phone &#8211; you should be able to check off all the boxes.<\/p>\n<p>But if you can make it a goal to practice every single day, you\u2019re likely to see progress sooner. Getting into a routine will also make sure you get the repetition you need for new information (and muscle memory) to stick.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Minimize distractions<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to staying focused, it\u2019s easier said than done. Everyone hopes they\u2019ll maintain a steady track forward toward goal completion. The best way to focus is to eliminate as many distractions as possible and carefully control your environment when you\u2019re practicing:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Put your phone in airplane mode.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure anyone around you knows when to not interrupt you.<\/li>\n<li>Set an alarm to go off when your practice session is over so you aren\u2019t tempted to keep checking the time (try the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/3x-drumming-results\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pomodoro technique<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li>If possible, finish any work or stressful tasks before you play so you can go in with a clear mind (and have less to think about).<\/li>\n<li>Make sure you aren\u2019t hungry and keep a bottle of water beside you.<\/li>\n<li>Close the door!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Hold yourself accountable<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Many studies suggest you\u2019re more likely to accomplish a goal if you tell someone about it (<a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2019-45131-001\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">especially someone you consider successful or whose opinion you respect<\/a>). But you should also be disciplined enough to hold yourself accountable. This might be tough if you\u2019re <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/why-you-arent-motivated-to-drum\/\">extrinsically motivated<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>But writing everything down, whether it\u2019s on a physical calendar or as a daily phone reminder, can be a strong way to see your own message every day &#8211; and make it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.inc.com\/peter-economy\/this-is-way-you-need-to-write-down-your-goals-for-faster-success.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">42% more likely that you\u2019ll achieve your goals<\/a>. It\u2019s the best gift you can give to yourself.<\/p>\n<p>Some people find a reward system effective: \u201cIf I complete X by DATE, I\u2019ll take myself on a trip\u201c or \u201cIf I practice 30 days in a row, I\u2019ve earned that new cymbal.\u201d If you respond better to instant gratification, give yourself smaller rewards every few days.<\/p>\n<p>Other people are more likely to take action if they promise themselves a punishment should they fail to meet a goal by a certain date. If you know what best gets you motivated, do that &#8211; but only when you reach a predetermined, specific milestone.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Drumming Practice Timesheet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Are you a visual person? <a href=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/31154427\/Drumming-Practice-Timesheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Click here to download or print this timesheet<\/a>. Write down the date, the time you started and finished your practice, the specific goal you&#8217;re trying to reach (ex. tempo, song completion, number of exercises, practice duration, etc.), and the result you achieved that day. A timesheet is one great way to visually monitor your progress and stay on track!<\/p>\n<p><center><a href=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/31154427\/Drumming-Practice-Timesheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/31162339\/Screen-Shot-2019-12-31-at-7.22.47-PM.png\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n<p><iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s how to make sure you meet your drumming goals this year (plus a bonus downloadable practice timesheet).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":124,"featured_media":21308,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4040,1870,4018],"tags":[800],"class_list":["post-21222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health","category-mental-health","category-technique","tag-how-to-practice-drums"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/124"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21222"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36853,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21222\/revisions\/36853"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}