Progress not perfection

One of my biggest struggles when I was starting out on YouTube was the thought that I wasn’t good enough.

“I haven’t mastered this technique yet.”

“I don’t have enough experience yet.”

“What will others think?”

“Will they compare me to this other guy?”

“Will they notice my sloppy technique?”

Have you ever thought that way — frozen by fear?

Sometime around then, I read the phrase “progress, not perfection.” Meaning, it’s about the progress that’s happening, not perfection. To put it in popular sayings, “it’s the journey, not the destination.”

I know that I am flawed in my musicianship. I’m not perfect, and certainly not the best, nor do I even think I’m near the best. And THAT’S OKAY, because it’s about progress, not perfection.

We should always have a learner’s mindset. It’s okay if we make mistakes, just as long as we don’t stay there. The progress mindset helps us enjoy music and allows us to share the gifts God has given us without the pressure of pleasing people. In comparison, a perfection mindset will only bring us frustrations.

I think both mindsets will bring improvements to our playing but the first allows us to enjoy the journey of learning guitar. It gives us the freedom and permission to make mistakes.

So I say to you dear friend, it’s about progress, not perfection.