When I was 12 years old, I had a violin teacher at the violin summer camp I attended each summer extend a challenge to me. He challenged me to practice for 100 days in a row without missing! As a 12 year old, I thought that was CRAZY! My Mom was very helpful in making this challenge happen and by the end of the 100 days, I was so proud of myself. My home violin teacher knew of this challenge and was proud of me as well when my 100 days of practicing were up. She then did something that looking back, I just cannot believe I went along with this as a pre-teen. She asked me to practice for 1 year without missing a day! WOW! She told me that I would get a prize if I did and my parents helped with some sort of incentive as well. I can honestly say that first year I did not miss one day of practicing.
5 years later, I never missed a day of practicing because by then, it was a habit, a way of life. If I ever went somewhere that I knew I could not bring my violin like Girls Camp each summer, I would double my practicing the week before I left so it would count as practicing while I was gone. My teacher gave me a music catalog and said I could choose anything in it for $50. I chose a violin watch and wore that watch with such pride. I wish I still had that watch to help me remember the dedication it took to accomplish this awesome task!
I am only challenging my students to practice for 100 days...not 5 years. By practicing for 100 days, it will give you a sense of accomplishment and turn your practicing into a habit.
Good Luck! You've got this!!!!
