“The second strategy is: optimizing. Meet your practice space where right now, and identify some changes you can make to improve efficiency and create a more effortless experience. Start by asking, whats missing? Look at your instrument and the space around it. Do you have all che tools you need? If you want to practice with a click, do you have one already there, or do you have to plug i in? Do you usually drive to a practice room? Ifso, how can you make the drive as casy and frictionless as possible? If you need to pack certain items, can you pack che night before? Can you keep a bag always packed and ready to go? This is your practice room bag. Keep it in a certain spot, ready to grab on your way out the door, or maybe it just lives in your cat ‘Again, these ae just examples; whatever works for you. Think about ways to reduce friction so it's easy to start practicing, ENVIRONMENT: THE ULTIMATE PRACTICE RCOM MAKEC KEY POINTS © Your environment influences the likelihood of whether you will practice or not Visualize your ultimate practice space. Get out a pen and paper and use the brainstorming method: Write down anything and everything that comes to mind, allowing yourself to dream big without criticizing or deleting. Go through your wish list and make as many improvements as possible—maybe choose the 3 things that would make the biggest difference right away. Size up your instrument and the environment around it; «ry to fix whatever is missing. ‘Think about your process. Can you optimize your commute or any rituals before and after? This could mean something big, like finding a new practice space or replacing a smelly rug, or something small, ike simply treating yourself toa coffee after each practice session, Make this space your own, Make it fan and do it now!