How Guitar Changed My Mindset (And Everything Else)
I grew up listening to rock music because of my dad, and I always wanted to play electric guitar. In middle school, I joined band class hoping I’d get the chance, but they didn’t offer string instruments. I stuck with it anyway through high school and ended up learning a lot about music. I made a few low-effort attempts to learn guitar during those years, but I never practiced for more than a week.
When I left for college, I brought my electric guitar with me. That’s when everything changed, kind of by accident.
I didn’t plan on practicing for hours or following a routine. But because of how I set up my dorm room, it became easy and convenient to play. I kept my guitar out on a stand, plugged into an amp right next to the only chair I ever used. Whenever I got back from class, I’d drop my stuff, sit at my desk, see the guitar, and think, why not? So I’d play. That routine just built on itself. I got even luckier that my roommate did the same thing, so our practice constantly encouraged each other.
After a few weeks, I was surprised by how much progress I had made. I started applying the music knowledge I already had, and that accelerated things even more. I wasn’t learning music and guitar at the same time. I already understood music, so I could focus purely on how to play guitar. Within a year, I was doing sweep picking, pinch harmonics, and other techniques I used to think were way out of reach. People were surprised I had only been playing for such a short time. And honestly, with structure and discipline, I believe others could reach that level even faster.
That quick jump to an advanced level changed the way I thought about myself. It made me realize I could learn difficult skills much faster than I expected. Growing up, I was usually good at things. I got good grades without trying very hard and was kinda athletic, but I had never really believed I could reach a high level at anything I loved. Hitting that point with guitar made me want to test that idea across the board.
I started applying that mindset to fitness, specifically through calisthenics, acrobatics, and yoga. I started pushing myself with board sports too. My original lifelong goal in skateboarding was just to land a kickflip. Now I’m way beyond that. I’ve landed backflips on a snowboard, something I used to think only pros could do.
More importantly, I’ve learned how to truly enjoy where I’m at with each skill. I’ve started to understand how to balance contentment with ambition. I’m not the best skater, but I’m proud of what I can do, and I’m excited to see how far I can take it. The same goes for guitar. My technique is solid, but I still have a long way to go in areas like playing with others, improvising, and writing music. And that doesn’t bother me at all. I trust my ability to learn and know that it’s only a matter of time before I hit any goal I set.
Are you a musician or thinking about learning an instrument? I’d love to offer some insight or give you encouragement!
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