We’ve all heard the phrase “you get out what you put in,” but there’s more to it than just effort. The way you approach practice, rehearsal, and performance—your internal dialogue—has a direct impact on the outcome. As long as you are not attached to the outcome, the outcome will be guaranteed.
It sounds like a contradiction, but it’s a truth every musician knows deep down. If you fixate on a specific result—winning a contest, nailing a tricky passage, or impressing an audience—you create pressure. Pressure leads to tension, and tension disrupts flow. On the other hand, if you focus on the process—the joy of refining a phrase, the discipline of steady rhythm, the camaraderie of playing in tune with others—success becomes inevitable.
This is living proof that every cell in your body is eavesdropping on your internal dialogue.
What you tell yourself while practicing alone shapes how you show up to band rehearsal. The mindset you bring to rehearsal dictates how you perform under pressure. And the expectations you set for yourself in competition determine the result long before the first note is played. If you tell yourself, “I’m going to struggle with this part,” your body listens. If you tell yourself, “I can trust my preparation and play with confidence,” your body listens to that, too.
So, what are you telling yourself?
At home, practice with presence—not just going through the motions, but truly listening and refining. At rehearsal, be engaged and receptive, knowing that collective improvement matters more than personal perfection. On stage or in the circle, release the pressure of “getting it right” and trust the work you’ve done.
Expectancy determines outcome. Expect growth. Expect progress. Expect to enjoy the journey. The results will take care of themselves.
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