A growth mindset – the strong belief that your skills can be improved by consistent work – can only be beneficial to musicians… can’t it?
There’s no question that a strong growth mindset can help us focus and achieve our goals. When things get challenging, there can be comfort in the knowledge that our skills aren’t fixed. A growth mindset brings with it determination, resilience and achievement, all of which can contribute to wellbeing.
All good things – however could there be a dark side? Possibly. There is evidence to suggest that those with a strong growth mindset risk overwork, injury or even burnout in their pursuit of success. If this resonates with you, rather than leaving your growth mindset behind, try these things instead:
If you track the sort of work you are doing (e.g. intensity, duration, repertoire, time of day) and keep a record of how you are feeling afterwards, both physically and emotionally, it may make it easier to identify patterns, making it easier to identify what puts you at risk of overwork. The British Association of Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) have healthy practice resources, including a downloadable diary, which you may wish to check out.
If you’re really focused, the chances are that you’re grinding away in the practice room alone. Arrange a get-together with other musicians and play to each other. You’re not afraid of receiving feedback, so invite them to offer some perspective on your playing. The social aspect of playing together may provide some light relief as well as being a learning opportunity!
People with a strong growth mindset sometimes try to achieve too many different tings at once. Whilst this can be interesting and energising, it can also be tiring. Scheduling what to work on and when, along with being honest with yourself about whether you have taken too much on, may help combat this. Don’t be afraid to ask for other people’s perspective when it comes to this: the people who know you well can often be a great help.
There are some great music industry mental health schemes and resources, and many, including the following, are free:
- Tonic Music’s Zines, especially those on Stress and Self-Care
- The Musicians’ Union’s Young Freelancer’s Guide to the Music Industry
- BAPAM’s Healthy Practice Training for Creative Professionals– a free webinar series
- Tonic Music’s peer support groups, which are online, non-judgemental spaces for many types of musician and music industry professionals (not just players!)