Sam ER Chapter 12 Summary

Sam
Chapter 12 Summary- Sometimes as musicians we have an unhealthy attitude towards the challenges we face. Whenever we hear about other people's problems we are immediately ready and able to offer a long list of solutions, which we are sure will be beneficial. When it comes to our own problems, however, we sometimes become inconsolable, claiming that our problems are in fact insurmountable. This feeling is never consistent with reality. In many cases we become addicted to our problems because they give us an excuse to underachieve, after all how can anyone expect us to be great when our problems are so big and complex. This attitude can be avoided when one asks what he/she gains from this problem and from the claim that the problem can't be fixed. We are often reluctant to find solutions to our problems because we know that other seemingly impossible hurdles await us once we pass the one immediately in front of us, but if we have the courage to fix the most pressing problems we will have greater confidence when we face bigger challenges in the future.
Key Concept- Struggles with learning and performing music are often nothing more than excuses to complain and to underachieve. Every musician needs to realize that they do not help themselves by continually telling themselves that their problem can't be fixed.
Key Terms- Insoluble Problem
Making Connections- I certainly have my share of problems when it comes to singing, but I can't allow those problems to let me sink into habits of making excuses and practicing less diligently. I need to have the same positive ingenuity that I have about the problems of others with regards to my own problems.