It seems we often beat up ourselves for not being good enough at something. I personally find myself thinking the same old thought:

I’m never going to be a great musician like they are.

Even if the thought is true, it does not mean I can’t improve myself to become, say, half as good as the musician in question. There’s no reason to doubt myself avoid any improvement. I can practice my terrible music and one day, maybe it won’t be so terrible and people will want to listen.

This structure of thought can (and does) apply to many scenarios in life; sports, cooking, your job—these are all things you can improve on. If you allow yourself to practice on a daily basis, you’ll soon become comfortable with the skills you need to acquire in order to be successful.

What You Can Do

1. Want it

Don’t waste your time trying to improve on something you don’t want to do. Others may pressure you into activities for their own benefit, but you don’t have to give in. Tell them you don’t want to participate, and they’ll find someone else to satisfy their needs.

2. Practice

You can dedicate twenty minutes a day, or utilize two hours. Remember the following:

You will definitely improve.

3. Show other people

Be proud of what you have accomplished in the past, and dream of how successful you will become in the future. Find motivation by surrounding yourself with others who support you.

4. Do not compare yourself to others

It’s tempting, I know. Avoid that temptation and observe instead. Think:

Hey, they do that pretty well! Maybe I can take things they do well and apply those to myself!

This will prevent you from being discouraged and instead cause you to anticipate improvement.

5. Be content

For some of you, this may be a bit difficult. However, you need to be happy with where you are! You have played that instrument/sport/whatever more than most people! You’re going to improve an immense amount. Where you are now is just another stone in the cobbled path to success.

A Final Note

Enjoy yourself. Don’t push yourself too hard, and have fun with whatever it is you’re doing. There’s no reason to stress when you’re in a state of constant improvement.