The Practicing Mind by Thomas M. Sterner

One key tenet of my life is to constantly question the value of the things in my life. This is especially true in a country that has an economy that is built around consumerism. One of the reasons I teach the guitar and do life coaching is that I truly believe it adds value to the person’s life that is studying. Therefore, whenever I suggest a product on this blog I want it to be of true value to the reader, especially when it comes to the practicing mind.

Table of Contents

I Read A Lot

As you probably can guess, I spend a lot of time reading about music and practicing. Understanding the most effective way to practice, in guitar and other areas, for each individual allows the practitioner to attain the rewards quicker and easier. With this in mind, I stumbled upon a book that I think will be helpful for many.

The book is The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life — Master Any Skill or Challenge by Learning to Love the Process by Thomas M. Sterner. I find the most interesting part of the title is in the last five words, “Learning to Love the Process.” This is the area that eludes most of us in whatever endeavor, including guitar, at some point in the journey.

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Overview From the Introduction

The Practicing Mind is about remembering what you already know at some level and bringing that memory into the present, where it will both serve to place you on that path and empower you to partake in the journey. This book will reintroduce you to a process you followed to acquire a skill before you knew what process meant, and it will remind you that life itself is nothing more than one long practice session, an endless effort to refine the motions, both physical and mental, that compose our days.

The above excerpt is only from the introduction but is packed with some intriguing promises as goals for the outcome of the book. So far, it has been fulfilling the statement fairly well. He opens the book with the realization of how his music studies helped him develop his overall learning process. Then he begins to relate that his realization and culmination of ideas began to take shape when he took up golf and applied the concepts of music practice to golf.

A Paradigm Shift in Practice

Sterner’s book challenges the conventional notion of practice as a means to an end. Instead, he introduces the idea of “process-oriented” practice, where the focus shifts from the end goal to the present moment. He emphasizes that the journey itself is the reward, and by immersing ourselves fully in the process, we not only enhance our skills but also find joy and fulfillment along the way.

The Power of Mindfulness

Central to “The Practicing Mind” is the concept of mindfulness. Sterner explains that mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the activity at hand, whether it’s playing an instrument, painting, or learning a new language. He explores how cultivating mindfulness leads to improved focus, reduced anxiety, and a heightened sense of awareness. Through anecdotes and practical exercises, Sterner demonstrates how mindfulness can be applied to practice sessions and everyday life.

Embracing Patience and Persistence

In a world that values quick results, Sterner advocates for patience and persistence. He believes that true mastery comes from consistent, deliberate practice over time. By adopting a patient attitude and reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, readers are encouraged to overcome frustration and stay committed to their journey of improvement.

Applying “Beginner’s Mind”

One of the book’s focal concepts is the “beginner’s mind.” Sterner encourages readers to approach their practice with the curiosity and openness of a beginner. This mindset promotes exploration, experimentation, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. By shedding preconceived notions and ego-driven desires for perfection, individuals can discover new levels of creativity and innovation.

Balancing Ambition and Contentment

“The Practicing Mind” delves into the delicate balance between setting ambitious goals and finding contentment in the present moment. Sterner argues that while aspirations are important, they should not overshadow the joy of the journey itself. By learning to appreciate small victories and celebrate progress, individuals can find fulfillment in each step of their practice.

Practicing Mind And Everything Else

This is where I will end my discussion of the book’s content because it is the overarching theme of the book and my life. Guitar to me is a reflection of life and vice versa. Almost everything that I have learned in my pursuit of guitar applies to every other aspect of my life. This is also what I feel is the most important thing I can pass on to each of my students. The way you learn to practice the guitar is the same way you learn and practice a multiplicity of other skills in life.

In a society that often glorifies quick fixes and shortcuts, “The Practicing Mind” by Thomas M. Sterner offers a refreshing perspective on the path to mastery. Through its exploration of mindfulness, patience, and the power of the present moment, the book provides readers with a roadmap to excel in their chosen endeavors while finding joy in the process. Whether you’re an aspiring musician, athlete, artist, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this book is a great read that challenges the way we approach practice and encourages us to embrace the beauty of the journey.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.