Ditch those Goals!

Whenever we enter a new year, the air is thick with talk of new year resolutions. What you should have in your resolutions. How you should go about deciding what makes the list etc etc.

Rarely do we hear talk about what systems need to be in place to make the achievement of those resolutions remotely possible. No wonder that before the end of January, most people become disillusioned and give up on their resolutions for that year.

I’ll give you an example. As a music educator, I have the privilege of interacting with many amazing families from all over the world, many of who, mostly, want the same thing. Well rounded children who excel in the arts as well as the sciences. They want to give their children as many skills as possible so they have options in life.

I fully understand that sentiment as a mother of three, now grown children.

What is often missing though is the parent’s understanding of how to sustain that dream over a long period of time.

The most successful music parents that I see are those who integrate the child’s music education as a lifestyle choice for the entire family. Not just for the child.

They are often within earshot of the lesson and / or practice. They regularly listen to the child’s practice and offer their suggestions or words of encouragement – you don’t have to be a trained muscian to be able to share a helpful comment!

The musical instrument is positioned in the heart of the home. Not in a dingy, underused and uderloved space which subconsciously communicates the idea that learning to play an instrument is a form of punishment.

I go into a lot more depth in this webinar – Successful Music Parenting.

In a nutshell, the less you focus on goals, and the more you focus on the systems and processes that are required for success, the more likely you will see the success you seek.

So parents, ditch the goals. Build the systems. And watch your babies soar!

My name is Kunbi Osinoiki, wife, mother, daughter and CEO of Kunbi’s Music Company.