May 15, 2019 by Klaus Crow
Photo by cesar bojorquez
Every year I think about new resolutions. I get excited and want to do better in the next year, always looking for a new challenge.
I also evaluate what I have accomplished, experienced or how much I have grown.
I can look back with awesomeness.
In May my son Vince was born (he is really into guitars already), I spend more time practicing guitar and learned a lot of new stuff, Guitarhabits has grown rapidly and I really love the feedback I got from everybody, I started a new blog about simplicity, reduced and downsized a lot of my stuff, I have become an early riser (I wake up at 5 am) and enjoy teaching guitar as a profession at home.
This year I want to spent less time on the internet, simplify more and worry less about achieving goals.
I want to focus mainly on teaching and practicing guitar, Guitarhabits, meditation, running/walking and spending time with my family.
For those who are new to the blog I hear you, what’s up with all that simplifying stuff Klaus?
Well here’s how you can make great use of this simplifying stuff and stick to your new years guitar resolutions:
Downsize your goals
Choose as few goals as possible. For some people it’s the hardest thing to do. If you have too many goals you will lose focus and it will be at the expense of your most important goal. Concentrate on the most important one. Downsizing your goals makes life easier, more productive and more fun.
Reduce your stuff
Getting rid of stuff makes you realize what is truly important, it will save you time in maintenance, repairs, moving it around and being distracted by it.
Reduce your stuff, use what is really important and make the most of it.
Eliminate and clear distractions
Limit the constant supply and access to digital data. Reduce the time you spent looking at a screen. Make less use of Twitter, Facebook and surfing around the net. Notice how much it occupies your precious time.
Eliminate emails by unsubscribing to advertisement, use spamfilters, respond with shorter emails or try not to respond at all. Clear every possible distraction that keeps you from
realizing your dream goal or following your true passion. Turn of the TV, your Ipad, Iphone or Iwhatever.
Focus on learning and creating.
Keep simplifying
Simplifying is an ongoing process. With every step you take to simplify you’ll reap the benefits and you will experience how it will enhance your life.
Keep thinking about how you can simplify more. More simplifying means more time to play guitar and listening to music.
Thanks and cheers to a new year!
Klaus
Hoi Klaus,
Wederom een goed stuk! Top dat je je op mooie, goeie en belangrijke dingen richt. Het woord “eliminieren” wordt hier nog steeds regelmatig gebruikt. Ons huis wordt steeds ruimer ;-). Eén van mijn goede voornemens is om weer eens met jou en Theo een avondje bij te kletsen, met of zonder instrumenten. Moet gaan lukken.
Veel plezier, geluk en gezondheid met Annie, Nienke en Vince.
Groetjes ook aan Annie!
John, Miranda, Lisa en Jasper
This is great advice. I have been trying to streamline my life and your article provided timely reinforcement. Letting go of habits and possessions is never easy, but laying down burdens that get in the way of creativity is essential to growth as an artist.
btw: I don’t play guitar but I still enjoy reading guitarhabits and find a lot of useful tips and advice. I’ve drawn inspiration for cello solos from some of the guitar discussions too.
Always inspirational Klaus! I’m in the learning/creating mode myself right now, it’s amazing how many distractions there are that keep me far from what I know brings me great joy, inspiration, and fulfillment – music. I’ve made a commitment to myself to explore deeper the styles of playing I’m most drawn to, so far it’s been incredible. Thanks for sharing and teaching!
Hey John,
Great to hear you simplifying. :)
What a great idea. Let’s pick a date. Let me know what time or day is good for you.
Always a pleasure!
Klaus Crow
Hi Sheila,
Keep removing those distractions out of your face. Learn the difference between a new opportunity or just another distraction on your path to following your passion.
Simplify, focus, stick with learning and creating and you’ll be a winner!
Klaus Crow
Hi Cat,
You’re right! Once those possessions are unconsciously turning into burdens it’s time to cut the cord.
I’ve just sold my drum kit because it took up a lot of space, it distracted me and I didn’t play it anymore.
It was tough but ultimately I felt relieved.
I just want to focus on playing guitar.
Klaus Crow
Hey, I just recently stumbled upon your site looking for techniques to help improve my guitar playing. Coming across this post I actually printed out what is written here and have stuck it on my wall. It is invaluable information, and I agree wholeheartedly every word you have written; which not only applies to guitar playing, however everything!!
I’ll ensure that I forward this to a couple of my friends too!!
thank you klaus…..im the newbie of guitar player….thats great advice for me….^.^
Hi I agree. That choose few goals is important if you do not want to lose your focus. I think many people go wrong when they try to do as many things as possible at the same time. As you say. Keep it simple.