"How do I stay motivated? Progress feels so slow and hopeless."
Jun 26, 2024
Hi everyone, I’m Renée, your gender-affirming voice teacher, and today, we're addressing a question that resonates with many: How to stay motivated when progress feels incredibly slow and even hopeless.
First, let me validate this experience—progress is slow. This isn't just a feeling. In voice work—whether for transitioning, singing, or acting—progress often moves at a glacial pace. It's so gradual that it can be hard to see your improvements, leading to frustration and hopelessness.
However, there's a silver lining. One day, you'll suddenly notice you've improved, even if you can't pinpoint exactly when it happened. Until that day comes, let's explore ways to maintain your motivation.
Strategies to Stay Motivated
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Reward Yourself for Practicing
Waiting for the ultimate reward of achieving your voice goals can be discouraging if it takes a long time. Instead, make practicing itself rewarding. Use apps like Habitica to gamify your sessions, or promise yourself a treat for every three practice sessions. By rewarding your practice, you train your brain to enjoy it, boosting your motivation.
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Compress Time Through Recordings
Daily changes are often imperceptible, so let's use recordings to see the bigger picture. Record your voice weekly or a few times a month. This spacing helps you notice the progress you've made over time, counteracting the slow day-to-day perception.
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Track Your Feelings
If listening to your recordings is too triggering, consider tracking your feelings about your voice over time. We often give more weight to negative emotions, so logging your feelings can provide a more balanced perspective. Plus, I have a free tracking resource available to help you with this.
Share Your Insights
Do you have other tips for staying motivated? Please share them in the comments on YouTube—I’d love to hear what works for you! Remember, each practice session is a step forward, even if it doesn't feel that way right now.
Stay strong and keep working on your voice. Your progress is happening, even if it’s hard to see. 🌟
