This wonderful quote applies to the Alexander Technique. The way we think has a huge effect on how we use our bodies; if we think “getting it right” involves “trying harder,” we will use increasingly more effort turn a failure into success; we simply do more of what we’re already doing. (keep reading…)

For example, let’s say playing a difficult passage of music on the piano causes you to tighten and raise your right shoulder. You try to “relax” it, but as soon as you get to the difficult part, the same thing happens. Focusing on the shoulder isn’t working, but you keep at it - what else are you going to do?

A different approach requires thinking about the problem differently. What if more tension isn’t the answer? Or even “trying harder?” Maybe “getting it right” is the wrong way to approach a problem. 

How about thinking of your soft neck, wide shoulders or weight sinking into your sit-bones (not relaxing shoulders) as you play the passage, and expect to make a mistaker? Now there is no pressure to get it right, and you’re thinking of something else. You’re also thinking differently.