A review by composed
The Practicing Mind: Bringing Discipline and Focus into Your Life by Thomas M. Sterner
3.0
While three stars doesn't seem high, I do recommend this book to musicians specifically, for two reasons. First, because he has deep knowledge in multiple musical areas as well as (more recently) in a sport, he has some interesting observations on musical development as similar to athletic development. Second, because I completely, 100% agree that loving practice is the way to live, if you want a life in the arts. If you don't enjoy the process, at least a lot of the time, figure out a way to get into that meditative state.
The Audible book was pleasant enough, and some of the personal stories were interesting. I do want to hear more in general from people who get good at way too many things, since that's kind of my jam. However, for me this wasn't new, already aligns with how I think, and probably doesn't have the depth or specificity required to help someone who isn't already on this path.
The Audible book was pleasant enough, and some of the personal stories were interesting. I do want to hear more in general from people who get good at way too many things, since that's kind of my jam. However, for me this wasn't new, already aligns with how I think, and probably doesn't have the depth or specificity required to help someone who isn't already on this path.