462 - Train Your Brain to Practice Better (Dojo Conversations Episode 132)

Ever find yourself stopping cold after making a mistake while you're playing?

In this episode, Andrew and Jim dig into what it really takes to master bagpipe tunes – especially when things don’t go perfectly. They chat about why stopping every time you make a mistake can actually hold you back, and how finishing what you start (even if it's messy) leads to better progress in the long run.

Along the way, they share stories from their own musical journeys – including a few childhood recital flashbacks – and reflect on lessons learned from some of the top pipers in the world.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a loop of restarts or frustrated by your own mistakes, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder to persevere, stay out of the ruts, and trust the process – even when it’s not perfect.

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Here's what we cover this week:
00:00 Internet Woes and Dojo U
01:05 Teaching Technology to Seniors
01:46 Podcasting from Afar
02:01 The Struggles of Internet Service Providers
03:27 A Frustrating Call with Spectrum
05:32 Commitment to Learning and Practice
07:56 The Importance of Finishing What You Start
12:46 Effective Practice Strategies
17:22 Addressing Mistakes in Performances
18:25 The Concept of Ruts and Feedback Loops
19:17 Forming Good Habits in Practice
19:43 Treating Your Brain Like a Baby
21:19 The Problem with Fixating on Mistakes
26:36 Balancing Practice Sessions
28:37 Pipe Band Practice Strategies
29:22 Reflections on Leadership in Pipe Bands
31:16 Concluding Thoughts on Practice and Performance