07-05-2025
It took five minutes of practice a day to make me a guitarist
I loved Emily Bratt's article (The one change that worked, I could never get fit – until I tried a 40-second plank every day, 5 May) because it served as a reminder that small changes can have a transformative impact.
A year ago, at the age of 52, I started taking guitar lessons. I had always wanted to learn and had tried a few times over the years, but practising was a challenge. It always seemed too difficult and would take too much time. However, my approach this time was similar to Emily's. My guitar was always out and I committed to practise a minimum of five minutes every day. I easily had time for that, I reasoned. Over the year, five minutes has frequently become a lot more. But five minutes is my minimum.
Next week, I have my first recital. My piece will not be perfect and I'll be one of the oldest players, but I will have accomplished something.
Just do a little bit and be patient, Emily reminds us. I have come to realise, too, that whether it is five minutes of guitar practice, a 40-second plank or something else, that is the success. That is the accomplishment. That is something to celebrate. It feels good to celebrate at least one success a day.
Matthew Butte
Battle Ground, Washington, US
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