Hi Harpers!

Happy New Year!!

I have had a crazy Christmas ‘break’ prepping the How To Harp membership!  I am so excited to have launched, everyone is settling in and I am loving having my pod leaders around me as a team!

I hope you have all had a lovely winter break.

First week in January, first Heather’s News…it can only be about one thing really:

Goals!!

I am running a full session next weekend on goal setting in the How To Harp membership, but I just have to give some tips to all of you out there, becuase goal setting really is SO important!  Let’s dive in…

Let’s talk about SMART goals.

What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives that help you achieve more in your learning. By setting SMART goals, you can clarify your priorities, focus your efforts, and increase your chances of success.

Why are SMART Goals Important?
SMART goals are important because they provide a clear and structured framework for your harp learning. They help you to think through the details of your goals and ensure that you are making progress towards them. Also, SMART goals can help you to stay motivated and on track, as you can see the specific steps you need to take and track your progress along the way.

How to Set SMART Goals

1. Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific. Think about what you want to accomplish and be as specific as possible.
2. Measurable: Your goal should be measurable, so you can track your progress and know when you have achieved it.
3. Attainable: Your goal should be realistic and achievable, given your current level and constraints.
4. Relevant: Your goal should be relevant and aligned with your values, priorities, and long-term goals.
5. Time-bound: Your goal should have a specific deadline or time frame, so you have a sense of urgency and can stay on track.

Here are some examples of SMART goals:

• Specific: “I want to improve my sight-reading skills by reading at least one new piece of music per week for the next month.”
• Measurable: “I want to increase my practice time from 30 minutes per day to one hour per day for the next three months.”
• Attainable: “I want to participate in at least two music festivals or competitions within the next year.”
• Relevant: “I want to improve my performance skills by participating in at least two recitals this year.”
• Time-bound: “I want to memorise a full piece for my recital within the next month.”

Tips for Achieving SMART Goals

1. Write your goals down and make them visible.
2. Break your goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
3. Set deadlines for each task and track your progress.
4. Seek support and accountability from friends, family, a tutor, or your learning pod in the How To Harp Membership.
5. Celebrate your achievements and stay motivated.

By setting SMART goals, you can clarify your priorities, focus your efforts, and increase your chances of success. By following my tips, you can stay on track and make progress towards achieving your goals! 

Let’s get 2023 off to a great harping start!