The Case for Frequency
It's commonly accepted that the reason that something can't be done is because there isn't enough time.
The lie: you need more time.
The truth: A small and finite chunk of time intended for a specific purpose is enough.
Share the truth with a Producer who needs to hear it.
Let's say you're a producer interested in learning music theory. If you're informed by the lie, one of two things happens:
You become overwhelmed by the task and never begin.
You attack with enthusiasm and a huge block of time, become overwhelmed by the task, and give up.
Even if it is subconscious, this leads you to believing another lie: "I guess I'm not one of those people who gets music theory."
Another truth: what you are attempting to learn is infinite.
It's important to accept this truth because it helps make clear that there is no singular start or end point. Therefore, frequency is a more useful approach.
Through frequency you pursue an infinite topic through self-defined, finite segments.
Because you appreciate the infinite game, you are not concerned with completion. That would be impossible.
What concerns you is your interest.
The Components of Frequency
Specificity of What, When, and Repetition:
What exactly are you going to study?
When exactly are you going to do it? A predefined begin and end time is best.
Repetition: How often will you repeat the What and When?
In this case:
What: Memorize the Circle of Fifths
When: 8:00 am - 8:05 am
Repetition: Monday through Friday
If five minutes sounds too easy, good. Start there and see how it feels. Adjust as needed. The goal is to pick something easily attainable as you start.
Frequency differs from The Marathon Method in that it is purely a time-bound approach. It makes no account for your feelings or your progress in relation to the larger task at hand. The success of each individual session is defined by whether or not you showed up and did what you said you would do. In this example, you are not rewarded/penalized for feeling like you know the Circle of Fifths better/worse than yesterday. If you spent 5 minutes memorizing The Circle Of Fifths, you succeeded.
Frequency works because it is action-oriented within the personal context of your schedule. Five minutes a day for thirty days is two and a half hours of focused work. Mental accumulation is as real as physical accumulation. Just like a wall, understanding is laid one brick at a time. Instead of waiting for two and a half hours to find you, begin today with the small blocks of time already available to you.
How do you mange your time? I want to know.
But, What About Deep Work?
Yes. Deep Work, or longer, focused sessions are a component of developing depth of understanding. That said, Frequency provides an access point to begin studying. In addition to being a specific method for study, it also offers the opportunity to create awareness around your schedule and interests. This awareness creates an organic path to longer AND more consistent blocks of times. Frequency is a gateway to the flywheel: We find something of interest, we want to spend more time in what interests us, and our skills or understanding improve.
But, What About Life?
Look, it's great to have plans, but life is going to life. And life will typically life in one of two ways:
Predictable: Somewhat within your control, these are pre-existing commitments and responsibilities in other parts of life. Zoom out when you define your Frequency Practice. And, instead of resisting them, allow them to inform your definitions of Frequency. Remember, the goal is not to maximize what you do, but to do what you say you will do on a consistent basis.
Unpredictable: These are beyond visibility and control. Learning to deal with these is a topic others dedicate their lives to. For us, let's learn to let this be ok in relation to missing a planned session.
Another truth: You will miss days. Accept that before you even begin. However, perfection is not the goal. I've found that a helpful question to revisit is: Are you giving up or are you on the path and had an off day?
And this is the deeper value of practicing Frequency: You become the type of person who does verses daydreams.
Go Deeper:
How do these concepts change the way you think about Production?
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