Practicing Isn’t Working? – What You’re Missing and How to Fix It

Mind Over Finger: The Alignment Shift That Changes Everything

If you've ever walked into the practice room, played the same passage a dozen times, and left wondering why nothing's sticking, you're not alone. So many of us were taught that more reps equal better results. But what if the quality of attention we bring into those reps is the real game-changer?

In episode 231 of The Mind Over Finger Podcast, we explored the first “Practice Room Superpower” of the Reset and Rise summer series: Mind Over Finger and why putting your mind before your hands might be the most powerful shift you can make.

Let’s unpack what that really means, and how it can start transforming your playing right now.

What is “Mind Over Finger”?

Mind Over Finger is all about alignment. Before your body moves, your mind needs to be clear. Not just intellectually, but emotionally and mentally, too.

It means:

• Knowing what you’re trying to achieve before you play

• Being curious and analytical instead of reactive and rushed

• Using your brain as your primary practice tool

This isn’t just theory. It’s supported by neuroscience, specifically, the process of myelination.

Every time you repeat something with awareness, your brain wraps those neural circuits in insulation, making them faster and more reliable. But when you repeat something without awareness, you’re strengthening poor habits.

So if you're practicing a shift mindlessly, you're not building skill: you're reinforcing the mistake.

Why This Matters So Much

When you lead with mental clarity, your reps become more efficient. Your progress feels meaningful. And most importantly, you stop wasting time.

Here’s what it can do for you:

• Speed up technical learning

• Reduce frustration and mental fatigue

• Build confidence through intentional reps

• Create a more joyful and engaging practice experience

How to Practice With Mind Over Finger

This approach isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence.

Here are some simple, actionable ways to bring Mind Over Finger into your practice this week:

1. Set a Clear Intention

Before you play a passage, pause and ask: What do I want to accomplish with this rep?

2. Gather the Data

Use your eyes, ears, and body. Notice what’s on the page. Listen to your sound. Feel your movement. Get curious before you act.

3. Be a Detective

Ask questions like:

• What is working here?

• What exactly isn’t?

• What’s another way I could approach this?

4. Each Rep Should Deliver

Every repetition should give you either improvement or insight. If it’s not doing either, it’s time to adjust.

5. Use the Deep Practice Mindsets

Engage two core elements from my Deep Practice Model:

• Bare Awareness: Stay fully present with what’s happening

• Beginner’s Mind: Let go of assumptions and approach the passage with curiosity

A Quick Example: The Shift That Won’t Land

Let’s say you’re working on a tough shift. Maybe you’ve played it 30 times and it still feels inconsistent.

Here’s the Mind Over Finger approach:

• Stop the cycle of blind repetition

• Look at the shift carefully: notes, positions, fingering

• Hear the destination pitch clearly in your mind

• Ask: what movement or preparation is breaking down?

• Try a targeted strategy based on what you observed

Suddenly, you’re not just hoping it gets better: you’re guiding it to improve.

Reflect on This Week’s Practice

Ask yourself:

• What happens when I practice without thinking?

• What does it feel like to be fully present in the practice room?

• What keeps me curious, alert, and engaged while I work?

These questions can shift your entire experience.

Want to Build a Full System Around This?

If you're ready to hit the ground running come September, Practicing for Peak Performance is your blueprint.

This step-by-step course gives you the exact system to practice smarter, perform with confidence, and build unstoppable momentum. Enroll this summer and get bonus access to

The Performance Anxiety Solution — free.

👉 Start now at www.mindoverfinger.com/ppp