Great piece today, Russ! I am a perfect example of someone who is “bad” at a number of activities, but I continue to engage in them. So, what sustains me? I am a retired experimental psychologist with a strong behavioral orientation, so I naturally look for an explanation that relies on the notion of response-reinforcement contingencies. Learning (aka getting better at something) is a powerful reinforcer. But at some point one reaches a plateau, and without any other source of reinforcement, one will cease engaging in that particular behavior (called extinction in psychological parlance). Fortunately, other sources exist and one of the most powerful ones is social reinforcement. I think of my own experience playing music in a community band (one that Russ directs). After almost four years playing with this group, my learning curve has not reached a plateau (I have a long was to go to be a good trumpet player), and I am surrounded by people I like. The same is true for my golf game (ball golf?—as opposed to disc golf), and my gardening, and my . . . So, thanks, Russ, for “trumpeting” the view that it’s good to be bad (at things).
Great perspective. Never was a good trumpet player and have little musical taken always bothered me even though I enjoyed playing. Guess that is why I stopped after high school. But glad I picked it up after 30 years and back at it. It might not sound good and struggle at times but enjoy playing and proud of every little improvement. Will keep at it knowing it won’t be great but will be enjoyable
Well said, Russ!
Great piece today, Russ! I am a perfect example of someone who is “bad” at a number of activities, but I continue to engage in them. So, what sustains me? I am a retired experimental psychologist with a strong behavioral orientation, so I naturally look for an explanation that relies on the notion of response-reinforcement contingencies. Learning (aka getting better at something) is a powerful reinforcer. But at some point one reaches a plateau, and without any other source of reinforcement, one will cease engaging in that particular behavior (called extinction in psychological parlance). Fortunately, other sources exist and one of the most powerful ones is social reinforcement. I think of my own experience playing music in a community band (one that Russ directs). After almost four years playing with this group, my learning curve has not reached a plateau (I have a long was to go to be a good trumpet player), and I am surrounded by people I like. The same is true for my golf game (ball golf?—as opposed to disc golf), and my gardening, and my . . . So, thanks, Russ, for “trumpeting” the view that it’s good to be bad (at things).
Great perspective. Never was a good trumpet player and have little musical taken always bothered me even though I enjoyed playing. Guess that is why I stopped after high school. But glad I picked it up after 30 years and back at it. It might not sound good and struggle at times but enjoy playing and proud of every little improvement. Will keep at it knowing it won’t be great but will be enjoyable