The Good Bad Day

Every musician has good and bad days. Days when everything falls into place effortlessly and others when nothing seems to go right, no matter how hard they try. But what if we told you that both types of days—the stellar and the struggling—are equally important for growth and can teach us valuable lessons? Much like elite athletes, musicians stand to gain by embracing and learning from the "good bad day."

This concept, while seemingly paradoxical, is the foundation of resilience and adaptability. In this article, we will delve into the concept of the good bad day as inspired by the world of professional tennis and explore its implications for musicians, offering actionable insights along the way.

What Is a Good Bad Day

A "good bad day" is a term popularized by tennis coach Brad Gilbert in his book Winning Ugly. Gilbert's philosophy is that even when an athlete isn't performing at their peak, they can still win by staying in the game, adapting, and finding ways to compete. A good bad day occurs when things don’t go as planned—perhaps you're not in your best form—but you still find ways to make the most of it.

This mindset is as relevant for musicians as it is for athletes. On a day when a musician's energy is low, or they feel uninspired, they can still practice purposefully, make incremental improvements, and develop skills to better manage adversity. Let’s explore what musicians can learn from athletes who triumph even when the odds are against them.

"You learn more from the losses than the wins. If you can keep your head up after a loss, you can win any game."

- Serena Williams

Lessons for Musicians: Turning Adversity into Advantage

1. Embrace the Challenge

A good bad day is a challenge. It’s an opportunity to test your resolve, adaptability, and creativity. Just as a tennis player might alter their strategy mid-match to compensate for a weak serve, a musician can adapt their practice or performance strategies to address their current limitations.

For instance, instead of becoming frustrated by a difficult passage that won’t come together, treat it as a puzzle to solve. On days when inspiration is low, the act of simply showing up and doing the work—no matter how imperfect—builds discipline and character. Remember, the greatest growth often comes from overcoming difficulties, not avoiding them.

2. Focus on the Positives

Even on bad days, there are always small victories to celebrate. Maybe you nailed one particularly tricky run in a piece, improved your sight-reading, or simply showed up to practice despite feeling uninspired. These positives, no matter how minor, are stepping stones toward larger successes.

Professional tennis players often take comfort in small wins during challenging matches: a single well-placed shot, a rally won after a long struggle, or even forcing an opponent to make an error. Similarly, musicians can train their minds to identify and appreciate these incremental gains. This focus fosters a positive mindset and ensures continued motivation.

3. Develop Mental Toughness

Athletes know the importance of pushing through adversity, and musicians can learn to do the same. A bad day can be discouraging, but by persevering, you build mental toughness and resilience—qualities that are critical for long-term success in any field.

Rather than viewing a bad day as a failure, reframe it as an opportunity to practice patience and problem-solving. For example, if your fingers fumble on the keys or strings, focus on why it’s happening and adjust your approach. Each adjustment you make strengthens your ability to adapt under pressure.

"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."

- Nelson Mandela

Practical Applications for Musicians

The theoretical benefits of the good bad day are inspiring, but how can musicians apply these lessons practically? Here are specific strategies to incorporate into your routine:

1. Practice with Purpose

On a good bad day, set specific, achievable goals for your practice session. If a full-scale rehearsal feels overwhelming, break it down into manageable tasks. Focus on a single technical exercise, one difficult section of a piece, or refining your intonation. Purposeful practice not only maximizes productivity but also provides a sense of accomplishment even on challenging days.

For example, a violinist struggling with bowing technique could spend 15 minutes solely on bow exercises. By narrowing your focus, you make tangible progress without becoming overwhelmed by the larger picture.

2. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome

Athletes often emphasize process-oriented goals over outcome-oriented ones. Instead of fixating on winning the match, they concentrate on executing each shot with precision and consistency. Musicians can adopt a similar mindset by focusing on the process of improvement rather than the end result.

For instance, if you’re preparing for a recital and your performance isn’t shaping up as hoped, shift your attention to refining specific elements—phrasing, dynamics, or articulation. By breaking your goals into smaller, process-focused steps, you’ll see progress and remain motivated.

3. Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Tennis players know the importance of recovery, nutrition, and rest in maintaining peak performance. Musicians, who also place significant demands on their bodies and minds, must prioritize self-care. Adequate sleep, proper nutrition, and regular physical exercise can significantly enhance your focus, stamina, and overall well-being.

Additionally, take time to address mental health. Stress, anxiety, and burnout can impact performance. Incorporating mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can help you stay grounded and focused, even on tough days.

4. Analyze and Adapt

Athletes constantly analyze their performance and adapt their strategies. Musicians can benefit from a similar approach by reflecting on their practice sessions and performances. Use a journal to note what worked, what didn’t, and why. This practice will help you identify patterns and develop solutions for overcoming recurring challenges.

For instance, if you consistently struggle with tempo control during live performances, experiment with different metronome exercises or record yourself to pinpoint specific problem areas.

5. Stay in the Game

Perhaps the most important lesson from tennis players is the value of persistence. Even if you feel like you’re losing the battle on a given day, staying engaged is crucial. Show up, play the notes, and remain committed to your craft. Consistency over time yields results far greater than sporadic bursts of effort.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

- Winston Churchill

The Broader Implications: Building Resilience for Life

The lessons learned from good bad days extend far beyond music. They cultivate a mindset of resilience and adaptability that can be applied to any area of life. Whether navigating personal challenges, professional setbacks, or creative blocks, the ability to embrace adversity and keep moving forward is invaluable.

Musicians who adopt this approach will find that their good bad days are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth. The patience, problem-solving, and persistence developed in the practice room translate to confidence and competence in performance and beyond.

My Experience

I remember watching Novak Djokovic play a match. Things were not going well for him—he was losing even though he was trying his best. You could see that it just wasn’t his day. Every shot seemed difficult and not very smooth. Sometimes, just a few centimeters decided whether the shot was in or out, or whether the ball touched the line. It was simply not his day.

Then, at one point in the game, he started to take it easy. The commentator was surprised. I remember he said:

"Look at how he’s taking a step back. He’s trying to return to a position where he feels comfortable, where he can trust his shots, his muscles, his body. Look at how he’s rebuilding his confidence step by step with small adjustments."

That was a green light for me.

Don’t we face the same situation as musicians? When you're waiting to walk into a concert hall or sitting in a practice room, knowing that in just a few seconds, they will call you in for an audition—your muscles tense up, and your mind fills with thoughts and comments.

That’s the moment to take a step back—whatever that means for you. Maybe it’s doing exercises that help you focus and slowly rebuild your confidence. For me, it was playing my concerto along with a recording. Five minutes before my next audition, I put on my earphones and started playing along with the recording. I tried to enjoy the music—bar by bar, I felt myself regaining my concentration and confidence. Confidence in my playing.

I didn’t win that audition, but I went home with the feeling that, for the first time, I had the courage to present what I truly wanted. And I found a tool that helped me do it.

Conclusion

The concept of the good bad day is a powerful reminder that growth often comes from the most challenging experiences. By embracing the challenge, focusing on the positives, and refusing to give up, musicians can transform their bad days into invaluable opportunities for learning and improvement.

Practical strategies such as practicing with purpose, focusing on the process, and prioritizing self-care can help musicians navigate these days with resilience and grace. Just as tennis players win matches by adapting and staying in the game, musicians can achieve greatness by showing up and making the most of every day—good or bad.

So the next time you’re feeling off your game, remember: every good bad day is a stepping stone on the path to mastery. Take a deep breath, adjust your strategy, and keep playing. The lessons you learn today will shape the musician you become tomorrow.

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If you would like to read more about the method, I encourage you to read the book :

Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis - Lessons from a Master by Brad Gillbert