Tomo Fujita Guitar Wisdom

First off, I have been subscribed to guitar wisdom for almost a year now and my progress has been amazing. Im 26 now but first picked up the guitar when I was only 10 years old. I've fallen in and out of love with the guitar through the years but I know its something that will be with me for the rest of my life. My question for Tomo is; how do you deal with the loss of inspiration at times? It's incredibly difficult not to fall into the trap of comparison and feel like you'll never be as good as you want to be.

I am a much older player so have a different perspective. I have suffered from the same inspirational cycle. I don't have much in the way of advice but you are not alone. Sometimes when I experience lulls I put the guitar away for a few days and when I pick it back up just play along with some songs or noodle around, not trying to progress, just enjoying guitar. After a few days I can get back to practicing. Not advice, just my experience.

Yes. I think that this happens to everyone from time to time. I agree with Robert that sometimes it helps to either put it down for a few days -- or just enjoy making music with it -- even if it's just a three chord tune. I think that none of use will ever master the instrument completely because it would take more than a lifetime. But I think that's part of it. Try to enjoy the steps and not necessarily the destination. I also find that listening to something inspiring helps me to want to pick up the guitar. I hope this helps. You are not alone.

Just learn someting new ... Try another style or technic you don't are familaire with. Maybe a classical song. or big shred arpeggios or country ... why not ? :)

Thank you all so much for the kind replies. I think a big part of it as well is figuring out a routine with a normal 9-5 type of job. Its hard to not get burnt out sometimes when you work all day and then only have an hour or two after dinner to actually practice. I've also been taking voice lessons for almost a year now and there's just a lot to practice on my plate.

Here is Tomo's comment:

"Thanks so much for subscribing to my Guitar Wisdom. If I am not feeling so good (not inspired to play guitar):

1) I don’t push or think too much. Just like the weather… wait until the sun shines!
2) I practice only technique, because I don’t need to think too much, but I can gain something.
3) I listen to music.
4) I just play… play something I feel…
5) I do some good cooking, take a long walk, or work out!

"There is not one correct answer. Enjoy the other things in your life! Make choices and improvise! And remember: Don't worry! Don't compare! Don't expect to progress too fast! Be kind to yourself!"

http://www.osiamo.com/Pickboy-Wisdom-Picks-by-Tomo-Fujita