Progress is not linear

In weightlifting there’s an idea called Rate of Perceived Exertion, often abbreviated as RPE, that is used as a subjective measure of difficulty. Often people think about it in terms of “how many more reps you could’ve done.” And this can change from day to day. Your strength changes from day to day.

This means that progress, in terms of weight on the bar, is not linear.

Learning music is similar. The process is not linear.

Some days you will be better at playing or writing or singing. Some days will be a off days and you won’t be as good at those things.

Some times you’ll get great opportunities. Some times you won’t have many opportunities for a while.

These periods of time may be weeks. They may be months.

But if you look at progress over long periods of time, like years or multiple years, then you’ll be able to see if you’re making progress.

ISJ