Ever find yourself getting so wrapped up in nailing that solo or impressing an audience that you forget why you picked up the guitar in the first place? You’re not alone.

It’s easy to get distracted by the need to win—whether that’s getting likes on a post, earning compliments, or even just outshining your previous performances. But when we focus too much on the outcome, we lose sight of what really matters: the music itself.

The Trap of Needing to Win:

Imagine you’re an archer, pulling back your bow. When you’re just shooting for fun, you’re in the zone—everything flows naturally. But the moment there’s a prize on the line, like a shiny bronze or gold buckle, suddenly the nerves kick in. Your focus splits, your aim wavers, and that once-clear target starts to blur. It’s not that your skills have vanished; it’s that your mind is now caught up in the pressure of winning.

The same thing happens when we play guitar. If we’re constantly worried about being the best, or even just being good enough, our playing suffers. Our fingers might stumble, our timing might falter, and before we know it, we’re our own worst critics. The drive to “win” takes over, and we forget the real reason we play: the sheer joy of making music.

Playing for the Right Reasons:

So, what’s the solution? It’s about shifting our mindset. Instead of playing to impress, play because you love it. Sure, having goals is important—whether that’s mastering a new technique or nailing a tricky riff. But the moment we let those goals overshadow the simple pleasure of playing, we’ve lost the plot.

Julia Cameron once said that the artist’s job is to create, not to judge. This applies to us guitarists, too. Our job is to play, to explore, and to express ourselves through our instrument. Whether or not it’s “good” is almost beside the point. Our skills don’t suddenly disappear just because we’re nervous or focused on the wrong thing; what changes is our attitude and perception.

Conclusion:

At the end of the day, it’s not about how many followers you have or how many compliments you get. It’s about the connection you make through your music—the way it touches others and the satisfaction you feel from creating something genuine. So next time you pick up your guitar, try to set aside the need to win. Play from the heart, with authenticity and passion, and you’ll find that the music itself is the greatest reward.