So, how can we counterbalance this languishing when it creeps into our lives? One way is to find something meaningful and challenging that is also enjoyable in and of itself (without pressure for an outcome). Before the pandemic, Ari, a lifelong drummer, enjoyed going to play at jam sessions and connecting with like-minded musicians musically and socially and attending concerts. This joyful aspect of life was sorely missing. Around the time the languishing piece was published, Ari began taking guitar lessons after discovering the singer/rhythm guitarist from his favorite touring band was teaching lessons. Learning a new skill in your 40s is no picnic any time and certainly no easier a year into a pandemic. It was hard to focus and frustrating at times. He enjoyed the lessons, but many days didn’t have the motivation to pick up the guitar or getting better, let alone “good” just felt impossible.

The book Mastery by George Leonard transformed Ari's approach to guitar practice, turning it into a fulfilling and even meditative experience. He began to appreciate the journey of learning itself, rather than fixating on the end goal. The frustration of not learning quickly enough gradually gave way to a sense of calm focus. He found himself losing track of time as he repeated exercises, noticing subtle improvements in his technique with each passing day.

Ari discovered that by embracing the concept of "deliberate practice," he could break down complex skills into manageable chunks, much like mastering the challenging F barre chord that once seemed unattainable. This approach allowed him to experience small victories regularly, boosting his motivation and making practice sessions and lessons more enjoyable. He began to view each practice as an opportunity for growth rather than a chore, finding a meditative quality in the repetitive nature of certain exercises.

The pressure to become "good" dissipated, replaced by a genuine curiosity about the learning process itself and a joy of simply playing and having a daily routine. This newfound perspective made practicing more fun and was instrumental (pun-intended) in overcoming the languishing of Covid-19.