Great post Andy. A little encouragement goes a long way.
I was just messing around the other day and was pounding out a 12 bar and just getting into it. I must've played on it for about 10 minutes or so when my grandaughter came in and yelled "WOOO HOOO PAPA! ROCK ON! YEAH BABY!" :woohoo: I know I didn't really sound very good that day but boy did she boost me up and make me want to practice more. I love that kid. (She's 9)
All of us can give a full catalog of what we do wrong when we play, but how often do we tell ourselves something positive? Sure, work on what you can't do, but don't forget to have fun with what you can do, no matter how it sounds. Encourage yourself or you will just kill your own spirit. And then where will you be?
A couple of years ago one of my nieces (14 at the time) who is an aspiring singer told me that I sound like a pro. Though I know I didn't and don't it has carried me through many a hard time. Just a little bit of appreciation can go along way.
This is one of the advantages of playing for people, the positive feedback (which most people give) is very encouraging and helps to build confidence.
Ric