Flute 360: Episode 96: Understanding Self-Control with Dr. Jessica Alquist

Episode 96: Understanding Self-Control with Dr. Jessica Alquist

Jan 4, 2020

Flute 360 | Episode 96: “Understanding Self-Control with Dr. Jessica Alquist” (42:38)

In today’s episode, Heidi talks with Dr. Jessica Alquist about self-control. Jessica not only is a psychology professor at Texas Tech University, but she is also a flutist! Listen to today’s episode to benefit from the information, and apply it to your practice routine and any musical goal you have set for the New Year!

Episode 96 – Main Points:

0:26 – Gold Sponsor: The Resilient Self Podcast with Chris Neal, MA & LPC
1:19 – Welcome & Introduction!
1:27 – Dr. Jessica Alquist’s personal and professional background.
4:14 – Jessica shares her research and her studies.
4:50 – Working towards our long-term goals!
5:22 – Question: What is the definition of self-control?
5:30 – Jessica’s Answer
6:08 – “Being busy is not necessarily being productive.” – Heidi
7:31 – “Priorities are critical because we only have so much time and energy. To get where we are going, we have to decide what’s really important.” – Jessica
7:46 – Question: How can we as musicians create healthy habits when it comes to practicing?
7:57 – Jessica’s Answer
8:04 – Jessica shares research – listen here!
8:35 – How to create healthy habits when it comes to practicing!
9:17 – Environmental Cues
9:39 – Research on implementation intention.
10:59 – Heidi’s environmental changes from the USA to Greece.
11:25 – Expat Group: InterNations
13:30 – Topic: Self-Control
13:47 – Jessica shares research on this topic.
14:32 – Cookies and Radishes
15:51 – Heidi asks a follow-up question.
18:18 – Complete big tasks in the morning.
18:49 – Jessica shares more research about habits – listen here!
19:20 – Exam Week
20:48 – Question: How can we exert self-control when it comes to the use of our phones during practicing?
20:57 – Jessica’s Answer
24:15 – “Practicing is a lot like writing, and they are both tasks that could be drudgery if you are being interrupted constantly. But! They can be really enjoyable, freeing, and challenging if you are able to focus!” – Jessica
25:25 – Question: How do you focus on your writing being a new-time mother?
25:30 – Jessica’s Answer
26:35 – Follow-up question.
27:05 – Question: What tools can we utilize to help prioritize our day?
27:18 – Jessica’s Answer
27:27 – Topic: Multi-Tasking
27:55 – The Pomodoro Technique
28:37 – Jessica offers another tool that could help you with prioritization.
29:30 – “Treat yourself like a lazy, but a talented employee.” Jessica shares her professor’s advice
29:47 – Make your environment as pleasing as possible in order to complete your task.
30:53 – Question: If one can see the benefits of self-control, are we more likely to exert it?
31:17 – Jessica’s Answer
31:23 – Topic: Motivation
32:06 – Reward yourself through sticker charts for even the small victories!
33:44 – Reward yourself for showing up to the orchestral audition!
34:40 – Dark Chocolate & Flowers
36:08 – Question: Do you have any last thoughts for today’s discussion?
36:28 – Jessica’s Answer
37:05 – PICKS!
40:13 – Contact Dr. Jessica Alquist with any questions you may have!
45:00 – Bronze Sponsor: J&K Productions