Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
I'm beginning a new chapter and this video is the first page.
We often tell ourselves we need more gear, a better plan, or more time before we can finally start that project we’ve been dreaming about. But as musicians and artists, we know the truth: there is no shortcut to putting the horn to your face.
In this video, I’m sharing my personal experience with perfectionism and why I’ve decided to stop waiting for the "perfect" moment. I’m laying out the five rules I’m using to move past resistance and actually start doing the work.
Whether you're a musician, a student, or anyone sitting on a big idea, I hope this serves as a reminder that readiness is something that is found during or after the process, not before it.
My 5 Rules for Starting:
1. Start before you’re ready
2. Make something before you consume something
3. Accept being bad at something publicly
4. Protect your attention like you protect your practice time
5. Keep showing up
What’s the one thing you’ve been putting off? Maybe it’s time to take that first step today.
--
In This Video:
00:00 - Intro sequence
00:59 - The premise
02:13 - Who am I?
02:41 - Why I didn't start?
04:46 - The core fear
06:51 - The distraction problem
10:02 - Trombone becomes metaphor
10:50 - The decision
13:22 - My advice (to myself)
13:54 - Rule #1
14:47 - Rule #2
15:56 - Rule #3
17:22 - Rule #4
18:19 - Rule #5
19:19 - Wrapping up
--
Where to find me/how to reach me:
My Website: chrishernacki.com
Facebook: facebook.com/chrishernacki
Instagram: instagram.com/chrishernacki
--
And if you are interested in studying with me at the Crane School of Music, feel free to reach out to me via email: hernaccf@potsdam.edu
I'm beginning a new chapter and this video is the first page.
We often tell ourselves we need more gear, a better plan, or more time before we can finally start that project we’ve been dreaming about. But as musicians and artists, we know the truth: there is no shortcut to putting the horn to your face.
In this video, I’m sharing my personal experience with perfectionism and why I’ve decided to stop waiting for the "perfect" moment. I’m laying out the five rules I’m using to move past resistance and actually start doing the work.
Whether you're a musician, a student, or anyone sitting on a big idea, I hope this serves as a reminder that readiness is something that is found during or after the process, not before it.
My 5 Rules for Starting:
1. Start before you’re ready
2. Make something before you consume something
3. Accept being bad at something publicly
4. Protect your attention like you protect your practice time
5. Keep showing up
What’s the one thing you’ve been putting off? Maybe it’s time to take that first step today.
--
In This Video:
00:00 - Intro sequence
00:59 - The premise
02:13 - Who am I?
02:41 - Why I didn't start?
04:46 - The core fear
06:51 - The distraction problem
10:02 - Trombone becomes metaphor
10:50 - The decision
13:22 - My advice (to myself)
13:54 - Rule #1
14:47 - Rule #2
15:56 - Rule #3
17:22 - Rule #4
18:19 - Rule #5
19:19 - Wrapping up
--
Where to find me/how to reach me:
My Website: chrishernacki.com
Facebook: facebook.com/chrishernacki
Instagram: instagram.com/chrishernacki
--
And if you are interested in studying with me at the Crane School of Music, feel free to reach out to me via email: hernaccf@potsdam.edu
