Are you satisfied with your own playing?

[Gene Oh]

I have been trying to upload one song a month to YouTube so that I may "keep it up"(quoting Age's words) in my harmonica journey.
However, I have been scarcely satisfied with my playing when I listen to my recorded tune despite a ton of practice.
Is it the same for most of you, or does it apply to me only? I have been kissing this thing(Chromatic harmonica) for over 5 years now.

https://youtu.be/2qm5ieGyJ8k?si=z8uTCOOP0Vm8c-Ur

1) Backing track's speed and key: 𝅘𝅥=87, F>Gb>G>Ab
2) Techniques attempted: single, vibrato, octave chords, octave chords with bass
3) Video: This time, I captured the scenery of Sequoia National Park in the United States. I heard that the tallest tree is 83 meters high.
I deeply thank everyone who will listen to my humble performance.
Gene from NZ

[Age]

That's a complicated question, and IMO the the answer is both yes and no.

"Personal Progress" is always a thrill, regardless of how long it takes to realize it. Does it bring satisfaction? Absolutely! The sad part is that WE are the only ones who ever appreciate it to the level of being a thrill. Folks around us may say in passing: "You're getting better" and they quickly move on without as much as a thought. That's because they're casually watching our "journey" from outside, because they have no real "investment" in it like we do. We may say something like: "But you don't understand; I've never been able to play that before!" , to which they say. "Good for you!" Not that they don't give a rip; they just aren't "personally invested" so they're never gunna be as thrilled with the "dividends" as we are.

So, while we can be thrilled to pieces with what we've learned/accomplished music-wise, we should still never be satisfied. Satisfaction leads to complacency. Kids training for the Olympics never quit training just cuz they feel they're good enough to win. No! Wanting to "destroy" the competition is what makes them wring every ounce of performance out of their bodies. They train as though they're gunna die the day after they win, and looking forward just to this years Olympics, they don't really care.

So, in short, NO, never be satisfied if you wanna be the best you can be. Just like your walk with the Lord, Gene; it keeps getting better because you know in your heart: He's always got more for you, and if you're a genuine believer, you want it!

I'm satisfied with my progress, but that satisfaction is just "surface satisfaction" and just knowing that "I actually did it" only tells me that I can do even more, so I want that too. Which means I guess I ain't satisfied.

[brorat]

I'm VERY satisfied with where I am versus where I was.
I'm not satisfied at all with where I am versus where I can be!

[Age]

I'm VERY satisfied with where I am versus where I was.
I'm not satisfied at all with where I am versus where I can be!

Bingo, Douglas!!

[Age]

Satisfaction is a moving target. (as it should be)
Kinda like "old."  After 50, "old" is always 10 years "further along" than we are. Now, I don't consider anyone under 90 as old. When someone passes away who was younger than me, (like this from yesterday: "Lou Dobbs, Conservative Pundit and Fox Business Host, Dies at 78" I think like "That's a shame; he was justa kid!"

[Gene Oh]

Hi Age and Doug,
As always, both of you are so kind! I appreciate your nice comments. I will try enjoying what I do instead of seeking progress. I need to play being conscious of one audience - God.
Gene

[Age]

Yeah, just change your audience.
 
I met Doris Akers in Columbus, Ohio in 1971 (the sister who wrote "There's a Sweet Sweet Spirit in this Place") and we remained friends till her death in 1995) We were at a huge tent revival with over 2000 people in attendance. When I told her what I played, she insisted that I play for THAT congregation. Gulp!!

Before I went up to play, she asked: "You're a little nervous, ain't ya Honey?"  I answered "Oh yeah!" She said, "Just close your eyes and forget about all those people, cuz they ain't who you're playin' for anyway; just play for Jesus." so that's just what I did, and sure enough, the crowd seemed to disappear. I think some call that "re-direction" or something, but it definitely works.