Make it convenient!
David's most recent post about practic habits is right on the money. (See https://www.bluesharmonica.com/practice_tip_convenience#comment-form) For many years I've taught ukulele, to groups and individuals. New players sometimes ask, "Now that I've got a uke, what's the most important accessory to buy first?" Often they're thinking of a tuner ... or a case ... or a shoulder strap. I tell them to pick up a good wall hanger or stand for their instrument, and to be sure to leave the uke out where they can pick it up right away each time they come home. Too often a new student worries about their instrument, and regularly put it in a case, that they then put in the back of a closet. Do you have a nice holder or tray for your harps, where they're always out, ready to play? In a room where you can go any time and start playing? Without having to ask your kids to turn off the TV and go somewhere else in the house? Or ask your husband or wife to take a break from his or her rebuiding a Triumph motorcyle engine so you can use the room to practice?
I have a couple of these. Generally described as "Music Stand Ukulele/Mandolin Hangar," and available at all of your least-favorite big-corporation big-box guitar stores. They work great for banjos, ukuleles, mandolins, and ... harmonica mics!
Yes! That's so true!
I also recommend book "atomic habits" which is about how we form habits, and how to make good habits more enjoyable and more likely done.
I started to use strategies I learned in this book and I've increased time, regularity and enjoyment of my harmonica practice!
Billy_Johnson: With all of the study and practice materials that David has reviewed and used in his own teaching, you might ask him in the "Ask Instructor David Barrett" Forum if he's familiar with James Clear's Atomic Habits. Thanks for the tip about this book. It looks as if it's gotten really mixed reviews, i.e., readers either really, really like it, or they definitely don't like it. I've put myself on the waiting list for it from our local public library, and once I've read it I'll post something. It may be a while, though. While the library has multiple copies, it appears that there are a lot of folks ahead of me. Which must mean that the book has garnered some popularity.
The Little Book of Talent by Daniel Coyle
Coyle's earlier book, The Talent Code, tho' some of the brain science in it is a tad scary. But excellent suggestion, Winslow.
A Ukelele hanger screwed to a mic stand also makes a great harp mic holder for quick grab-and-put-back while onstage