What Is the Difference Between Forward-Looking and Forward-Thinking?

By Dr. Jeannine Jordan

Webster's Dictionary defines forward-looking as "concerned with or planning for the future". A forward-looking individual is someone who is particularly focused on the future and making plans for it--someone who looks ahead. Is there a better definition of musician than that?

The actual definition of musician, one who is skilled in music, leaves out so much of who and what we are! By necessity and practicality we are forward-looking individuals. We have to be focused on the future and making plans for it. Most of us lack the qualities and skills of a Bach or Mozart and are unable to compose, perform, or teach without weeks, months, or sometimes even years of planning and preparation.

This week, the first full week of the New Year, is littered with forward-looking meetings, encounters, emails, and practice.

· As a church musician, the wonder and glory of the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany celebrations are behind me, and the forward-looking work of preparing music for Ash Wednesday, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter services has arrived.

· As a teacher, the fall series of lessons culminating with a wonderful December recital by my students is over, and the forward-looking work for preparing schedules, and making lesson plans for the next five months of sharing the joy of music with my students is here.

· As a performer, the successful presentation of our Bach and Sons and From Sea to Shining Sea organ and media events last fall are a wonderful memory, but now the forward-looking intensive practice and preparation for various concerts and a presentation of Bach and Sons with narration in German demand my immediate attention.

· As a businessperson, the government regulated demarcation between 2011 and 2012 arrived ten days ago. The forward-looking work of organizing financial details and filing taxes is a reality.

· Then there is this newsletter and my blogs and _____ (you fill in the blank). All projects requiring and demanding forward-looking attention to detail! Yes, we musicians are by necessity a group who by necessity are particularly focused on the future and making plans for it. We are forward-looking! However, are we or should we also be forward-thinking?

Forward-thinking is a term that has not yet found its way into dictionaries. It is too "new". However, much has been written about the topic and the characteristics of those who are forward-thinkers with visionaries Bill Gates and Steve Jobs topping the list of great forward-thinkers. Forward-thinking has been described as

· thinking progressively

· looking beyond the "now" and formulating strategies for future success

· asking "what's next?"

· looking ahead with an eye to improvement

· relating to the future with fresh perspectives and conscious departures which acknowledge that in this never-before-in-history time anything and everything is possible

· trying to figure out the goals of tomorrow, then trying to find the methods of tomorrow to achieve them

Becoming a forward-thinking musician is a tall order for the busy and at times, overwhelmed forward-looking musician. Is it possible to integrate the two behaviors? Some thoughts and questions to ponder as we begin anew with fresh eyes, ears, and minds this year of 2012.

· As a church musician, am I thinking progressively?

· As a teacher, am I looking ahead with an eye to improving my teaching skills?

· As a performer am I looking beyond the strictures of my instrument, the organ, and creating ways to better share this instruments and its great repertoire with my audiences?

· As a businessperson, am I able to get out of the "this is the way I have always kept the books" to finding ways to streamline this time-consuming task.

· As a writer of newsletters and blogs, am I relating to our readers with fresh perspectives and insights?

Which are you inclined to be? A forward-looking person or a forward-thinker?

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