One of the problems with the modern world is that we all get to experience the joys of comparing our playing to recordings -- which often represent "the best of the best" that's out there. We all need to learn to lighten up on ourselves a little. For example, when you watch ice skating on television, it's a handfull of Michelle Kwans and Tara Lipinskis that you see. You might be a perfectly good ice skater in your own right, but these are world-class champions -- you're bound to feel inadequate if they are the ones you're measuring yourself against.

It's good to strive for excellence, but it's also worth remembering to be kind to yourself along the way. Your playing may not yet be as good as the ideal you've set for yourself, but it also might not be as bad as you think it is.