Initial Mental Image

It is important (especially when initially learning music) to maintain an image of what your long term goal is. Without this image, most beginners are easily disheartened and give up. It is very easy to develop the idea that talent isn't learned, but that people are born with it. This idea however is complete bullshit and it is extremely counter productive to believe such obvious falsehoods. Everyone that starts to do anything new is going to suck at it, unless you won the genetic lottery, or you've already developed a related skill. Therefore maintaining an "initial mental image" will minimize the feeling of helplessness you may feel at first. I'm being vague about this "initial mental image" because it depends completely on your personal intentions. If you want to be a performer, you can envision yourself playing on stage, or whatever. Do not be discouraged by how little you can play now, improvement happens incrementally. As long as you practice frequently and with purpose (don't dick around),your progress will become tangible.