I don't practice for a set amount of time each day, but I try to keep instruments around (excuse for UAS!
I do need one I can leave in the car...) so that when I have a gap in my schedule it's easy to get some time in. I can usually get several 10-15 minute sessions in throughout the day before even considering an active "play & practice" time.
I try to keep those practice times directed: what is it that I need to work on, and how can I work on it. At this point I mostly target three things: new chords, smooth chord changes, and strumming patterns and rhythm (love / hate Mr. Metronome!). Specific activities are generally a mix up between Uncle Rod's boot camp practice sheets (thank you sir!), playing through songs, and improvising through chord changes. Details depending on my mood and what I have at hand.
I find chords and chord changes to learn based on what gave me trouble at our weekly jam (again, thank you Uncle Rod
) or in songs that I want to learn. I note down the chords and changes that give me trouble so I can come back and work them out. Trying to learn a song well enough to record for the
Seasons of the Ukulele has really pushed my skills up, and it's a real thrill when I can find a new (to me) fingering which turns a chord change from a stopper to trivial.
At all times I try to be mindful of what I'm doing and to stay in the sweet spot where I'm pushing my skill level while still being able to play correctly. As an instructor told me:
Practice doesn't make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Perfect practice makes perfect.