Nocturne in G Major

I know... I'm straying from the jazz theme, but I couldn't come up with another reason not to share with you this beautiful song by Frederic Chopin. This song sounds quite different from the ones I usually play, but every type of music has something in common - that is, patterns of rhythm, melody, and harmony working together.

This piece has two main themes that repeat, but they are played in many different keys. (At least this isn't a jazz song where I would have to improvise in all those keys!)

I've been working with this song for several months, as it's on RCM's highest level list of repertoire. When I finished learning the song, the next stop was my "recording studio" (a.k.a., a computer, an electric piano, and some wires), so that I could keep a record of the song and eventually post it here. Of course, even if I had the highest quality equipment and had spent years practicing the song, it still wouldn't sound perfect. That brings me to a point that might have randomly splashed over the side of my teacup, but it's still important.

Listen to the song here
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Here it is....

Don't spend too much time trying to be perfect.
Because.... you aren't.

That might sound disappointing, devaluing, or derogatory, but here's what comes next:

Instead, spend that time on self-improvement.

The point is that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you are going to fail. That brings you to a fork in the road, with two options sitting in front of you:

1. Promise yourself that you will never, ever, step out of your comfort zone again;
2. Accept your failure as the first step towards success, and then keep working hard until you achieve it.

Which way will you go? Image by Kirk Fisher from Pixabay

Most times, we're tempted to choose option one. After all, it's the safe, easy option. Noooothing could go wrong if you take it, riiiiiight? There would be no consequences of that decision.....

Put on the brakes right there! Image by Kristijan Puljek from Pixabay

While nothing could go wrong, you're also going to miss out on loads of opportunities to reach new heights. You tried to improvise on that song and failed miserably, but why does that mean that if you take time to analyze and practice the song, step by step, you still have no chance of succeeding eventually?

You know that writing weekly blog posts is going to be a big time investment, but why does that mean that if you follow through on the plans you made, and take time every week to brainstorm ideas, you still have no chance of changing hundreds of lives? Even if your first few posts aren't very professional and go unseen for a while, you're still learning much more than you would by scrolling on YouTube.

Yes, you had to scrunch up all those pieces of paper, but a fresh one is waiting for you. Image by Steve Johnson from Pixabay

By choosing option one, you're missing out on all these opportunities. Option two offers higher risks, but also higher rewards. It offers you the chance to fulfill the purpose you've been called to live for. It offers you the chance to push through big projects that could change the world, even if you feel uncomfortable at the beginning. It offers you the chance to get that A+ even if you've been struggling for even a B.

Many people I talk to don't expect me to be playing the songs you're hearing here. But, if I had stayed beneath that glass ceiling, choosing option one, then I would never be where I am now.

Stop staring up at that building and start climbing it. Image by Michael Gaida from Pixabay

 

As you fill your teacup with music today, take some time to think about this question. It's one of the most important decisions you will make in your life, because perfection is a journey, not a destination.

Which way will you go?