Is There Enough Time to Succeed

Don’t let excuses get in the way

Last Saturday, I was waiting for the bus to take me to my English class, and I was suddenly overcome with deep sadness. Nothing had really changed in my life over the last few days. In fact, just the day before, I had been filled with glee. I just completed a successful week that included finishing one month-long training project and taking the first steps on another where I will work with 150 new hires in India. I love doing training. I have been a trainer/educator in one form or another for over 25 years. In fact, I have the equivalent of a Ph.D. in adult education from all the time I spent in the classroom.

Maybe that is why I felt sad. The night before, I had a guitar lesson. I was happy that I am finally making real progress. Yet, I wondered if I have the time to be good. I mean it takes a long time to become proficient at anything.

Previously, I studied guitar on my own. I used YouTube videos and online lessons. That was ok at first, but after about a year, I stalled. I felt that I was not making meaningful progress. Now I am improving, and playing guitar is finally fun.

While waiting for the bus last Saturday morning, it hit me: I am 58 years old, and probably don’t have another 25 years to study guitar and get really good as I’ve done with professional skills training. The best I can hope for is to enjoy soloing over backing tracks and building up a small repertoire of tunes I can play for joy and personal therapy. I’ll never get to the magic 10,000 hours it takes to achieve mastery. But I can embrace trying.

I felt similarly glum when I went surfing on Monday. My knees were sore, and it seemed as if I had forgotten everything I learned previously. That left me contemplating quitting the sport. I thought back to a year ago and wondered if I was crazy to even start at my appreciated age. Then it dawned on me why I had started surfing in the first place. It was something I had always wanted to do. I believe that if I never would have tried surfing, I would have felt like I missed a thrill in life. So many times I hear people put up barriers that limit their ability to embrace life. If we go through life worried about what we can’t do and what we can’t achieve, we will lead very depressing lives. That’s not for me!

A goal without a reason is a wish.

-JB Glossinger

My mentor, JB Glossinger often states that a goal without a reason is a wish. Considering my situation, this is what I need to contemplate. Why do I want to play jazz guitar? Why do I want to surf? If the whys are big enough, then the barriers will appear small. However, if the reasons we embark on these journeys are not compelling, then the slightest distraction will blow us off course. And it could be difficult to get back on.

In my case, I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to do in surfing — spend time interacting with nature, go out in the sea on my own, read the waves, and ride them to the beach. I am not very good, but I can do those things. My whys were accomplished. With guitar, I believe I am just beginning to unlock the potential that lies inside me. The more I study the more my musical knowledge manifests itself into useful phrases and concepts. The more joyful I feel listening to or playing music. I believe, my love of music has been preparing me to play for a long time. I just never realized it.

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Yes, we are all going to die, but that is no reason to give up on our dreams no matter how old we are. After all, a little progress is better than no progress at all. And it’s better to say you tried and failed than to spend your last days wishing you had given it a shot.

I am never going to be a good surfer, but I love the water. So is there something else I can do? Sure! There are lots of water activities; stand-up-paddle-board is easier. So is swimming. Walking the beach or meditating are things anyone can enjoy near the ocean. I’ll be trying some of those next. Not defeated, I tried. There is success in that.

In closing, this is my message to you: You never know when the end will come. Lead the life you wish to live. Have some big whys and know when your last day arrives that you have lived life to the fullest. Stay motivated when times get tough, and always believe you can, until you can’t.

Your past experiences have brought you to this fork in the road. Choose the path of adventure. Then, you will never be disappointed. You will feel a lot of other feelings: frustration, joy, defeat, and enthusiasm to name a few, but never disappointment. Because you always gave it your best.

Want to learn more about how to live each day to its fullest? Contact me about coaching and mentoring programs.