I Wish I Could Play Piano
I’d think to myself “Boy I really wish I could do that” — and then go on with my life, under the belief that I never actually would.
The truth is, I always had the freedom to do it — just as I have the freedom to do anything — but I spent many years of my life completely unaware of it.
The day I understood that the choice was mine to make was the day I stopped wishing and started doing.
Making the choice to take action was the difficult step. Once I accomplished that, the process of improving was a simple consequence of momentum.
To help illustrate my progress, I recorded this video:
It’s an incredible feeling when you discover you can exceed your own expectations. Having experienced what this feels like, I feel obligated to try to help you make the same discovery.
I want you to know this very simple truth: You have an incredible amount of freedom.
You can do anything you want to. You can be anybody you want to be.
Before you can experience this freedom, though, you have to stop thinking “I wish I could…” and start thinking “I wish I could… and I will.“
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12 Responses to “I Wish I Could Play Piano”
Bravo!
You inspired me to practice my melodica and I can play a few songs by heart already. Next time you’re at our house ask to hear Old McDonald – it’s my favorite.
I’m very proud of you Mr. Boyd.
@Lauren
Old MacDonald, you say? I like playing that one too — though I think my favorite may be Puff the Magic Dragon 😉
@LJ
Thanks so much. I’m quite proud of myself as well. 😀
I just started learning to play piano last year after I turned 53 – I’m still at it and loving every minute that I play.
Keep it up!
@John
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I *will* keep it up — same to you!
Shaun, I’ve been reading your blog for a little while and I’ve enjoyed it! (I originally heard about it when some of your articles were aggregated @ popurls.com .)
Thrilled to see you not just talk about your piano playing, but posting a YouTube video is the way to go! While I’m no longer an actively-performing musician (hyperacusis changed that, my own story that requires motivation…), I put videos of myself playing the piano on YouTube too:
It’s a great way to share your humanity through — as they say — heart & song!
» http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=Torley
Keep leading by example and encouraging others.
How is your piano playing coming along? I’ve been thinking of taking up a new instrument but am hesitant because of my age and the fear that I’ll just give it up in a few weeks.
Thanks man you inspire me!
I wish I could play the piano too.
And I am ready to learn everything first
I know it will not be easy but I will do it!
Learning to play the piano is a challenge for mature age students. It can be difficult to find the time to practice – let alone to be able to practice enough to achieve the level of skill that may be the goal. In my experience, the focus should be on enjoying the experience and to savor the time that is available for playing and practice. The skill will develop in due course as long as you can be comfortable and enjoy playing within your limitations.
Learnng to play the piano is not easy, but is very rewarding. I am a pianist and piano tuner and it takes alot of hours of practice and dedication. But in the end, it will pay off if you try!