Finding Your Way
Every summer I continue to work on my golf swing, and through every issue I see the exact parallel to working on music. We are here, but we need to go there. A gap exists between where we’re at and where we need to be.
Like crossing a stream you’re going to have to find some rocks to walk on and make it over to the other side.
Both golf and music come down to the same basic premise which radiates through all skills in life: your ability to be consistent at “doing the thing”.
If I can play a piece of music well one time, but the next time I keep flopping in the middle section, I technically cannot play this piece of music. It was a nice try, but I have a lot of work to do.
If you cannot consistently hit a ball down the middle with a good amount of distance, you are unfortunately not in the running to play the sport competitively.
However, challenges are not things to run away from but they give you the curriculum. All challenges in life give you something to work on for yourself.
And in both activities mentioned above, there is “a way” to do things. That means there are 100 ways to skin a cat, but you need to find the one that works for you.
Mastering a skill is about finding your unique approach to how you do things. You can start by modeling professionals, but at some point, you break away and become your own individual. This is the Miles Davis moment when he broke away from
Three Ideas from My Notebooks
A friend recently told me that they planned a trip for their family meticulously, and no one seemed to notice how smoothly it went. I told her that they would only notice if something went wrong. This is a good metaphor for our lives, we take for granted how good everything is, and small disruptions can make it feel like nothing’s working out. Try not to live this way.
Instead of seeking status, seek to work on yourself instead. Impress the past versions of yourself. Trying to impress other people will leave you empty. The thrill of attaining objects or awards will be gone quickly. However, the relationship with your inner self is what will persist throughout your lifetime. You impress your past self by finding challenges that make you uncomfortable and going after them rather than staring at your phone on the couch as little as possible.
Spending money is literally the opposite of earning it, not just because money is going out of your account but because of how much time and effort it takes to shop for new things. If you have money to spend, it becomes your job to blow it, so make sure you spend it on things that will keep moving you forward toward your goals, and not in a delusional way.
Music Recommendation: Tigran Hamasyan
I tend to like to recommend music that anyone can appreciate but I was excited to find this progressive jazz artist this week so you’re going a bit outside with me. This piece by Tigran Hamasyan is in the time signature of 21, so clearly this is showing off but it’s awesome.
Great comment on the YouTube video.
Tigran wants us to think this is just a piece of music but he's actually giving his home planet the signal to begin the invasion.
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On a long weekend you get to eat extra bagels. We are celebrating my niece’s birthday today over a platter of bagels so let’s get to it!
Elliott
Great, weird find from Missy: