Work

I am spending this week at an engineering conference.  No, it is not as boring as it sounds.  Yes, there are lots of very cool and interesting people there.  The first session I went to was what I think of as a “hero round”.  There were a few speakers who have “made it”.  That is, they are recognized as being at the top of their respective heaps (in fact, that is why they were invited to come).

They gave interesting talks that shared glimpses of challenges they have faced, how they continued to grow, what they liked best and least about working their way up.  It was fairly inspiring.  They were asked questions about glass ceilings, impediments, and pratfalls that might have befallen them.

Interestingly, their answers were similar and focused.

They both talked about the importance of doing the work.

They talked about knowing their stuff.  

About having their fundamentals firmly in hand.

About spending time to get their ducks in a row – whether they thought they had to prove themselves or if they already had command of the room.  

They also talked about the importance of continually learning. 

They talked about sometimes failing - and how much they learned in those instances.

All of those things really resonated – because no matter what you do, it matters.

Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist – it matters.

When you do the work, when you know your stuff – you are more comfortable when it’s your turn to play.  

When you do the work, you get your fundamentals in hand – and the work becomes easier.

When you do the work, continued learning is a joy and adds to your baseline.  And you learn more quickly and possibly more thoroughly.

And really – how much work is it?  We play a beautiful instrument that (at least to the people I talk to) we really enjoy playing.  Even when it’s hard.  Even when we don’t have it quite right.  Even when we think e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e else is better, more experienced, more competent than we are - we still enjoy playing.

So, keep playing.  Enjoy.  Savor learning and growing and experiencing.

Now, GET BACK TO WORK!