Small habits, small changes, and one little thing you do differently daily can make a huge difference.

Yes, while that’s one way of looking at perseverance, another angle is to keep going no matter what obstacles occur. This can be in any number of different situations.

As some of you know, the previous post that I had written, all about rest, was sadly lost to the internet void after a viral attack. Yes, it was disappointing as I had worked hard on that particular post as I always do. Thankfully, I have tech wizard friends who helped me restore the site. This was a huge relief to say the least! I want to reassure you that I am fully committed to this blog and will continue to provide valuable content. Thank you for your continued support.

So, you’re deeply involved in a project, be it artistic, musical, or any other creative pursuit. You’re making progress, but you’re also aware that there’s potential for so much more. No matter how much you practice, you feel like you’re not reaching your full potential. This is where discipline and perseverance become your allies. The more you dedicate yourself to your craft, the more you’ll see your efforts pay off. As Albert Einstein once said:

Take the gym as a good example and one I have direct experience with! Results, meaning toned physique, bigger muscles, more flexibility, etc., don’t happen within the first week of working out. However, what does happen is increased endorphins! Genuinely, though, the only way to achieve these benefits is by sticking with your workout plan and, if possible, getting advice and help from a Personal Trainer (not essential, but very useful!). The more workouts you complete, the more protein shakes you consume, the more sleep you get, etc., the better the results will be.

Personally, at the gym, I’m delighted to see my weights progressing. However, I’m also mindful of the areas that need my attention-my balance and the tightness in my hamstrings. These are not setbacks, but rather opportunities for improvement. Each session presents me with the chance to enhance my balance and flexibility, and I’m excited to see the progress I can make.

It’s a paradox, isn’t it? If everyone had the perfect physique and nothing ‘wrong,’ then gyms would have no need to exist. But we are all different, with unique spines, musculature, and fitness journeys. That’s why we all have different reasons to work out. Read the Shadows blog I wrote to get another perspective on why lifting is great for dealing with your dark side.

Returning to the world of artistic projects, we encounter these famous paintings in art galleries. We stand in awe of them and are willing to pay a premium just to catch a glimpse of the Mona Lisa or Sunflowers.

But have you ever paused to consider the journey behind these masterpieces? How many attempts did it take? How many times did these revered artists stumble and fall? Why did they persist? Was it merely for the pleasure of thousands of tourists gazing at a bit of paint on a canvas? I believe it’s much more than that—it’s the profound need and desire to self-express. In essence, they were being authentic, and this, my friends, is the epitome of perseverance and the utmost respect for authenticity!

Embracing The Process:

Time to go deeper! Couldn’t be me at all, actually, guilty as charged! Let’s take for example, learning to drive. It may seem easy, but the best way to approach it is to start small. Whether you’re driving a manual or automatic, even if for your first lesson you just drive around a car park, that is still a good start. I started lessons at 17 but wasn’t ready mentally then or mature enough.

Never let something like this deter you from completing the lessons. Messing up is part of the learning process. It helped me not to want to be a perfectionist all the time and embrace my mistakes.

Stepping onto the motorway/dual carriageway for the first time is a significant milestone in your driving journey. Take a deep breath and have faith! Your instructor is there to help, providing you with the support and guidance you need. There will come a point, after the lessons and passed test, where driving will become second nature and you will wonder what there was to worry about. You’re not alone in this journey.

I’ve realised that if you feel stupid doing something for the first time, then it means learning is happening. Embrace it! This is a good thing. Nobody suddenly becomes a professional overnight.

Another recent example for me, is learning and writing new keyboard parts for my band’s first song. It’s been a journey, and I’ve felt a bit out of my depth during our writing session, as this whole band experience is new to me. But now, we have the basis for a great first song, a testament to the progress we’ve made. It’s a reminder to keep going through those feelings, but not to let them define me.

Never too late:

It doesn’t matter what your age is, never think that you have left it too late to do anything. Take all of this on board and I hope it helps in a small way. We are all amazing people capable of great accomplishments, we just need a reminder now and then to recognise our own inner strength sometimes.

I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing Christmas, and see you all in the New Year!