Things to Think About 044

“It’s as though he intentionally looked for obstacles so that he could overcome them.” Daniel Barenboim on the genius and perseverance of Beethoven.

What Daniel Barenboim, the celebrated conductor, is describing in this quote about Beethoven, is not something that applies only to geniuses and super-talented individuals. You are not born with it. You learn it all by yourself. It has a name and, best of all, it’s available to everyone of us. It involves a choice—you must choose it, and, it is what separates the wannabes from the ones who are noticed and rise to the top of whatever their profession, or role in life is. Barenboim is talking about commitment to personal growth, nothing more. His words could be used to describe someone who chose to face their fear of public speaking by giving a speech, or someone who volunteered for something they knew would be a tough assignment or project. He is talking about people who make the investment in themselves to step outside their comfort zones on a continuing basis in order to grow. Could he be talking about you, too?

Till next time…