In life, the greatest challenge we face is with ourselves. No matter what action or thought is to be performed, ultimately, it is ourselves that gives the final "thumbs up". The greatest barrier in my life is no different except that this challenge revolves around my passions, more specifically music.
To begin, in my life there has always been a string of endless passions. However, armed with my new companion, my guitar, I sensed this time something was different. I was determined to take this newfound obsession to a higher level; this is exactly the reason why I decided to register for The Royal Conservatory of Music exam. I already had a teacher at the time and he was a funny man. David, my teacher, could easily transform a room into smiles and laughter with his endless chattering. An ecstatic man, David was the light and soul of every situation.
One lesson, I decided to inform David of my plans for the exam and immediately he was jubilant. Bouncing up and down in his chair with the force of a miniature earthquake David wished me luck but reminded me that the most important aspect of the exam was practice.
At home I disregarded David’s words of wisdom and continued on with my daily life. The exam was a month away and I still had what seemed like a lifetime to spare. Outside the air was fresh, birds chirped from the treetops and most importantly it was the weekend! I stood contemplating; I had already learned four of the five songs and had all day tomorrow as well to practice. Moments later, my room found itself alone once more.
Saturday came and left and my “practice day” took its place. Solemnly sitting on my seat, preparing for sore fingers, I looked towards my guitar. Like an eager puppy waiting to be played with, she stood patiently. Picking her up and heading back to my seat, I noticed a warm glow shining on my face. The Sun’s warm rays shone in through the crystal clear windows and as if beckoning towards me, pulled my restless will to the outdoors. I pondered for just a second before placing my guitar back down and dashed into the open air like a frantic, untamed wolf wanting to be set free.
One day about two weeks later I suddenly realized the urgency of the situation. The Sun’s rays did not warm the icy panic in my chest this time. I finally learned all my songs the day before but in particular sections, my fingers would still remain stubbornly uncooperative. However, I thought to myself, all will be set back on track when David fixes my mistakes during our lesson the following day. A while later I received an email that caused the sinking feeling in my chest to return once more.
As my heart turned as cold as ice I read, “Attention students of David. David has undergone cancer surgery and will not be able to continue the regular lessons.”
I turned towards my once eager guitar for comfort and was returned with a piercing chilled stare by six glistening strings. Without a teacher and the upcoming exam only two weeks away, waves of panic began to sweep through my body. Picking up the guitar, the frigid wood amplified the blame. Procrastination, my victorious, cunning rival had taken over.
Suddenly a warm glow, likewise of the Sun’s rays, radiated through the object in my hand. As I struck a chord, a powerful voice emanated from the six strings telling me to conjure up my remaining willpower. As if fused into one, my guitar and I spent the next two weeks working towards our mutual goal. Two weeks later, I passed my exam.
In conclusion, although from the very beginning I was aware of the limited timeframe, the sly procrastinator from within coaxed my willpower and almost succeeded in taking complete control. This mischievous rival as I realized was none other than myself. Therefore the only challenge is to overcome your own self and stay true to the goal like an arrow streaking towards its target. Despite the fact that exterior forces like David may be able to provide assistance, this support is minute. Only the ability to persuade willpower can help you overcome the challenges being faced. Once the barrier surrounding willpower is broken, the greatest complication in life is therefore removed and all other ambitions will become simple to achieve.
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