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Matthew Goolsby

Inspiration and perspiration... Oy!

Updated: Aug 24, 2021


Hi folks, I hope this post finds you well. If you're counting, this is post #7 of the year.

Today's subject is a paradox of sorts. You may be wondering what inspiration and perspiration have in common?

Music Artistry, Gentle Haven Music, Web Design

Well, as a matter of fact, they have a lot in common!

If you've been watching the Olympics lately, you may know that after doing so many are inspired to give a shot at one of the sports. Usually though, most people find that without adequate training, time, and effort, they fizzle out on their inspiration.


I recently had a reader suggest that I add some more up-to-date information on this article. They provided some more recent Olympic stats since the games in Tokyo (2021) have occurred, so I thought I would fit them into the middle of this.

You may ask, what do an athlete, musician, police officer or anyone else have in common that keeps them going?

The best answer is: perspiration. I associate it with the noun: determination. The two go hand-in-hand.

Let me give you a great example. When I graduated from college with my Bachelor's Degree, there was a woman who was in her sixties. She had obviously not been able to finish it earlier in life so she stayed with it and finished off when most people are looking at retirement.

It was very inspiring to me as I was in my early twenties. In fact, I've carried that memory all of my life as inspiration to stay with my endeavors. When I've wanted to stop playing guitar, (and yes, it does happen), I've thought of people like this women who didn't quit. She stayed with it. Inspiration and perspiration won the day!

Music Artistry, Gentle Haven Music, Web Design

So what does this have to do with you and your music? Everything!

Music can be a very trying art. I've spent hours working on it and sweating at the end of a practice session because I was hot, tired, and exhausted. But I didn't give up.

My musical abilities through much practice, have opened up numerous opportunities that I wouldn't have had. If I had quit, I can't even imagine all of the people's lives and events I wouldn't have been part of.

I wouldn't have been able to play at weddings, parties, outdoor festivals, churches, camps, etc. You get the point.

My point through this post is that you need to find what your inspiration is and stick with it, literally! You never know that something you're doing could be very encouraging and inspirational to someone else. You wouldn't want to miss that would you?

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