Daily Gratitude: Boy is this a valuable and key life lesson. And since we live in the day of instant gratification, it’s hard to remember. We want to learn to play the piano within 24 hours of getting one. “Practice? Why do I need to practice? Why can’t I just sit down at the piano and play like a classical master?” Think back to a baby learning to walk. The baby didn’t go from crawling and sticking its feet in its mouth to see how they tasted. They had to focus – as much as a baby can focus. They had to get up, fall down and get up again. Over and over. If they quit because they couldn’t walk the first time they tried, where would we be? Maybe cut out a picture of a baby trying to walk and put it over your piano (or wherever else you’re learning right now). Look at that baby every time you get frustrated that you haven’t yet been invited to be in the most orchestra in the world (or some other grandiose plan your mind has concocted). Small steps. Consistency and persistence is what makes you great.