‘One proficiency a year’ is a mantra I picked up from a video that inspires me greatly. It’s one of those videos we see at RealAcad and I was so inspired by it that I used to watch it practically every day during my last year in university.
I’ve picked up a couple of great maxims from it. ‘Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you’ is one of them.
I’ve proactively thought of one proficiency a year since 2009. I’ve defined proficiency as a combination of the skill picked up, an ability to admire the art and an in-depth understanding of the science. In short, the skill and the art and science of it.
2009 was the year of Bowling. That was more by accident thanks to a stroke of luck that led to me being a state runner up back home when I was fooling around at the bowling alley during vacations. More on that sometime.
2010 was the year of tennis. In reality though, 2011 was the year I really understood tennis thanks a fantastic coach who taught me a great deal in very less time.
2011 was supposed the year of the book. In reality, it became the year of blogging.
And 2012 is.. the year of the guitar.
This is my new baby! And I have been like a 3 year old child with a new toy today. I bought it with the help of my new Guitar teacher. We met at Denmark Street, a small narrow street full of musical history. It was fascinating walking around guitar shops and reading bits of history – The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Elton John, The Rolling Stones and many others bought guitars and recorded in the street. And Elton John even wrote and sang ‘Your Song’ on the roof of the building below (No.20, Denmark Street).
It’s things like this that make London very special. Pure magic and history in the middle of nowhere.
Playing the guitar has been a dream for a very long time now. I remember a conversation I had six years or so ago with a close friend – he spoke of learning the drums while I promised to learn the guitar so we could both sing and play with our friends. He did go on to keep his end of the bargain and I figured it’s better late than never on my side too.
And then I remember the moment at a Boyce Avenue concert with a friend in November. We were both discussing guitar playing being on our bucket lists. And I remember moments in the future flashing before my eyes.. and deciding that it was about time that I got this done. If not now, when?
All in all, I’m very excited after my ‘baby’s day out’ experience, as a close friend put it. While I promise to spare you the torture of watching any videos of me playing or singing, you guys will probably hear of guitar analogies, my guitar teacher and the like in the coming months. I just thought I’d warn you in advance..
So, 2012 has well and truly kicked in. I have my big personal development goal and my proficiency for the year.
Let’s hit it!
A Learning a Day 