I Didn’t See This One Coming

A few years back, in preparation for my impending retirement, I needed a hobby. I always wanted to be a Rock and Roll God so I decided to pick up the guitar. While I had no delusions of grandeur, or groupies throwing panties at me while on stage, all I wanted to do was learn to play well. Ok … play decently. I have no musical background and even less talent.

What I did get very good at was acquiring guitars, amps, and everything in between. I didn’t see that one coming. As a byproduct of buying gear, I have also taken an interest in maintaining it and performing minor upgrades. I’ve built up a basic tool set, gathered some articles on the subject, and I have a book on order. I have little to no mechanical skills so … didn’t see this one either.

Now I have finally decided to get more serious and take some lessons from a professional. My video lessons all have something in common. I can’t ask them questions and boy … do I have questions. I told my instructor that I had no interest in music theory. Well … now I am knee deep in it and it is complex.

A friend of my instructor told him that learning music theory was more complicated than rocket science. I guess he should know since he is a rocket scientist. He’s also quite correct. I am overwhelmed, but strangely fascinated. It is coming to me albeit s l o w l y. Now I am consumed. Never, never saw this coming! Another book on order.

As a result … my hobby has definitely morphed into something much larger than anticipated. Based on family history, it’s not like I have a lot of time to realize my dreams. Regardless, I now have something that will keep me engaged until the inevitable. I find this to be somewhat comforting. It gives me purpose.

I have always had an insatiable appetite for learning. I study selling constantly, built my own websites, created an online course, and published two books, one with a publisher and one self. I taught at the university level. None of these were on my radar. Maybe I’ll build myself a guitar. Sitting still, being happy in my complacency, has never been a part of my DNA. I have always sought to stretch my abilities.

In retrospect, I should have seen all of this coming. It’s what I do. It’s what I am. My career is also at a crossroads. I should be retired, I could be retired, but I’m not. I still have things that I want to do. I’m highly competitive and I love a good challenge. As a result, I’m pursuing new markets and in new ways to do so. Life’s good! It’s also entertaining. I wish I were younger, but don’t we all?

Will I ever attain all of my goals? 50/50 at best, but I’m going to give it one helluva try. Maybe it’s the journey? After all, having a life without goals can be pretty boring. How about you? What are your goals and aspirations and what are you doing about them?

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Craig M. Jamieson

Managing Member at Adaptive Business Services

Craig M. Jamieson is a lifelong B2B salesperson, manager, owner, and a networking enthusiast. Adaptive Business Services provides solutions related to the sales professional. We are a Nimble CRM Solution Partner. Craig also conducts training and workshops primarily in social selling and communication skills. Craig is also the author of "The Small Business' Guide to Social CRM", now available on Amazon!