What’s Your Piano Man?

This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. In fact, I first put this question to one of my classmates back in grad school almost twenty years ago. “What’s your Piano Man?” At the time, he didn’t know what I was talking about. And right now, you might be a little confused yourself. Let me explain.

I had just watched an excerpt from a concert at Madison Square Garden with Billy Joel singing Piano Man to a packed audience. More accurately, it was almost 20,000 people and Billy Joel singing the song in unison. Maybe it was the iconic nature of the song that got me thinking… after all, in a lot of ways, Billy Joel is that song. But I was struck by the way one person’s work could touch so many people and really matter to them. The way thousands of strangers in MSG had been instantly connected by what Billy Joel was doing up on stage—by something he had created. Then I wondered, what if he had never written that song? For that matter, what if he had never become a musician?

Choosing a different road would certainly have been understandable. Regardless of talent, it’s nearly impossible, when looking through a purely statistical lens, to “make it” as a musician, let alone become one of the greats. But it’s not our abilities that determine what we do. It’s our choices.

Billy Joel chose to be a musician. He had the desire to create and the courage to listen to what was inside of him. Despite the long odds and the even longer road ahead, he pursued his passion to become an artist — to write songs and share them with audiences. I’m sure Billy Joel could have successfully pursued many jobs outside of music.  But I’m equally certain there is only one job that could have led him to greatness. Only one path that led to Piano Man.

This is not a story about Billy Joel. The point is, each and every one of us can be world-class in something. We all have our own version of “Piano Man” inside of us, waiting to come out. So, what gets in the way? The answer is life and the choices we make. Sometimes we seek job security. Other times, we see significant financial rewards in a specific career path. And sometimes we simply do not know what to do next. To highlight only a few.

I have found myself in each of these scenarios. Most of us have. It’s the norm. It takes courage to pursue a goal born out of passion. Over the years, I’ve continued to ask myself “What is my Piano Man?” This question has always been followed up by the equally important question: “Do I have the courage to listen for the answer, and the ability to act on it?”

For me, the journey has been circuitous. But with each step, I tried to listen to myself and gather a few more of pieces of the infinite jigsaw puzzle that makes up the image of our lives. It has taken me nearly twenty years of different experiences to put my picture together. The picture tells the story of someone who thrives on relationships, making connections with people, learning about them, and having a positive impact on their lives. I find myself filled with energy for what I’m doing—energy I need to share.

Each of us has greatness inside us. When we pursue that which rings loud and clear from inside, we are more likely to excel, be world class, and be great, however it may be defined. Why? Because it’s not work. The passion is there. The creativity flows. During runs. In the car. While sleeping! It emerges everywhere and anywhere. In addition, the energy emitted is palpable, infectious, and triggers events that wouldn’t otherwise happen. And the confidence is unshakable. Periods of doubt, while always present, become more fleeting. These are the ingredients that great achievements are made of.

So, I’ll ask you what I asked my classmate all those years ago. This time with a bit more context. What’s the big idea in the back of your brain, in your gut, or in your heart that needs to be heard? What’s the passion that’s going to fuel your great success, and what will success look like for you?

What’s Your Piano Man?

Matt Spielman is the Founder and Managing Director of Inflection Point Partners.  Matt's work focuses on career management, leadership development, and team performance. He gets energy from helping people realize their purpose and potential, and having a positive impact on lives and careers.

 Follow Matt on Twitter for more: @mspielman