WRITE!

For about three decades I was a writer. I wrote music. I painted pictures with sounds. That was before I started painting pictures with words. Both have been seemingly right for me.

???????????The first mentoring I ever received about writing music was from an incredible writer and leader who eventually became a friend and mentor. He was Senior Master Sergeant Norm Charpentier. He was the “typical” musician. Great player and leader. Trombonist. He had stories for most topics and used many descriptive words when sharing them. He was a great music arranger/writer.

???????????I quickly became his student. His first and best, still powerful, lesson looked something like this:

???????????Me: Norm, I want to be a writer. A good one, like you. What do I need to do?????????

???????????Norm: Write.???

??????????Me: Yes, that’s what I want to do. How do I get to be good.

??????????Norm: Write.

??????????Me (getting frustrated): Yes! That’s what I’m asking. How do I become a good?writer?

???????????Norm (frustrated as well) as he walks away: Write!

You see, all this time I thought Norm was saying “RIGHT!” Not so. He was answering my question. There are three lessons here. First, ensure that you’re communicating by using language that your listener is sure to understand. I’m not blaming Norm. He was just in a succinct mood during that conversation. Secondly, listen for meaning, not just words. I thought I was hearing what I was hearing but it turned out I was hearing something different than what Norm was saying. Sounded the same to me. Thirdly, if you want to get good at something, it takes practice. Do it! Eventually, you’ll get better, or at least good enough to seek further training. I did. I wrote a lot of music for about four decades. I won’t say I became good at it, that might seem egotistic of me. The folks who played my music would have to decide that, along with those who heard it. But I stayed employed doing it, so I must have been, at least, decent.

INSIGHT: Whatever it is you aspire to do, even become. Don’t be afraid to try. Do your best at it. Seek help and keep trying. RIGHT?!

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