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Jackie Ralston's avatar

Great stories and very wise words, Geoff! Much appreciated today.

I practiced karate for 8+ years, and found it much the same. Especially as an older woman in a male-heavy dojo (and later the only woman in the dojo), there were always many people with more strength and physical endurance than I had. But I was fiercely tenacious, and I worked my ass off to show everyone else that I was *not* to be taken lightly. According to my son (who trained there too, and got to hear all the locker-room talk before and after class), I succeeded. A good reminder for me in my job search.

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Kevin Robbins's avatar

Taking up guitar in my middle 60’s requires me to have an interest in how to learn how to play. Highly recommend the book “The Little Book of Talent” by Daniel Coyle. It has 52 great tips on learning. Mostly all applicable. His “Talent Code” is a wonderful book, too. He goes around the world to these breeding grounds for talented individuals: soccer in Brazil, tennis in Russia, and on.

I’m taking online lessons with Tomas Michaud who is the most beautiful and gracious man. He recommended “Mastery” by George Leonard to me. That’s a fantastic book about just getting on the path to being a master and loving the plateaus and embracing being the fool.

I don’t mind that I’ll never be equal to Chet Atkins or Tommy Emmanuel. I’m just enjoying my own journey.

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