Stories and Logic

"It's not like they're going to grow up to be concert pianists."

-Parents who threw in the towel getting their kids to stick to a practice routine or participate in recitals.

This quote has come up time and time again over the years. As if, because this won't be a child's career, then it's not worth putting 100% in on a weekly basis.

But is this logical, or is it a story we tell ourselves? A narrative that makes us feel better?

I mean, think about it...

Yes, most students who take piano lessons aren't aspiring to be career musicians.

But, how many sports practices and games to kids participate in every week? Are they going to grow up to be professional athletes? Or, participate on a sports team at all as an adult?

Or, how many semesters of mathematics do kids have to take? Are they going to grow up to be mathematicians?

See how the logic doesn't quite fly?

The mind loves to create narratives to help us make sense of the world. But, we have to make sure logic enters the picture. Otherwise, we lose so many opportunities without ever realizing it.

And...

Just because something won't be a long-term career doesn't mean there aren't important lessons to be learned along the way.