That’s right, I chose to learn one of the hardest instruments out there. This isn’t just about blowing air through it and pressing some keys; it’s about developing strength, endurance, finger speed, articulation, sound control, flexibility, and even learning to “sing” the notes until I find my own unique sound.

To achieve all of this, I need more than just passion, I need proper guidance, discipline, and a willingness to stick to the fundamentals. It’s tempting to skip the basics and jump straight into playing songs that sound cool, but without mastering the foundations, those tunes won’t sound right. Sure, the “boring stuff” can be tedious, but it’s necessary. I’m not aiming to become a professional musician, but if I’ve chosen to do this, I want to do it well. And doing it well means trusting the process, even when it feels slow.

This approach is the same in fitness. I’ve had clients ask me, “Why aren’t we bench pressing yet?” My answer is always the same: “Because we’re not there yet.” If someone walks into my gym with rounded shoulders, tight pectoral muscles, and a back that’s been neglected, putting a barbell on them for a bench press isn’t going to help, it’s going to make things worse. Instead, I’ll have them focus on foundational exercises like push-ups or dumbbell presses, combined with plenty of mobilisation, stretching the chest, and strengthening the back.

It’s human nature to want to skip ahead and do the flashy, impressive stuff. Whether it’s playing complex tunes on an instrument or lifting heavy weights, we’re often drawn to the things that look advanced. But real progress comes from mastering the basics first. Without a solid foundation, the advanced stuff either doesn’t work or leads to injury and frustration.

The key to success, whether in music, fitness, or any other skill – is patience and trust. Just like I trust my teacher when he tells me to focus on the fundamentals, I ask my clients to trust me when I guide them through the less glamorous but essential exercises. When there’s trust, you’re more likely to do what’s needed, even if it’s not exciting.

Ultimately, it’s about understanding that mastery isn’t about doing everything at once or jumping straight into advanced techniques. It’s about showing up consistently, putting in the work, and being patient enough to build something solid. Whether it’s learning an instrument or improving your body, progress happens when you commit to doing the small things well, day after day.

So, whether I’m practicing my instrument or guiding a client through a workout, my goal is the same: to do it right, to do it well, and to trust that with time, effort, and the right guidance, the results will come. It’s not about rushing the process, it’s about respecting it.