On the Impossible Bucket List

"I could never do that."

*blink*

We have all said this at some point, but I'm not convinced we know how much.  In only the last 24 hours (and only in the arts), I have heard the following:

• "I could never double tongue like that."
• "We just can't make that kind of sound."
• "I had the heart of a dancer, but never the feet."
• "Even if I practiced for 80 years, I'd never be able to play that."

These grow and branch out, one by one, to become a tree of impossibilities looming over our careers.

I call this one "Boy and Beethoven 4"

Fairly recently, I've become more specific with what I call my "Impossible Bucket List," and I challenge you to, as well.  This bucket list would include repertoire and techniques that at one point (maybe even now) you labeled as impossible, something you would never have the fundamental capacity to manage.  Then, pick something and check it off.

Please don't misunderstand.  Checking off does not mean perfecting something you deem impossible.  Checking off means giving it a real shot.  The rolling up your sleeves, 110%, elbow grease kind of trying.  For me, this has been via double tonguing (2011), the doctoral audition process (2012), and the Gubaidulina Duo (2014) and Maslanka (two days ago) Sonatas.

I hear you.  "Yeah, yeah, Cayla.  Stop bragging.  Anything is possible.  Whatever."

Nope.  You know what?  They were all nearly-laughable hot messes of experiences.  But you know what else?  I don't think any of them are impossible anymore.

My point is not to say that everything is possible right now with focus and hard work.  You're tired of hearing that.  My goal is not to encourage you to focus on perfecting something inappropriate for your development level.   That would be irresponsible.

My point is that no one knows if something is truly impossible for you, and my goal is for you to challenge your own definition of possibility.

Power up.
Just try.
Make a few messes.
It might be awesome.