It was in 1979 when I first heard the 3rd Movement of Bach’s Italian Concerto (see below video) and it was love at first hearing.

The striking melody and left/right hand counterpoint made a powerful impression. And I wanted to learn it.

Thus began a daily routine of practice, practice, practice … and more practice. This piano piece was learned one measure at a time – in small steps.

The notes filled measures and the measures fit together into a song.  It was a slow process that required patience and tenacity.  I didn’t give up.

It happened one note at a time.

Coincidentally, many of life’s worthwhile goals occur similarly… one step at a time.

The lesson of patience and tenacity served me well thereafter.

When big projects seemed insurmountable, I remembered to be patient and not give up. The little voice in my head reminded me to take it one step at a time.

Years later, when my first book’s manuscript was rejected by 54 publishers, I kept going.

The memory of sitting at my piano for hours at a time, practicing measure after measure, reminded me that success was at hand.  “Don’t give up,” said that voice in my head.

…many of life’s worthwhile goals occur similarly… one step at a time.

Rejection can hold a person back temporarily.  The key is to be tenacious and not let rejection gain a foothold on my attitude.  So I kept seeking a publisher.

And the 55th publisher said YES.