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Writer's pictureBrian Dalton

Clock-watching - Music Series 2: How Music Can Build Endurance in Your Professional Life

Updated: Mar 17

Life and Music - Brian Dalton


Note: If you're new to the series, read on (or refer to Post 1).


Note: If you're not new to this blog series, feel free to go here.


It's no secret endurance is important to me. As an educator and consultant, it's my core mission. Essentially, endurance plays a pivotal role in various aspects of life, contributing significantly to personal growth, success, and overall well-being. That being said, music (both listening and writing my own songs) are my go-to when the challenging currents of life make themselves known.


Music has a profound impact on our emotions and mental state, making it a powerful tool for enduring this thing called 'life'. Here's how it can help:


  1. Emotional regulation: Music can evoke a wide range of emotions, helping you express and process feelings that may be difficult to articulate. It can provide comfort and a sense of connection, reducing feelings of loneliness or isolation during challenging times.

  2. Distraction and relaxation: Listening to music can divert your attention away from stressors, providing a temporary escape and promoting relaxation. This can help reduce anxiety and lower stress levels.

  3. Motivation and inspiration: Upbeat and energetic music can boost your mood, increase motivation, and inspire you to keep going, even when facing tough challenges. It can help you feel empowered and capable of overcoming obstacles.

  4. Catharsis: Some people find that listening to music allows them to release pent-up emotions and experience a sense of catharsis. This can be especially helpful when dealing with intense or overwhelming feelings.

  5. Connection and community: Music has the ability to bring people together and create a sense of community. Sharing music with others, whether through live performances, playlists, or discussions, can foster connections and provide support during difficult times.

  6. Memory and nostalgia: Certain songs or pieces of music can evoke powerful memories and feelings of nostalgia, providing a sense of comfort and familiarity during challenging times.


Overall, music can be a valuable tool for emotional expression, relaxation, motivation, and connection, making it a powerful ally in navigating life's challenges.


"Clock-watching" is another of my earlier tracks, which I happen to really like. From a musical standpoint, it's a little different in the fact that it's all in flat chords, which I haven't done much of in the past. My solo runs are also a favorite of mine; they're not fast or flashy; but in solos, sometimes the beauty is in the notes you don't play or in the ones you let sustain themselves.


From an inspirational or philosophical standpoint, the song was written while I was thinking about the abstract concept of time. Let's try a little game. Without using a dictionary, try defining the term "time". Not an easy task, is it? Time is something we know is present, but what does it truly mean? According to physicists, time as we know it only moves in one direction: forward. It's one of the great mysteries of physics. While science has yet to answer why time only moves forward, I'll simply take that as my cue to live each moment that is given to me to the fullest.


Essentially, live in the "right now". The "present" is truly a gift; and gifts are something to appreciate, cherish and enjoy. The past is dead and gone and the future is not guaranteed, so what's the point of worrying about either? So, as the clock's hands continue to go round and round, I try to embrace each moment given to the best of my abilities.


The bottom line is . . . "what exactly are you waiting for?" If you wish or dream to accomplish something in this elusive amount of "time" that we're given here, then get out there and rock. We're literally on the clock, so GO LIVE!


Video - "Clock-watching"



Album

"Clock-watching" can be found on my instrumental album, IV.















*If you need help bringing mental and physical endurance into your work environment, in a unique and motivational way, feel free to contact us and bring New Horizons Global to help you along the journey!


Be on the lookout for Part 3 in this new blog post series from Teach4Endurance!

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