What We Can Learn from Keith Jarrett
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. In January 1975, jazz legend Keith Jarrett was booked for a concert in Cologne, Germany, organized by 18-year-old Vera Brandes, the country’s youngest concert promoter at the time.
Everything that could go wrong did.
- The piano? A last-minute rental—out of tune, with broken keys.
- The musician? Sleep-deprived, in pain, sick from bad food.
- The stakes? A sold-out 1,400-seat opera house.
Jarrett nearly walked away. But when Brandes, drenched from the rain, begged him to stay, something shifted. He played. And the result? One of the greatest concerts of all time.
Why This Matters for You
Every note of that performance was improvised. What should have been a disaster became the best-selling solo jazz album ever. Not because it was perfect—but because they chose to show up, adapt, and create something new.
Think about your own life. You’ve already navigated obstacles, dodged curveballs, and kept going. So how do you approach the next challenge with more ease and confidence?
Three Key Lessons from the Cologne Concert
– Mindset is Everything
Henry Ford said it best: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Your internal dialogue shapes your reality. The good news? You control that dialogue. Shift it, and you shift what’s possible.
– You Can’t Do It Alone—And That’s Okay
We’re taught to be self-reliant, but real strength comes from knowing when to ask for help. Brandes ran into the street and begged for support. Jarrett leaned on his team. Success is built on collective effort.
– Creativity is a Muscle—Use It
Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. The sooner you embrace creative problem-solving, the more resilient you become. Think you’re not creative? Ask your friends—they see it in you.
Your Next Move
Both Jarrett and Brandes went on to thrive—because they took risks, adapted, and trusted their skills. So can you.
You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to get started.
Not sure how to start? That’s what I’m here for; I help people get unstuck, begin to shape their future and learn from their history. The future really is yours to shape. Ready? You can reach me most easily by dropping an email or booking at time for a consult. Hope to see you soon!
