29. How to Push Past Limits and Find Your “Current Perfect”

Episode #029

Sendy Mom Carmen Hall pianist, performer, educator, UMTA President, @carmen88keys, Timpanogos Chamber Music

What does it look like to live a life full of grit, joy, and courage? In this week’s episode of the Sendy Mom Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Carmen Hall, a pianist, teacher, humanitarian, athlete, and mother who seems to pour energy into everything she does.

Growing up on a tree farm in Oregon, Carmen learned early on that hard work wasn’t optional—it was simply part of life. That work ethic has carried her through a doctorate, a career in music, countless humanitarian projects, and even marathons and ultra-endurance challenges she shares with her siblings.

Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation:

Hard work builds resilience. Carmen’s story reminds us that pushing through challenges—whether in music or marathons—creates the grit needed for life’s harder seasons.
Mentorship matters. We rise higher when we learn from others. Carmen’s success is rooted in teachers and mentors who guided her, and she now passes that gift on to her students.
Find your “Current Perfect.” Perfection isn’t the goal—progress is. Carmen challenges us to embrace the stage we’re in and keep moving forward.
Goals should stretch, not define. Success isn’t about medals or titles; it’s about setting goals that help you grow without tying your worth to the outcome.
Community fuels growth. Whether it’s in music, running, or nonprofit work, Carmen shows that collaboration makes the journey richer.

Carmen’s life is a reminder that hard work, paired with humility and joy, leads not only to personal growth but also to deep connection with others.

Meet my Guest:

Dr. Carmen Hall knows how to work hard! Growing up on a tree farm in Oregon taught her the grit and determination she would carry into every part of her life—as a triathlete, pianist, master teacher, humanitarian, and mother.

As a musician, Carmen has performed with symphonies and chamber groups, founded Young Pianists International to connect students across cultures, and launched the Timpanogos Chamber Music Series to bring live music to her Utah community. Her students have shared their talents around the world—from China and Japan to Washington, D.C.—and even Ghana.

At home, Carmen and her husband raised three boys who play everything from piano and guitar to mandolin, ukulele, organ, and even the nose flute. When she’s not making music, you’ll find her running marathons (yes, even Boston!) or cycling up a mountain.

For Carmen, life is about connection—through family, music, culture, and the courage to take on hard things.