The thing is that you can't really see the distance to various goals until you start climbing up the path. It's like looking up the mountains from the coast;

The thing is that you can't really see the distance to various goals until you start climbing up the path. It's like looking up the mountains from the coast; you'll see high peaks, some green in front, some white with snow in background; you know greenish ones are nearer, but they all seem as high. Only after you climb the first peak, you'll find that there are more peaks beyond that, and the white shiny peaks are far, far away beyond those previously unseen peaks. Playing like professional players is like conquering those white shiny Himalayan peaks; it may not be impossible with huge efforts, but it's more likely that you run out of time. In that sense, probably it's "too late". I started playing the piano when I was 11, but never pursued it professionally, and now at 39 I have so many pieces I want to play but know that I will never be able to finish before I die. So, yes, if you are looking at the shiny peaks, you have to lower your expectation. The secret is that the hidden peaks beyond the first ones are almost as rich as the shiny peaks. And you know what, most of your audiences won't be able to tell the difference between the shiny ones and those middle peaks. You can play at parties, or even participate in local concerts of hobby players. You'll be able to enjoy playing those pieces and the experience will be as satisfying.