THE CHIEF CAUSE OF FAILURE AND UNHAPPINESS
IS TRADING WHAT YOU WANT MOST
FOR WHAT YOU WANT NOW.
(Zig Ziglar)
This is one of the hardest and truest lessons I have learned - and continue to learn.
What I want now: that giant piece of chocolate cake
What I want most: to be healthy and active
What I want now: lots and lots of blog followers
What I want most: as many enthusiastic and loyal fans who will have me
What I want now: a novel of mine out there on the shelves and in the world
What I want most: a hugely popular traditionally published novel that readers rave about
Sure, it's possible to have some or all of those things - I could have a small slice of cake and then go for a bike ride. Within that large number of blog followers, I could have a core base of loyal readers. I could publish my own novel and people might like it and talk it up so it gets the attention of an agent and a publisher. The problem that arises, for me anyway, is that the "now" is often so much easier. It's immediate. It's tangible. No explaining, to myself and others, why whatever it is, is taking so long.
So, what I've had to teach myself to do - a lot! - is to take a deep breath and then look up and look ahead. Look past the cake, look past the numbers, look past the book I know isn't ready. Look down the road and focus on the finish line - even if that road goes around a mountain and I can't see the finish line from where I stand, I have to believe it's there.
This week, let's all remind each other of our true goals and our ultimate dreams. Let's encourage each other to not settle for anything less. Ever.
Oh, I like this. What I want now is for my kids to be older so I can do things easier. But what I want most is to enjoy this time with them before they're too busy for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me to be grateful for each day, Madeline. :)
Emily - you're welcome. Enjoy those kids! :)
ReplyDeleteI love this one. I have always been impatient about everything, so waiting for what I want most is very difficult for me. But the fact that I've always jumped on what I want now hasn't gotten me anywhere, so I know I need to learn more patience! Thanks as always for the motivation. :)
ReplyDeleteJulie - that's a good point, about noticing how it hasn't gotten you anywhere. When you look at it that way, it makes having patience a little easier. Just a little. :)
ReplyDelete