Monday, November 19, 2012

Motivational Monday


A MAN (OR WOMAN) CAN ONLY BE DEFEATED IN TWO WAYS - 
IF HE OR SHE GIVES UP,
OR IF HE OR SHE DIES.
(Navy SEAL Veteran Richard Machowicz)

I also ran across an abridged version of this - Not dead? Can't quit - that I've started chanting to myself on occasion. It sounds weird, I know, but it helps. It clears out the clutter in my mind and forces me to focus on what's important, to laser in on my priorities. 

It works when I'm on a long bike ride and I want to stop, to turn around. Not dead? Can't quit.

It works when I let other people's voices get inside my head and tear me down and convince me I'm wrong to be different, to do different. Not dead? Can't quit. 

It works when I'm stuck in my writing and want to slam my laptop closed and weep for the wasted years of failure.  Not dead? Can't quit. 

Now, obviously, these situations are nothing compared to what Navy SEALS and other courageous men and women do every day. But when I do battle in my mind, I need all the reinforcements I can get.

How do you all stay on track? How do you keep the naysayers' voices out of your head? What is it that keeps you moving forward, going strong?

11 comments:

  1. I like the abridged version.
    I just don't allow quitting as an option.

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  2. Alex - the abridged version is much easier to chant. :)

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  3. This is a great chant! I'm going to start using it too when those nasty naysayers creep in.

    Happy Thanksgiving, Madeline! :)

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  4. Julie - it really works! And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too. :)

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  5. Thanks for the words of wisdom and inspiration.
    Wishing you and yours a blessed and safe Thanksgiving.
    Donna

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  6. Donna - you're welcome! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

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  7. I'm one of those people who LOVES to prove people wrong. OR... as my poor parents know too well - if you tell me I can't, I'm going to find a WAY! hehehe. So I use this to my advantage when it comes to naysayers :)

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  8. Now there's a motto, Madeline! Wow -- I might have to start using that one, too. What keeps me going? I guess I feel like I owe it to my characters, and I'm just too insane to realize they aren't real...

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  9. Leigh - stubbornness IS a virtue. :)

    Milo - what do you mean they're not real?! :o

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  10. i love that mantra! and its catchy!
    not dead, cant quit!

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  11. Tara - feel free to use it whenever you need it! :)

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