Wishing for willpower…
”Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.”-Jim Rohn
Good morning! This quote speaks to a problem that many of us face-while we desire a specific result, a foreboding gap may stand between our goal and our accomplishment.
Over the years, I have met many women who will chalk this up to “lack of willpower” or “lack of self-discipline.” I prefer to take a more positive approach-it is called “growth.”
Imagine for a moment a child in kindergarten. That child decides he wants to be President of the United States. That probably happens hundreds of times around the country each day-a child proclaiming their intent to run the country. Yet this child is different: he wants to accomplish that goal next month..
Well…a month comes, and a month goes. You might have already guessed how this story ends: he doesn’t become president in those thirty days. Why do you think that is? Would it be chalked up to lack of self-discipline or willpower? Of course not. However, it could be attributed to growth and process. Every goal and desire is a growth and a process-a journey.
We live in an instant-gratification society. We have figured out how to have food now versus cooking it (drive-thru), we can have information now (via the internet) instead of researching or going to a library. We can book trips around the world now rather than going to a travel agency. We can communicate in written form now (through email, versus hand-written letters). Somehow, many of us feel we should thus be able to accomplish our goals and change right now.
Until we find a way to order our favorite goal, pre-done and delivered at the local drive-thru, let us remember that it is a process of many steps. It is not a matter of self-discipline or willpower, but a matter of focus, daily action, and time.
Your Turn: Where have you been belittling yourself for not “getting more done,” or not having “self discipline” or the “required willpower” to achieve your goals? Consider that goals and desires are a journey, and the place you are now is one required step on that path.
Today’s Affirmation: I cherish the journey.
December 5th, 2008 at 7:22 am
YOu know I though about this, this morning. Getting dressed, thinking of all the things I have to get done including a gift exchange with a group I have not seen in almost a year. On my best day I see myself as a fat old lady, so today it was twice as bad knowing I haven’t made much progress on getting fit and healthy. I do see that in the7 weeks from my accident I am off crutches, and the cane and am finally not wobbling so much when I walk. I seem to feel despair when the weekends come, knowing I have soo much to get done and so little time. But this article made me think. I have two whole days to get things done. I also have been trying to get back on track.. I need to start slow and build, like we all know it takes a while to be put on, and a while to get it off. Hopefully I can plan some long and short term goals that are achievable. Here’s to Friday YEA!!!!
December 5th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Brook,
I love your daily quotes and musings on how they relate to us all. Especially when it comes to goals, following dreams and holding ourselves accountable for reaching them! After just (successfully!) completing NaNoWriMo I learned a lot about discipline and not making excuses.
This year I hope to achieve my goal of connecting more with family and friends: through visits or hand-written letters.
Thank you!
Mary Jo