Our arts, our occupations, our marriages, our religion, we have not chosen, but society has chosen for us. We are parlour soldiers. We shun the rugged battle of fate, where strength is born. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Next to Resistance, rational thought is the artist or entrepreneurs worst enemy. Bad things happen when we employ rational thought, because rational thought comes from the ego. Instead, we want to work from the Self, that is, from instinct and intuition, from the unconscious.
A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable, nor does the genius or the madman. Its only you and I, with our big brains and our tiny hearts, who doubt and overthink and hesitate.” - Steven Pressfield, Do the Work
The idea of “being realistic” holds all of us back. From starting a business or quitting a job to dating someone who may not be our type or moving to a new place – getting “real” often means putting your dreams on hold.
Today, let’s take a step away from rational thought and dare to be bold. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue? Write it down. Also write down the obstacles in your way of reaching your goal. Finally, write down a tangible plan to overcome each obstacle.
The only thing left is to, you know, actually go make it happen. What are you waiting for?
(Author: Matt Cheuvront)
I have spent 30 years striving, looking for the creative edge, working nights on special projects, pouring myself into the next thing that will get me noticed. Whether it was market forces, bad timing or the simple reason that my work wasn’t very good, “success” has been a vapor. Whatever the reasons, I can attest that it has not been for lack of effort, dreaming or desire.
And now I am tired.
When I am asked the one thing I have always wanted to accomplish but have been afraid to pursue, I have a new answer. I want to be content with where I am. To still write and create projects and not have the motivation be getting published or recognized, but to be satisfied with the ability to put down on paper what I see in my head. To get through my day fulfilled because of solid effort, not relying on the blessings of others for a sense of achievement. To enjoy my family and friends, taking great pleasure in a cigar and a quality bourbon shared on the porch with a side of conversation. To slow down and let things happen organically, not shaped and forced in a rush. To be present right now, not burning energy on what could have been or manipulating what happens next. To not be panicked when it is quiet. To develop fewer, but deeper, relationships. These are the things I want to accomplish.
Before it’s too late.
#Trust30 is an online initiative and 30-day writing challenge that encourages you to look within and trust yourself. Find out more at http://ralphwaldoemerson.me
1 comment:
Nicely said.
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