I have a love/hate relationships with trains. The hatred stems from the fact that they always seem to be going across Franklin Avenue every time I head to the church building. Yet at the same time these inconveniences afford me the opportunity to marvel at these remarkable creations. I love how powerful they are, how one engine can pull thousands of pounds of commerce across the country with smooth fluidity. I love the artful designs that amateur artists decorate the cars with. Here’s what I really admire though: they are constantly moving down the track to their destination.
One of the biggest struggles that an individual will face in making a difference in this world is simply follow-through, staying on the project. I believe that the world is filled with entrepreneurs, innovators, artists and writers that the world will never hear of because they lack the discipline to stay on the track. They get derailed by circumstances, finances or simply a squirrel and never complete the project. To be honest, this has been my own struggle when it comes to writing. I let the ADD kick in and the perceived busyness of my schedule prevent me from growing and using my communication skills.
So what steps can you and I take to get on track?
1. Get started. What is the hardest part of moving a parked car? Getting the tires rolling. According to Plato, “the beginning is the most important part of the work.” You need to get started. Buy paint. Get a WordPress site. Do something!
2. Take baby steps. Whenever I think of tackling big issues, I picture Bill Murray in “What About Bob?” His psychiatrist, Dr. Leo Marvin (played by Richard Dreyfuss), instructs him to take baby steps, little points of action toward a bigger end. Often we never write the great American novel because we cannot see ourselves cranking out 400 pages, but we’re capable of a page. We don’t organize our garage because it is full of stuff, but we could start with the workbench. Take little points of action toward the bigger end.
And last but not least….
3. Keep going. Why does the train reach its destination? Because it stays on the track and keeps moving toward the goal. How can you and I accomplish these larger goals we have for ourselves? Persistence. Calvin Coolidge is one of the presidents I always struggle to remember. The one fact I recall is that his nickname was “Silent Cal.” Yet when he chose to speak, he was a powerful orator. He is attributed with one of my favorite quotes on this subject of persistence. He states:
Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistent and determination alone are omnipotent.
So for me, I’m going to start writing. Not every day and perhaps not even the great American novel. But on a consistent and regular basis I’m going to pass on my learning and thoughts with you here.
What about you? What is the big dream that you have always wanted to pursue but have held back on? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Be First to Comment