Once Brigid Glorry said “Life has a way of going in circles. Ideally, it would be a straight path forward––we'd always know where we were going, we'd always be able to move on and leave everything else behind. There would be nothing but the present and the future. Instead, we always find ourselves where we started. When we try to move ahead, we end up taking a step back. We carry everything with us, the weight exhausting us until we want to collapse and give up.
We forget things we try to remember. We remember things we'd rather forget. The most frightening thing about memory is that it leaves no choice. It has mastered an incomprehensible art of forgetting. It erases, it smudges, it fills in blank spaces with details that don't exist.
But however we remember it––or choose to remember it––the past is the foundation that holds our lives in place. Without its support, we'd have nothing for guidance. We spend so much time focused on what lies ahead, when what has fallen behind is just as important. What defines us isn't where we're going, but where we've been. Although there are places and people we will never see again, and although we move on and let them go, they remain a part of who we are.
There are things that will never change, things we will carry along with us always. But as we venture into the murky future, we must find our strength by learning to leave things behind.”
Challenges are a part of life, and today is no exception. If you've ever wrestled with consistency in pursuing something that matters to you, perhaps your current struggle resonates with others in a similar way.
Facing the Temptation to Quit
Today, however, the battle is real. Today, the desire to write wanes. Today, sticking to the routine feels like a daunting task. Today, creative sparks seem elusive, and time appears insufficient to elevate good ideas to greatness. Today, the thought of giving up looms large.
But here's the thing: In moments like this, it's crucial to remind yourself of a few key truths that can help steer you away from the brink of surrender.
Harnessing the Power of Your Mind
Think of every thought that crosses your mind as a mere suggestion, not a command. Right now, your mind suggests fatigue and surrender. It suggests taking the path of least resistance. Yet, if you pause for a moment, you'll uncover alternative suggestions. Your mind also hints at the satisfaction of completing your work, the respect for the identity you're shaping through consistency, and the capability to finish even when motivation is scarce. None of these thoughts are orders; they are choices you can consciously make.
Embracing the Ephemeral Nature of Discomfort
Relative to the span of your regular day or week, most habits are fleeting. Your workout session will conclude within hours. Your report will be done by tomorrow morning. Even this article will be completed in a brief moment. In the grand scheme, life has become more convenient than ever before. Remind yourself of this perspective when faced with temporary discomfort. Recognize that your momentary unease is overshadowed by the bigger picture of a good life.
The Reward in Completing Meaningful Work
The words of Theodore Roosevelt resonate: "Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." It's natural to seek the easiest route while tackling valuable tasks. We desire productivity and respect but shy away from the necessary struggle. We crave the outcome without embracing the process. The journey is often overshadowed by the allure of the destination. However, even on days when starting feels arduous, finishing is consistently rewarding. The act of showing up and pushing through, regardless of perfection, is a triumph in itself.
Balancing Discipline and Distraction
Life is an intricate dance between succumbing to distraction and conquering the discomfort of discipline. Our identities and life paths are shaped within this delicate equilibrium. The essence of existence lies in countless daily battles and choices: to persevere or to yield. This moment, when the urge to quit is strong, is as significant as any other. It's an opportunity to mold your life into something you'll be proud of.
Letting the World Decide
So, what's the solution when giving up feels inevitable? The answer is simple: You show up. It's not about showcasing your absolute best; it's about showing up, doing the work, and letting the world decide. Judgment doesn't rest with you; your responsibility is to put in the effort, leaving the verdict to unfold organically.
Remember, these struggles are intrinsic to the human experience. Embrace them, for they shape the narrative of your life. When faced with the impulse to quit, choose to persist. The world awaits the outcome of your efforts.
Rydersagency
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