This is a repost of yesterday’s post. I had some problems yesterday at the site and had to revert back to an earlier database.
 

How Strong is Your Why?

We don’t like being uncomfortable. We don’t like denying ourselves. We don’t like struggling. And we usually avoid those things if at all possible. So, why do we allow those things in our life?

One reason is found in this question. Are you working towards a goal in life? If you are, you know the power it can have on your willingness to go through hell. The examples are plethoristic (I just made up that version of the word).  In my case it is often my willingness to go through crazy cold or crazy heat while running. I do it because it is important to my goal of running my upcoming race the best I can.

With another person it might be raising your kids to have a better life than you had.  Immigrants often say that is why they are willing to come to America.  The Dr. from Bangladesh who is willing to take a menial job in the US just to guarantee his kids have a brighter future. Sometimes it may be a goal you find to be shallow. Maybe your friend has this driving desire to be famous. Or a family member is obsessed with being super wealthy. We certainly won’t agree with everyone’s reasons.

How Strong is Your How?

Whatever your goal, you still have to take action to make it happen. That is where you find out how bad you want something.  Many people take the first step, even the second step. But somewhere along the arch of our lives we eventually reach a point where a particular goal doesn’t seem attainable, no matter how much one struggles for it.  Often it’s because it’s not what you thought it was.  

I just read the blog of an online friend the other day who said she was giving up on her goal of being a fitness competitor.  It’s not that she didn’t want to look like a fitness competitor, it’s because she realized the trauma and deprivation she would have to go through to get in that ‘stage ready’ shape was just too much for her.  It wasn’t worth it and it wasn’t what she expected. And that is ok. It’s good.  We all have to be honest about what we want and what we are willing to do to get it. And that includes telling ourselves, “This is not for me.”

Honesty

But the real tragedy is when we really DO want something but we just aren’t willing to put in the work to make it happen. That, to me, is the true sadness behind laziness in life – all the unreached goals.

So, what is your goal? Are you honest about it? Is it realistic? Is it something you are willing to work for?  If it is then don’t make the mistake of choosing comfort and ease over effort.  Don’t think of all the ways to get out of doing the work, focus on the ways to make the work count.
You can do it.

Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman
Gender variation on a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche, 1844 – 1900, German philosopher
Original quote –  “He who has a why in life can bear almost any how.”

This, and all the napkin drawings, are for sale.  Email marty@napkindad.com to inquire.