Today, though? Today, though, I am having difficulty. I don't feel like working today. I don't feel like following the schedule today. I don't feel like I have any amazing ideas today, and I don't think I have enough time to turn the okay ones into great ones. I'm ready to give up today.
According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, grit is the trait most directly connected to success. Today I could use some grit.
When I feel like giving up, I try to remember the following:
Suggestion Engine in Your Mind
Consider each thought as a suggestion rather than an order. My mind is telling me that I am exhausted right now. It indicates that I should give up. It is advising me to pick a less difficult route.
However, if I take a breather, I can come up with new ideas. My thinking also suggests that after this work is over, I will be very pleased with myself. It suggests that if I stick to the timetable, I will respect the identity I am forming. It implies that I am capable of completing this task even when I am not in the mood.
Keep in mind that none of these ideas are rules. They are only alternatives. I have the ability to pick which path I take.
Temporary Discomfort
Almost every habit you execute is over quickly when compared to the time in your usual day or week. In an hour or two, you'll be done with your workout. By tomorrow morning, your report will be typed to completion. This post will be completed in a matter of seconds.
It's easier than it's ever been before. You would have died 300 years ago if you didn't kill your own food and build your own dwelling. We're moaning about forgetting our iPhone charger today.
Keep your bearings. Your life is wonderful, and your discomfort is only passing. Allow yourself to be strengthened by this uncomfortable situation. Once you've completed good work, you'll never regret it.
"Far and away the highest gift that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at job worth doing,". We often appear to desire to work comfortably at job that is worthwhile. We want our job to be useful and appreciated, but we also don't want to fight with it. We want to have flat stomachs and powerful arms, but we don't want to go through another workout. We only care about the end outcome, not the failed attempts that came before it. We want the gold, not the struggle.
A gold medal can be desired by anyone. Few people desire to train like Olympic athletes.
Despite our opposition, I have never felt worse after the hard effort was over. It was sometimes difficult to get started, but it was always worthwhile to finish. The simple act of turning up and having the courage to do the work, even if it is done poorly, is sometimes a victory worth celebrating.
This Is Reality
Life is a daily balancing act between succumbing to the pleasures of distraction and conquering the discomfort of discipline. It is no exaggeration to argue that this delicate balance defines our lives and identities. What is life if not a hundred thousand daily conflicts and small decisions to either persevere or give up?
When you don't feel like working, what do you do? This is not an opportunity to neglect. This is not a training run. This moment is as much a part of your life as any other. Spend it in a way that you'll be proud of.
Allow the world to decide.
So, what do I do when I'm about to give up? I emerge.
Do I put forth my best effort? I seriously doubt it. But it isn't my responsibility to assess how excellent or horrible I am.
My role is to do the effort and leave the rest to the universe.
