"Discipline
is the bridge between goals and accomplishments."
~
Jim Rohn
Good
morning!
This quote speaks to a problem that many of us
face-while we desire a specific result, a foreboding gap may stand
between our goal and our accomplishment.
Over the years, I have met many women who will
chalk this up to "lack of willpower" or "lack of self-discipline." I
prefer to take a more positive approach-it is called "growth." Imagine for a moment a child
in kindergarten. That child decides he wants to be President of the
United States. That probably happens hundreds of times around the
country each day-a child proclaiming their intent to run the country.
Yet this child is different: he
wants to accomplish that goal next month..
Well...a month comes, and a month goes. You might
have already guessed how this story ends: he doesn't become president
in those thirty days. Why do you think that is? Would it be chalked up
to lack of self-discipline or willpower? Of course not. However, it
could be attributed to growth and process. Every goal and desire is a
growth and a process-a journey.
We live in an instant-gratification society. We
have figured out how to have food now versus cooking it (drive-thru),
we can have information now (via the internet) instead of researching
or going to a library. We can book trips around the world now rather
than going to a travel agency. We can communicate in written form now
(through email, versus hand-written letters).
Somehow, many of us feel we should thus be able to
accomplish our goals and change right now.
Until we find a way to order our favorite goal,
pre-done and delivered at the local drive-thru, let us remember that it
is a process of many steps. It is not a matter of self-discipline or
willpower, but a matter of focus, daily action, and time.
Your Turn: Where have
you been belittling yourself for not "getting more done," or not having
"self discipline" or the "required willpower" to achieve your goals?
Consider that goals and desires are a journey, and the place you are
now is one required step on that path.
Today's Affirmation: I cherish
the journey.