We should have some big perspective handy at all times. --Wes "Scoop" Nisker
The above quote is a reminder that it is necessary to keep your "eyes on the prize" in the midst of all the actions, steps, tasks and challenges that are required for accomplishing any important endeavor. Whether it's running long miles to prepare for a marathon, 'working the steps' to achieve sobriety or sticking it out through relationship conflicts to heal a marriage, it is vitally important to remember the goal that makes the effort worthwhile.
I've "previously written that any difficult "what" is greatly aided by the presence of a powerful "why". An abiding sense of meaning helps make hard work infinitely more bearable. In contrast, pain that seems to lack purpose can only be sustained under duress. As the old saying goes, "when you're up to your eyeballs in alligators it's hard to remember you came to drain the swamp."
I like the concept that discipline is fundamentally the process of remembering. Forget your higher purpose and you will easily become lost. Remembering the deeper reason for your efforts will ease many long nights and tiresome days. This simple but powerful point is captured by this famous story:
A man came upon three stonemasons engaged in exactly the same task and asked what they were doing. "Laying bricks" replied the first with an angry frown. "Making a wall" mumbled the second. But the third smiled, raised his eyes to the sky and happily exclaimed "I'm building a cathedral."
--------------
If you like this post (and I hope you do) please visit my primary professional website for related articles on emotional growth and development, individual and couples counseling, tips for successful living, trends in the field of mental health, addiction treatment and many other interesting and useful topics.
No comments:
Post a Comment