I came across this statement in a book I’m reading…”What if
long-term benefits are actually reserved for long-term commitments?” As I dwelled on the meaning of this statement
it makes me look back over my life. I
can see how this has played out for me in different areas. In order to become knowledgeable in math,
physics, problem solving and engineering strategies, I had to go to school for
years. In order to be able to play my
first song on the guitar I had to practice different chords and strumming
patterns for months. In order to learn
how to kick a soccer ball and get in shape, I had to train for weeks. And these skills are always being improved
upon and I’ve never reached a point where I can’t learn anything else.
So with examples like these and many others I could rattle
off, why do I constantly look at the goals and challenges I have in my life and
think I should be able to tackle them overnight? Why do I think that somehow I should be able
to jump from point A to point B without having to make the journey? Is it because I’m lazy…unmotivated…selfish?
I don’t think it’s wrong to want to figure out the fastest,
most efficient and most effective way to move toward our objectives. But it’s also important to remember that there
is always a lesson in the journey and not just at the destination. We often want instant gratification and don’t
think we should have to suffer or sacrifice much to get to where we want to
go. If we want to start changing things
in our lives and have an impact that outreaches us, we better be willing to
make some commitments and realize that they will undoubtedly require hard work and sacrifices.
