Get the job done!
I ran across this bit of advice from an anonymous writer and thought I'd share it.
There are two kinds of persons in the world: those who think first of difficulties, and those who think first of the importance of accomplishment in spite of difficulties. If a thing ought to be done, the presence of severe obstacles to its doing is only a further reason to bringing it to pass. Yet the trait of instantly showing why a thing cannot be done is keeping down more young men, and older men too, in business than any other factor in their lives.
Anyone can point out difficulties; it calls for brain and courage to look beyond difficulties to the end. If you want to stay just where you are in the procession, or fall steadily behind, give obstacles a first place in your life. If you want to move out from the crowd, and count for something more than "average," let every obstacle be welcomed as a fresh incentive to action.
Difficulty is only a word indicating the degree of strength requisite for accomplishing particular objects; a mere notice of the necessity for exertion.
My wish is for you to remember that any obstacle, any perceived impossibility or imagined barrier to success is just a road sign on your path inviting you to roll up your sleeves, build some spiritual muscle, and get to work on pushing the "immovable boulder" out of your mind.
Slipstream
I'm a firm believer in "shoulder to the boulder." You can bet there are always going to be boulders on whatever path you choose, but keep pushing until it's out of the way and you can move forward. Thanks for this wish; I'm with you!
Wilsons Grave
Agreed. When I've been in that tough place, it's sure helped to have people in my corner helping, cheering me on, reminding me I was up to the task and to stick with it.
Well Street
Thank you for this inspirational wish.
You're right, many men feel as though the boulder is too big for them to handle, that they don't have what it takes to make it budge. Sadly, this perspective greases the cycle of self-repudiation and keeps them stuck.
Your sentiments are encouraging and motivating, and I hope others feel the same.
Wilsons Grave
Men like easy. They like short cuts and quick fixes. The old saying "candy is dandy but liquor is quicker" comes to mind. If there's a shortcut some clever dude will find it. If there's no short cut, he'll invent one. If that fails, he's apt to throw it the towel, and like the author says, settle into being "average"--until stronger men surpass him. That's when he'll start grumbling and blaming everyone but himself for keeping him down.
Evangel
The simple image of a bicep with its sleeve rolled up would make a striking road sign.
Obstacles can be depressing and debilitating. When I feel low, I will often hear the words "keep going," and that for some reason gives me a blast of much needed energy that kicks me back into gear and helps me face the challenge of everything.
Wilsons Grave
You're lucky you get a blast of energy and can keep going. But I bet you also have a determined spirit or invisible angel tagging along pushing you up the challenging climb. Life is hard. We all need to keep going and keep helping others get to where they're going to.
Present Valley
Ohh I like your way of thinking and the inclusion of building spiritual muscle!
Often times the obstacle is simply a perception of the situation. I remember hearing "just keep putting one foot in front of the other until you get through/past it." Our life lessons are meant to challenge us.
I wholeheartedly join you in your wish. I'll be keeping this post in mind when the next obstacle shows up...and it will.
Wilsons Grave
Yes, you're so right. Obstacles are a perception, and they are also challenges to strengthen our spirit. Life's always a next step in something hard like peddling uphill, with coasting in between. Happy to hear you liked the message.