Persistence

I can be very stubborn sometimes. In fact, I like to think that it’s one of my best qualities when I use it appropriately—but that’s just it; I have to use it appropriately. I’ve learned over time that my stubbornness works best when I aim it towards a desired goal. The practice of aiming towards an appropriate goal is where I’ve continuously struggled. And I’ve come to learn that goal setting itself—especially the first step of picking an appropriate goal—is an ever-receding target. The good news is that my stubbornness won’t let me give up on myself and that’s an appropriate goal for everyone to aim at.

I’m using this week as a reminder not to give up on myself, my intentions, and my goals. For anyone paying attention, I declared in my opening blog that I was planning on weekly updates. For anyone who cares, I have not lived up to this desired goal. Therefore, this week is a reality check: Am I going to be persistent and continue pursuing the goal I set for myself, or am I going to disregard this goal and move on as if I never made it? I’ve seen myself and others fall victim to the discomfort, adversity, and resistance that often manifests in front of the goals we desire. So, why carry on despite the obstacles that life inevitably places in our way? Stubbornness is my answer, but what keeps you motivated?

Anytime we are challenged to give up, we are seemingly faced with two choices: persistence or cessation. The funny (but not really funny) thing is that this “choice” is actually loaded with a myriad of opportunities. We could continue, or discontinue, our current pursuits momentarily or permanently. We could take a break and continue later or continue now and take a break later. We could adjust our timeline or redefine what success looks like entirely. The point I’m trying to illustrate is that more opportunities exist in every decision beyond what we are capable of seeing at the time we feel pressured to make said decision.

My plan to write a weekly blog was derailed by external circumstances, but I was complicit in letting the external circumstances interfere with my goal. I spent most of June out of the country, but I still could have written blogs to upload. I’m willing to take accountability for the interruption to my goal, but am I willing to take accountability for my involvement? And how can I prevent future external circumstances from eliciting the same effect? Any goal we establish for ourselves should be accompanied by one simple question: How bad do you want it?

So, as you move through this week, reflect on some goals you’ve set for yourself, and maybe some goals you’ve forgotten about. Are you taking a break? Did you discontinue pursuing them entirely? Do you care to pursue them again? Is there anything you can do now to reorient yourself towards the version of you who thought your goals were worth pursuing in the first place? And finally, how bad do you want it—whatever it is?

Best,

Joseph