When I was in college, I remember having a difficult time getting started on projects or getting started studying for a big test. I never was one who wanted to put things off to the last minute, but still it was difficult getting motivated and focused for those activities. I suppose this is a form of procrastination as it does involve avoidance of an unpleasant activity or an activity that is relatively demanding (as opposed to something fun like watching TV, playing golf, listening to music or any other more naturally engaging activity). Generally, there is a more important long-term payoff for the more demanding activities, so the task is to really get that clearly visualized to spark your motivation.
There are other strategies to help get started such as, preparing your work space or other conditions to make them suitable for the particular activity. I also suggest rewarding yourself in addition to inherent benefits of the activity/ project. You might not want to follow my tendency to reward yourself with food, however!
Film director, writer, actor and comedian Woody Allen has been quoted as saying, “80 percent of success is just showing up.” I am not sure that I buy this statement entirely, but showing up is critical! After all you cannot complete a project or task if you do not show up! The Nike Co. coined a phrase that communicated this same concept, “Just Do It”. Sometimes that is just what it takes, too.
Why am I even talking about this? It seems to me that many of us tend to have some difficulty throughout our lives in getting started on projects and actively pursuing our goals which is a key element in our being happy with our lives. We can find ourselves stuck in the past or worried about the future when we would do much better to “show up” and “be present”! Once you show up and are present, then be persistent – persevere while staying present no matter what external circumstances surround you.
There are spiritual principles that support this also:
Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I presson toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Show up, be present and persevere so you can experience what it is that God has in store for you. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.
There are other strategies to help get started such as, preparing your work space or other conditions to make them suitable for the particular activity. I also suggest rewarding yourself in addition to inherent benefits of the activity/ project. You might not want to follow my tendency to reward yourself with food, however!
Film director, writer, actor and comedian Woody Allen has been quoted as saying, “80 percent of success is just showing up.” I am not sure that I buy this statement entirely, but showing up is critical! After all you cannot complete a project or task if you do not show up! The Nike Co. coined a phrase that communicated this same concept, “Just Do It”. Sometimes that is just what it takes, too.
Why am I even talking about this? It seems to me that many of us tend to have some difficulty throughout our lives in getting started on projects and actively pursuing our goals which is a key element in our being happy with our lives. We can find ourselves stuck in the past or worried about the future when we would do much better to “show up” and “be present”! Once you show up and are present, then be persistent – persevere while staying present no matter what external circumstances surround you.
There are spiritual principles that support this also:
Hebrews 10:36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Philippians 3:13-14 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I presson toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Show up, be present and persevere so you can experience what it is that God has in store for you. You don’t have to do it all yourself. Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength.
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