I have a confession to make. I miss living near Lake Michigan! Last week my family and I spent time with my Dad and relatives in Milwaukee. Walking along the meandering lake front with squawking seagulls flying over the glistening water made my morning walks extra special.
I savored each breath of fresh morning air. The lake’s invitation to inhale the gentle breezes in the warm welcoming sun equally allured me to exhale the attitudes and behaviors that no longer serve me. If only it were that easy to “create a clean heart in me oh Lord and renew the right spirit in me.” While I’m praying for help, I’m also recommitting to doing the work.
Doing the work is a message we’ve been receiving since toddlerhood. Do you remember the song, Going on a Bear Hunt?
We’re going on a bear hunt
We’re gonna see a big one
I’m not scared!
Oh-oh, mud!
We can’t go around it.
We can’t go over it.
We can’t go under it.
We have to go through it.
We’re going on a bear hunt - We’re going on an adventure that will be risky and take courage
We’re gonna see a big one - We’re going to achieve our wildest dreams
I’m not scared! - We’re often naive about what it takes to achieve what we desire.
Oh-oh, mud - Now we get scared because we’re faced with numerous obstacles.
We can’t go around it. - Looking for the easy way out.
We can’t go over it. - Still looking for the easy way out.
We can’t go under it. - OMG. What have I gotten myself into? Why am I doing this again?
We have to go through it - Are you crazy? In the words of my son, “Naw Bruh”!
I’ve said some version of Naw Bruh, so many times and I know I’m not alone. We sputter along like an old clunker starting and stopping the pursuit of our goals. Unlike a clunker, I want to sail like a boat. I want to sail through the waves of doubt, forgetfulness, and distraction to grow into a better version of myself to ultimately help a multitude of others. Despite the turbulent waves knocking and crashing against me, my gritty vessel stays the course; battered, yet unphased by the sea’s drama.
But, I won’t be able to help anyone if I can’t first help myself. It starts with me showing up consistently for myself. What will it take for me to be consistent at posting one blog per week and writing a weekly to-do list for things that are important to me for at least a year? What will it take for you to be consistent in what you want to do?
Author, Simon Sinek implores people to start with why. According to Sinek, we need to start from the inside out. As Sinek put it, “people don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it. And what you do simply proves what you believe.”
Apparently my why has never been compelling enough to keep me going. This time I believe it will. Here’s my current why:
I believe the purpose of life is to evolve into the best version of ourselves. In doing so, we inspire and help others. We do this by accepting challenges that stretch us beyond our comfort zone. But we don’t have to traverse alone. Through the UchallengeU community and blog, we can grow better for good, together.
What’s your why? Join me to recommit to starting the endeavor in your heart. Together, we can journey through to the other side.
Cheering you on,
Asia
Comments