Hard Or Just Boring?

We excuse our sloth under the pretext of difficulty. ~ Marcus Fabius Quintilian ~

You have money for the things you really want to buy and you have time for the things that are really important to you.  When you stop to record what you really spend your time doing, you may amaze yourself.  How many times have you thought about the things you want to accomplish only to begin to think of reasons not to finish or even start? Perhaps you haven't worked on it because you aren't very passionate about that project or task. So you make excuses, such as it being to hard.  And why not?  Labeling something as "difficult" is more appealing than "boring."  You think if you tell yourself or others that if something is difficult then it's excusable.  

As a leader, you will have to do things that you really don't want to do.   Some are fun and exciting, some are not.  It might be more fun to clean your bathroom grout with a toothbrush than do some of the many tasks necessary to lead.   Attaining our goals usually means doing some things we don't enjoy doing.  Change the way you look at these mundane tasks.  They are an important component- find joy that you will see the end result and it will make the tasks more likeable - a la Huckleberry Finn!  No more excuses.


"I will find joy and take action in all my tasks."

Embrace Your "To-Do" List

The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones. ~ Confucius ~

How many things have you been putting off?  What kind of excuses are you using?  "I'm too busy."  "I'm to tired."  "It's too hard."  "I'm overwhelmed." "I don't like it."  If you look at all the things you have to do as a negative then it will harder to get done.  If you are overwhelmed break things down into smaller chunks.  If you don't like a certain aspect, figure out a reward or do it first before doing the things you like.  A wise man once said, "When you sit down to eat.  Eat the food you detest first then you can enjoy the rest of your meal without having to agonize." If something is too hard. Get help.  Leaders look at their to-do lists as necessary to success.  Even those things that seem unrelated to your goal are important.  They create learning opportunities.  As a leader, your tasks and responsibilities are not obstacles but stones in the path of your journey.  Some stones will be more appealing than others and some will be heavier but you will need to place them all.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I will embrace, with contentment, all that I have to do...as it is part of my journey."