Without going all the way
Posted on July 3, 2009
Today, I read this quote:
There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth — not going all the way, and not starting. – Buddha
Arguably, those two mistakes are the first two that you can make with any venture.
Everything you don’t start has even less value to you, than something that was a complete and utter failure. With a failure, you’ve at least had experiences, perhaps learned some things, met some people.
If you start along the way, heading in the direction of success, why do you stop? (Why do I stop?)
My biggest problem, historically, has been one of commitment. I stumble, I falter, lose direction, lose momentum, take time off for no particular reason, and then I look back and discover that I’ve effectively given up. I’ve seen myself do it over and over again. The two questions from this are “Why do I do that?” and “How do I stop?”
Why, is pretty classic – fear of failure combined with my oft-mentioned laziness. If I didn’t really try, I can’t really fail, so not trying is a “better” option for my ego. I can maintain my self deception that I’m smart, with it onto it – that particular venture didn’t go anywhere ‘cos I gave up, not because I’m useless.
How to stop is harder – it involves some moderately radical shifts in how I think about things, how I behave, and how I rationalise my behaviours. The first thing is to recognise when I’m indulging in one of these behaviours. The second is to deliberately do the opposite of what my ‘natural’ inclination is. Repeat, ad nauseum, until the ‘right’ behaviour feels natural.
[image is The road to Offen 2 by Jasmic]
Comments
Add New Comment
Viewing 2 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Add New Comment
Trackbacks
(Trackback URL)