Aren’t we all hard on ourselves? It’s a matter of degrees for most, I suspect, but living a life of intention and seeking opportunities for improvement typically means I’m incessantly measuring my progress. Am I there yet? Am I there yet?
Therein lies the problem. Actually, two problem-O-s:
Problem-O #1: Was I clear about my destination? What goal did I have in mind, or did it shapeshift in my haste to simply move? Movement = progress, right? No. Movement in an endless, direction-less loop of my own making is not progress. And yah. Been there, done that. Over and again.
Problem-O #2: What’s my measuring stick? Once I have a goal in mind, I need to look for those waysides and rest areas so I can refresh and refuel. If there’s no reward until I arrive, I’ve lost all opportunities to build momentum. Remembering that I can pause and reflect on progress as a tangible “achievement snack” helps me sustain the effort. Plowing through to the finish? Less so. I might get there, but I’ll be a sweaty, disheveled, and cranky heap of humanity upon arrival.
So, what am I advocating for? Movement…even inches. If the goal feels ridiculously lofty, it will always be so if I’m viewing it from a distance. I’ve learned my perspective and attitude improve in tandem as I lumber forward, even when I lack grace and finesse. I’m not alone.
Mark Twain knew things. Like this:
“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.“
Who needs perfection? I’ve found it’s a lonely place. Warmed only by my own ego as I laud myself for some accomplishment. Nah. I’d rather reach toward someone who’s still on the road and be a beacon. I got here. You can, too. Join me and we’ll find new destinations together. I know because I’ve received that very support, over and again.
A little lagniappe? A little more? Join Wynne and I for this week’s “Podcast Friday” where we talk to our writer friend, David from Pinwheel in a Hurricane, and Unwanted about writing, compassion and practicing our craft. Great inspiration awaits!
Vicki 😉
Links for this Episode:
Episode 53: Practicing Creativity with David on Anchor
Transcript for Episode 53 of the podcast
David’s Pinwheel in a Hurricane blog
David’s Unwanted Blog
scaffolding post by David
David’s recent post soft place that explains how writing helps the swirly stuff in the brain have a soft place to land.
Wynne’s personal blog: Surprised by Joy
Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith
Victoria Ponders 
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