“Not to assume it’s impossible because you find it hard. But to recognize that if it’s humanly possible, you can do it too” Marcus Aurelius
There exists a gap between where you are now to where you want to be. This gap can be crossed by taking either big leaps or a series of small ones, but what’s important is acknowledging the challenge before you and embracing the hard work it will take to make it to the other side. People tend to fall into three groups when it comes to facing the gap:
The Avoiders.
Those in this group see the gap but choose not to make the effort to cross in the face of adversity. They are intimidated by the size of the task and make excuses, choosing to instead pretend nothing desirable lies on the other side and continue living a life of compromise and dissatisfaction.
The Buyers.
This group looks for a shortcut to the other side. Like the Avoiders, these people are not willing to put in the work to get to the other side. Instead, they try to “buy” there way across. We’ve all seen infomercials selling instant success, a slim waist-line, and intelligence “for only 3 easy payments of $39.99!” The idea that we can obtain results without work is why diet pills, plastic surgery, lottery tickets, and debt are all so popular in our society. Some people are even willing to break the law and con others by stealing, embezzling, and participating in insider trading to “fast-track” their way to success. In the end, shortcuts only elude success, often leading to pain and misfortune.
The Crossers.
This group approaches the gap and makes a plan. They look fear in the face and put in the work. When they fall, they pick themselves back up and continue on slow and steady until they reach the other side.
The only way to truly reap the benefits of crossing the gap is to work your way across. Similar to the fire drills we did in school, being prepared and practiced is the best way to make it through when the going gets tough. Be honest with yourself about which above group you belong to and if you aren’t happy with your answer, make the choice to change. As you create a plan for accomplishing your dreams, concentrate on the obstacles you might encounter and how you will overcome them.
Thank you,
Rogelio H. Charles