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I’m a pretty normal guy.
I’ve got my share of limitations and failings just as I have my share of talents and abilities. The trick is to make full use of those talents in spite of the limitation. One of my limitation is being lazy. I like situations where there are no difficulties. Throw some problems in the mix and I’m ready for a break. I get drawn to the easy chair for a little nap to clear my head. This poses a big problem since most of the things that matter in life have glitches. I get really frustrated when simple tasks get complex and turn into projects. Complication bring out my worst qualities and test my resolve. Still, I never seem to learn. I keep looking for the easy path and worse, expecting it to show up.
Right now, I am closing in on the last step for a business project. I have been working on this for three years, first on my own and then later with the help of a coach. Along the way I have wandered hither and yon around the web, learning as I go about blogging, social media and the workarounds that have made the web so accessible to everyone like WordPress. All along the way I resisted sitting down and learning the technical skills, like HTML, CSS and PHP and, for the most part, there are ways to manage using themes, plug ins and consultants. But even then, working out all the details takes time and persistence.
The problem isn’t technical.
Still, it isn’t really the technical issues that slow things down. The problem is first having the right vision and second the firm persistence to push through whatever obstacles get in the way. Success isn’t easy or quick. Why do I continue to fantasize? It is frustrating that I keep having to learn that lesson over and over.
I have climbed many hills so far with this project but no matter how steep and long those hills were when I climbed them, looking back the ground looks flat. The hills I climbed no longer represent a challenge and now I take for granted all the barriers I have conquered on the journey so far.
It ought to build my confidence and will to move on but it seems that I am just as cowed by this new problem as by the others in the past.
Move forward
So this weekend, I find myself stopped when the path which seemed so simple and effective in my plan hits a road block. I’ve got to stop, experiment and maybe back up and try another path. The path is foggy and confusing and I don’t like it. I can see the end of the path and it frustrates me that I can’t get there the way I planned. Maybe I need to take a nap to clear my head.
I’m going to do it. I don’t know how long it will take and how many path changes and rabbit trails before I get it done. I have the time blocked out and the ideas to start with. In my head I know that this problem is small compared to the ones I already conquered but it doesn’t diminish the frustration. It’s a test of my will. I can’t stop or let this one beat me down. I have to keep going.
Whatever your stage in life, whether you are building a career and family or putting together an outrageous retirement lifestyle, it is important to know that nothing comes easy and the simplest step can suddenly turn ugly. Each of us have what it takes to conquer those difficulties if we are willing to pay the price by putting ourselves on the line and pushing ahead until we win.
Ralph, you are not alone in liking plain sailing through a project, difficulties and obstacles piss me off big time but I suppose we have to look at them as challenges.
Another thing I have learnt the hard way is that I can’t multi-task, I like simplicity in everything.
I look forward to you telling us about your business launch.
Bill
Bill Murney’s last Blog Post ..Education
Bill,
I’ve learned the same thing about myself. I used to think I could handle complexities but it was just bluff. I need to simplify and focus to make any progress. The business launch is coming. It’s just one more obstacle away.
Hey Ralph, like Bill says you’re not alone. I’m sure most of us, me included, come across these hurdles as we travel the long road of life. The answer is to not let it get you down. Sometimes when you come across a problem it seems a lot harder than what it is and there is usually a simple solution to it. In times such as these it’s better to sit back and look at it from another angle.
If that doesn’t resolve it, after some calm quiet reflection on the matter, then there is nothing wrong with asking someone else to see what they think.
Sire’s last Blog Post ..Is There A Major Page Rank Around The Corner
Sire,
The real killer is that quite often the solution is so simple that you never even consider it. So you follow the complicated and make things worse. Oh well.