Podcasts are such an amazing source of information. I regularly put them on while I'm folding laundry, shaving, driving a long distance or doing any other mundane task. I always finish that task feeling refreshed with some new reflection on my life. This one here from Entreleadership about 'Serving something greater than yourself' is an interview with the founder of GoRuck apparel, and it had a little quote in there that really has made me think. The founder of GoRuck, Jason McCarthy, joined the military and ultimately the special forces after the events of 9/11. After his military career, he started making backpacks and apparel (I'm grossly condensing the awesome background of this company). During the interview, McCarthy said, 'I want to serve my country in as many peaceful ways as I can. It's my preference, but I'm willing to pick up a weapon if it is necessary.'
I felt that was really profound and can give a lot of insight into what a person actually values. What do you want to do and what are you willing to do when it comes to relationships, nutrition, exercise, your faith, or any other important area of your life? I think if we take inventory of our lives from this perspective, 'wanting and willing', we might be embarrassed to see how many important things we want to do but aren't willing to make any real sacrifice to accomplish.
WANTING - There's a lot of important things we want to do in our lives. Wanting to make something important a priority in your life is good. But it's also shallow, it's conversational, it usually lacks any real commitment or planning. I find it also involves a lot of 'yes'. 'Yes, I want to do that' or 'yes, that's important to me.' Wanting to do something is easy. Too easy.
WILLING - Willing to do something is messy. It makes people uneasy, it offends, it imposes discomfort. Others will shake their head and say 'really?'. Willing to do something involves a lot of 'no'. When you are willing to do something you say 'no' to anything that might get in the way. No matter how nice you try to make 'no' sound, it isn't nice, but 'no' gets things done. Important things. Here are a few...
Willing to say no to the snooze button so you can get up early and finish that grad school assignment or tweak that new web design.
Willing to say no to dessert so you can stay within the number of calories you are allowing yourself each day.
Willing to say no to the comfort of your couch because you have not yet completed your daily workout.
Willing to say no to t.v. because you set a goal of reading one book per month.
The list can go on and on. In fact, you know exactly what your list is as you read this. The act of saying 'no' clears the path for what you want to accomplish and reflects what you are really willing to do to make things happen.
Keep on, keepin' on, friends.
'Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on
being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read
about it more here.
Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader and Director
of Athletics at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. He’s earned a few
degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school
sweetheart and they have three teen age children. Life is messy and complicated
most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter
for all sorts of inspirational thoughts and good laughs.
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