Today is August 22, 2018 – (see August 22, 2018 on my Facebook page for video)
“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is pain weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” Jim Rohn is absolutely right about this.
I myself have experienced the heavy feeling of regret. In fact right now as I am buckling down and studying my French lessons with much more discipline than ever before in preparation for my TCF exam next month, the regret I feel at not having been more disciplined learning the grammar earlier really weighs me down when I think about how much further along I would be and how much less pressure I would be feeling now. If only…
But that is water under the bridge and I have built a habit of discipline around doing the grammar exercises each and every day, religiously, now. I’m doing what I can and have left my regret behind. I know I will be prepared.
There is a bible verse that alludes to the same thing. I’m paraphrasing here. Discipline seems painful at the time, but later it yields a sweet harvest. The pain associated with the work required to get the results we want is a major reason we can find ourselves avoiding a present pain and foregoing a future benefit. But I think there is another reason we sometimes don’t do the work required to get us the results we tell ourselves we want and that is: we are afraid of what success would bring. How would others view us if we achieved what we set out to achieve. What would that mean to our own sense of identity? What might we have to leave behind as a result of our discipline and the ensuing success, as we accept and embrace the changes success brings?
I remember I had the opportunity to audition for the Pink Panther piccolo solo in marching band in high school. I was a senior and the most senior flute player in the band. I was a shoe-in. But I didn’t practice and as a result a sophomore got the part. As I look back on this painful event I see a few things at play there. I was egotistical. I was lazy and preferred to hang out with friends and watch TV instead of practice. Deep down I didn’t believe I was talented enough to be the soloist. But, there was also the thought of “what if I am good enough to be the soloist? If I get the part I will have to stand in front of bleachers full of spectators and stand out and in high school standing out was what I was working so hard to avoid! Fear of success was definitely a factor.
Todays No Regrets challenge question is: What do you believe are the reasons people, in general, avoid doing the work required to reach their goals? Please comment below?
See you again tomorrow.
Patricia Brooks is a life experiences coach, speaker, and the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is the host of the Discovering Courage Podcast where each week she explores how ordinary people have managed to live extraordinary lives. Patricia is currently living in France, pursuing her dreams.
Photo Credit: Lucas Clarysse