And each man stands with his face in the light of his own drawn sword. Ready to do what a hero can.
– Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Ethan has committed one of the classic motivational non-blunders. Well, I can’t say that with complete authority, since his brother may, in fact, be Sicilian, and death could potentially be on the line. But, no matter! First, we dri– wait, sorry, got carried away there for a second.
A goal is a dream with a deadline.
– Unknown
Hopefully, we’re collectively smart enough not to let our mouths write checks that our bodies can’t cash. In the chance we’re not, getting to that point becomes awfully motivational.
The Russian poet Anton Chekhov (no relation to Pavel) brought us the notion of Checkhov’s Gun, and it seems our sketched compadre has drawn his, so to speak. There are two ways to look at this situation. On the one hand, there’s got to be something that’s made us draw our sword, throw down the gauntlet, or otherwise stand up and say, “I’m mad as hell, and I’m not gonna take it anymore!” Whether that’s outside criticism or internal frustration, the bottom line is that we’ve reached the point where action is imperative. On the other hand, once we’ve done that and put ourselves on the spot, there’s the feeling of power and freedom of having made that decision.
In both cases, it’s time to act. You’ve pulled the boss, or started the level, or dropped the puck, and now you’re in it. Some folks need that little bit of pressure as the final impetus to get into gear. Others work best when the pressure is off and they can fly under the radar. Whatever approach works best for you, go with it!
When you turn the spotlight on yourself, even if you’re the only one who knows it’s there, you might surprise yourself with what you’re capable of accomplishing. Sword drawn, ready to slay whatever adversary — whether it’s weight, or cholesterol, or just being rid of an ugly pair of pants — we’re engaged and active and making something happen.
The quote that led this off has reminded me of one even less well-known, since probably only a couple hundred people were on the mailing list where it was originally posted. It was a succinct, modern twist on the same motif:
“Kick ass. Be mighty.”
– Friend of ShrinkGeek
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Man, motivation is by far my weakest point when it comes to fitness. I have plenty of knowledge, but then I see something greasy and salty…Mmmmm….
Lighting the internal Zippo does wonders. I feel compelled to post a link to this: http://www.tmuscle.com/readArticle.do?id=1846703
Great article and I believe there needs to be a warning about language, so those easily offended don’t click. The link is courtesy Señor Rafe and his blog.