Do you ever get tired or discouraged? Maybe you think you aren’t growing your career or relationships fast enough.
For me, losing weight is one of those areas which gets frustratingly slow at times. We all have challenges, issues and hurts to heal in our lives. I want to encourage you (and myself) that Rome wasn’t built in a day.
What does this quote mean?
It means building a new habit, mastering a new skill or creating something great takes time and patience.
I Need To Remember
For example, I met Sarah J Robinson while attending a writing boot camp. Sarah has just published her first book “I Love Jesus, but I want to Die”. I bought multiple copies intending on giving some as gifts. I could scarcely wait to start reading! She is one of the people I personally know living with mental illness and is one of the strongest, grittiest women I know. I am truly happy for her success as an author and public speaker.
I wonder why is that my truth? Can I change my story?
Do you ever feel jealous of others because someone reached a goal that you have not? I need to remember, I come from a different place and skill sets. I don’t know everything Sarah struggled with to finish her work. So, I tell myself to have patience and take just one more step toward the finish line.
But, what is the best way to overcome this feeling of jealousy and disappointment in myself? What might work for you in your efforts?
Brick By Brick
While watching the movie “Seabiscuit” this weekend, I was struck by a comment made by Red Pollard as he was attending to the horse’s injuries. Red himself was also recovering from devastating injuries. (The doctor said that Red would never race again while the vet predicted the same outcome for Seabiscuit. ) Red quotes a book he had been reading, saying, “I know. I know. I’m in a hurry too Pops. But you know what Hadrian said about Rome: “Brick by brick, my fellow citizens, brick by brick” ” as he works with the horse.
(This quote was attributed in history to Emperor Hadrian, who urged citizens to rebuild Rome after a fire caused widespread devastation. In a careful step by step rebuilding, the new city would be strong and able to stand the test of time.)
Rebuilding a city brick by brick is an enormous undertaking, is it not?
Writing a book is also an enormous undertaking (at least in my experience.)
You might ask what does Rome and Red Pollard have to do with it?
My Take Away Lessons
Brick by Brick sounds much like baby steps doesn’t it?
If you struggle to accomplish a goal and are frustrated with yourself, have patience with the process.
After all,
Seabiscuit and Red Pollard were told they would never race again, and yet, they did. They made their comeback from working patiently and diligently toward health. Red even fashioned a custom brace for his affected leg to strengthen his ankle.
Why did they continue?
I would hazard a guess that they were like minded in their goal and were determined to get back to racing. The odds against them were incredibly high. Step by step, brick by brick, they built toward their goal.
Another take away lesson is:
Red Pollard worked with his injury, not against it. We may not know his personal struggles to get back to racing, but he accomplished his goal. He started rebuilding and training from the point of injury. It took time….
Finally,
Red used the resources available to him. He recovered while living with his boss’ family. He found material to make a brace for his leg and he was persistent with his boss about racing with Seabiscuit again.
We won’t meet our goal if we quit.
Make A Commitment
I have recovered from jealously toward Sarah’s success. How did I do it?
Simply put, I made a choice. It is not rocket science to recommit to my goals. Healthy, encouraging self talk is crucial to a successful move toward accomplishing my goals. I start from here on to take steps to finish my book, and to reaching my weight loss and financial health goals.
Next, I reviewed my resources and re-engaged with my on line courses and Face Book groups. Nothing like spending time with like minded people who will encourage and challenge me.
Then, I decided to embrace Sarah’s success while looking to her as a source of inspiration.
Finally, I have committed to recognizing and celebrating my success. This has been a great self motivation tool. Doubts and insecurity threaten to overtake me, yet I counter them with positive, nurturing self talk.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplas
