If I had to give myself a grade for being a starter, I would assign an A-. Taking a grade of A would not be right; I have a bit too much procrastination in me to rate the top score. However, I am comfortable taking a high grade. Why? I only needed to look at the filing system on my computer for evidence of many projects I have started. Many of those projects are no more than preliminary ideas that need refinement. Most of the ideas will never become a finished product. For some of the ideas, that outcome is the right one. For other ideas, my resistance to advance could cost me dearly.
This week, I am reflecting on a Chinese proverb that suggests it is normal to want to give up on ideas before they reach fruition. The temptation to quit may be normal, but it is the very time to stick to our guns and see a project through to completion.
Recognize the Resistance
The work of author Steven Pressfield immediately comes to mind when facing doubts and struggling to complete a project. Pressfield has written extensively on the challenges creatives and entrepreneurs face to transform ideas into reality. He has a name for the obstacles faced in navigating the creative process: The Resistance. If you feel unsure of your self, doubt your ability to succeed, or are outright scared, turns out you are normal. According to Pressfield, the more uncertainty you face, the better off you are. In his book The War of Art, Pressfield said:
“If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), “Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?” chances are you are. The counterfeit innovator is wildly self-confident. The real one is scared to death.”
Fear that you do not have what it takes to succeed on the project, job, or as a leader comes with the territory. Take comfort that you are a member of a large club… just don’t succumb to the fear and stop short of the finish line.
Deal with Fear
If you are doing any work of personal significance, something that stretches your capabilities and comfort, chances are you will question your ability to accomplish. In line with Steven Pressfield’s viewpoint, the likelihood of being tempted to quit increases the more invested you are in the work.
Fear is likely to land on your doorstep. How will you deal with it?
- Remember fear is normal. We established this point already. The reason you are tempted to quit is not because you suck, it is because you are human. The inability to control the outcome of your work (and its acceptance) invites fear.
- Recognize the source. As Steven Pressfield says, you are the enemy. Any fear, self-sabotage, or doubt that arises does not come from an outside source. The voice saying can competently and confidently do the work also questions your worth and performance ability. Listen to the former, not the latter.
- Do the work. This three-word directive is another Steven Pressfield staple. Doing the work in the face of your own doubt is the antidote to self-imposed limitations. Another quote from The War of Art sums up the simple yet critical decision to do the work:
“The most important thing about art is to work. Nothing else matters except sitting down every day and trying.”
Don’t wait for permission, inspiration, or approval. Do what needs to be done.
The Takeaway
This Chinese proverb is one that I would benefit from regularly revisiting. One word describes what I will take with me from this quote: resolve. Temptation to give up is something that is not unique to us—we all struggle with walking away just before a breakthrough. The key to handling the struggle is recognizing its existence and resolving to work through it.
