#279 Aligning your beliefs with your innate ability

I am inspired when I write, because I care about writing.
I am disappointed when I don’t write, because I care about writing.

I am delighted when there are no traffic jams, because I care about efficiency.
I am frustrated when the train is delayed, because I care about efficiency.

Strong emotions are the most honest answer to the question, “Do I care?”

”But should I care?” I hear you ask.

Well, my friend, that’s a different question.

You want to get the guitar piece exactly right but still trip up once in a while. How do you react?

You want to run a marathon but can’t even finish half a marathon yet. How do you react?

You want to explain how you feel but end up feeling misunderstood. How do you react?

Do you let frustration hold you back?

Or do you use the gap as leverage to change your actions and bridge the gap between your current and desired identity?

Be a writer, and write.
Be a runner, and run.
Be a singer, and sing.
Be a teacher, and teach.
Be a parent, and love your children.
Be a lover, and love your partner.

I believe this is who I am. I believe this is what I do.
I believe I am free. And so are you.

Now is the time to put my heart on the line.

Because whatever I do at this very moment is a direct vote for who I want to be.

But before I let the gravity of the moment paralyze me, I realize – this is not my first vote, and it won’t be my last.

Another present moment will soon arrive, and with the passing of time, another opportunity to put my heart on the line.

Too much pressure on one moment leads to perfectionism and paralysis.

Too much focus on “this one moment doesn’t matter” leads to defeatism and lethargy.

Be intentional about the present moment because it’s the only vote you can directly influence.

Then be aware of the aggregate of your actions because your identity emerges from the majority of your votes.

Who do you choose to be?