Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Thrive or Whittle Away


Ever wonder if some people are born with a tenacity gene? Not going to dive into the whole nature vs. nurture debate with you here today. Instead, I’m throwing out eight specific questions I don’t doubt all tenacious souls make a point of asking themselves at various stages throughout their journey albeit maybe on a subconscious level. At any given moment we are thriving or whittling away, no matter the commitment.
There really is a time for everything.

Questions to help you decide whether you’re being called to thrive or whittle away…
~What am I willing to sacrifice to accomplish this?

~Who is gaining from this? If the answer is me alone, is it worth it?
~Do I receive any joy in this or from this?

~Is this commitment changing me in a positive or healthy way? Am I growing?
~Am I able to accurately identify my strengths and weaknesses involving this?

~Have I sought accountability in order to continue improving in this?
~Is there fruit? Am I making a difference with this specific commitment? (If the answer is no or doubtful, am I flexible and willing to make a change?)

~Will I be able to look back years from now and be grateful for the time I spent on this?

There you have it. Eight to tuck in your pocket and pull out when you feel like doing a little reflecting about how you’re spending your seconds here on earth.

Any surprise you? Is there any one question that seemed to strike you in particular today?

*photos by stock.XCHNG

 

 

 

 

 

 

13 comments:

  1. Great questions to chew on today, Wendy. I think they are all extremely valid, especially the one about our strengths and weaknesses. If we can't see the reality of ourselves in the situation, it makes it hard to evaluate it as far as some of those other areas.

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are excellent questions? "Is there fruit?" is a big one for me. Sometimes the fruit of writing doesn't look like what we expect it to look like. It's an important thing to take a look at.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Loved these questions and I like the photos. :) I agree with Julie about the fruit. It doesn't always look like we expect it to, but that doesn't mean it isn't producing anything.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I like the "Who is gaining from this?" question. I struggle with that, especially when it comes to writing. Like Julie and Jessica with bearing fruit, I wonder if anyone else will "gain" from my writing or if it is bearing fruit.

    Giving me a lot to think about, Wendy! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are great questions to ask. Sometimes our answers change as time passes, too. It's smart to keep asking ourselves all of these!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ooo, me likey!

    I think the one about whether it's changing me in a positive way and whether I'm growing from it...I often make commitments and stick them out simply because I made them instead of evaluating them along the way. Important things to consider, Wendy. You always make me think. Thank you for that!

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is so, so good, Wendy! I went through a season awhile back of wondering why in the world I was doing the writing thing. Too bad I didn't have these questions then. Haha!

    The one that sticks out to me most today is the one about joy. And I'm glad you said joy, too. Because joy is so different than happiness. No, pursuing the writing dream does not always make me happy...but when I know deep down it's what I'm made for, I feel such joy. And if I can get past the waiting game or the blank screen fear or the "Am I good enough?" insecurities, I always end up in the same spot of (I believe) God-given assurance--I'm made for this. He gave me the storytelling spirit. Running with it honors him.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Love the questions, Wendy. My parents have often told me I'm tenacious, likening me to a small Sherman tank. I didn't see that in myself for a long time, but when I embarked on my writing journey, I began to agree with them. I was in this for the long haul. I told people early on what I was doing so I'd have accountability. I endured ups and downs and downs and downs. And I've experienced more joy than I thought could fit inside the small package the Lord gave me. I love being a writer. I've found my calling, embraced my passion. Life is good--most days anyhow. =)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ooh yes, that last question is, for me, the benchmark. Pulling back and examining the big picture is essential for my stick-to-it-ness. If I'm busting my butt for something and years later (I picture myself as a grandma) when I assess what the costs were, if I don't believe I'll feel grateful after the pursuit...well then... what's the point?

    Nice post.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Awesome, awesome post, Wendy. The fruit one is huge. I was struck lately that I sometimes feel like a sponge, consuming and filling myself with church and God's Word. And at some point, He calls me to squeeze myself a little, to empty myself for the sake of others so I don't become an icky soggy mess.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I will apply this to my writing journey. Someone said to me yesterday to do it only if it makes you happy and that's it--let the rest go, Going to take that advice!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great questions, Wendy. I'm going to really think about these today.

    The "is there fruit" question hits me right in the heart, and the "is this changing me in a positive or healthy way..." Those are most important to me.



    ReplyDelete
  13. nice post thanks for sharing..found you thrue other bloggers hope visiting more..blessings

    ReplyDelete

Taking Time

college applications                 homecoming                            flag football                basketball             SATs   ...