Doing Stuff You Don’t Want to Do

Finding my purpose seems to be inevitably linked to doing some things I don’t want to do. I must in order to achieve what I do want.

“The people who succeed in life are the people who are willing to do what they don’t feel like doing.” -Rick Warren

When I think about it, I’m not sure how much I live as if this were not only true, but crucial to discovering my purpose. If I know I must do some tasks which I will not like doing, why then do I avoid them like the plague?

Usually it’s because I forget the goal. The goal is to bear the discomfort for something which I do want. Finding my purpose, changing a habit, etc.

When I lose sight of the good, the discomfort becomes unbearable and I bolt.

Can you make yourself do things you don’t want to do? What helps you keep the goal in sight?

Leave a comment and let’s talk.

  • http://www.eileenknowles.com Eileen

    Anytime I have to do something that I don’t want to do, I have to break the task down into manageable bites.   If I look too far into the future, it tends to paralyze me.  The advice they give in recovery programs really is great advice for life in general.  “One day at a time.” 

  • http://www.lifeofasteward.com Loren Pinilis

    Sorry for the delay in commenting, Grayson – I’ve been recovering from surgery.
    I think the key in doing the things you don’t want to do is convincing yourself that you want to do those things. It’s always a battle between immediate gratification and long-term gratification.

    • http://aparchedsoul.com/ Grayson Pope (A Parched Soul)

      I hope your recovery is going well! That’s a good strategy. The hard part of the convincing is getting yourself to reflect on the long-term gratification.