I’m addicted to instant results. Years ago I moved from computer programming to web development because I could see the results of my changes faster. I like training in a workshop environment because I get instant feedback. I love being able to run to Starbucks and enjoy the refreshing taste of a chai frappucino . . . immediately.
But, living for instant results doesn’t get us far. We’re never satisfied for long. We jump from one thing to another. It’s not a healthy way to live. To live fully, we also need to live for the long haul.
Living for the long haul means we do things now, not for instant gratification, but for long-term results, to reach long-term goals, long-term dreams.
Living for the long haul isn’t easy. It requires discipline and focus. It can be lonely. It’s work. But the long term impact can be much greater than any short-term impact.
What are some long-term activities we’re involved in or need to be involved in? Building a business. Writing a book. Raising a family. Getting out of debt. Nurturing a relationship.
We need long-term and short-term activities in our life. We need some instant gratification mixed in with the discipline of living for the long haul. We need some instant results, but we also need the long-term perspective and discipline.
What’s your balance? Are you mixing up the short-term activities with the ever-important long-term discipline and focus? How do you mix it up?
02/08/2011 at 5:58 am Permalink
And currently we are moving in the “long haul mentality”!!!… going through papers, closets, calendars, documents, rooms, drawers and… all over the place! The tedious, laborious, monotonous task that seems to never have an end to it’s job. But in order to move forward for the long haul we have been given the opportunity to do this tedious, forever-seeming, time consuming period …so that we can be prepared for the long haul, for the new that is before us. I agree: it isn’t easy, and requires me to discipline myself to push on daily (when I would rather read a book or relax or find my new place/space of belonging), to focus on this task when it seems to be insurmountable, to be in this lonely space. The dream is for the day when the sunshine will break through in radiant rays streaming through the trees and all of the effort put into the “long haul” work will pay off … a time when I can focus beyond these four walls and find my feet dancing through the streets… But for now to “mix it up” isn’t a part of my season– it’s about doing the work of the “long haul”…
Thanks for your great thoughts and input!!
05/08/2011 at 9:46 pm Permalink
This was awesome. It reminded me that I had been standing in front of the microwave telling it to hurry up!
Thanks for the reminder. I have set long term goals myself and that has really helped shape the short term stuff! It has been such a pleasure to read your blog!
06/08/2011 at 8:14 am Permalink
That’s a great analogy, Edward! Thanks for visiting…and sharing! Keep up the good work!