We get what we put in. I’ve heard this line so many times. Where does this apply? In sports? In a relationship? Everything? I prefer the latter. If I give money, time, effort, understanding then certainly I’m sure to reap something?
So what is something? I think it may different depending on the individual, group or organization. I guess I’m looking at the whole experience of life. If I can speak for others I would say that our mentality combined with emotions goes through a cycle.
If we start something new like a project, job, relationship or group meeting we have this sense of motivation and intensity. We may not have the experience but we have the desire to try or take on this new thing. Because it’s so new we find ourselves in research and knowledge seeking mode. We are a sponge wanting to soak up even the tiniest amount of provision. We are giving it everything we got.
After a while as knowledge builds our motivation is still evident but we aren’t giving as much of our own as before. Then over a period of time something dangerous begins to happen. It is so dangerous it can become toxic. What I mean by toxic is that it can potentially begin to affect others in an adverse way. Over a period of time we realize what harms us and how far we can stretch the limits. If it’s a job we may show up late. If its finances we calculate how far in advance we can write the check before it clears. Or even how far we can get away with telling as little of the truth as possible before we really get called onto the carpet. How about stepping into another lecture or meeting knowing like weeks prior we have failed to prepare but hoping we can fake it one more time.
Meanwhile, we have failed to realize our first love. The first love of why we even began this new project, job, relationship or group meeting. We proclaim that we have become more intelligent than everyone else, even the boss, therefore I’m bored. Here is the best one. It’s always the same ole’ thing, nothing has changed. I just wish… Yeah, that wishing part is what we should tell ourselves we should be contributing.
See we quit things because we don’t see the attraction any longer. Is it safe to say that we want to be romanced? What would happen if we took a greater part in the romancing? Can we be intentional about creating new ways or ideas to show who we are to what ever project, job, group or individual. Creating takes work and sacrifice. Wow, it goes back to we get what we give in. If we do something good do you think we’ll reap something good? What if we give a less than half-hearted effort? Over a period of time do you think we’ll reap absolutely nothing? It might explain why so many people quit jobs, efforts, projects or even relationships. Things fail when we become selfish and do our desire instead of sticking to the commitment.
Let’s evaluate our priorities and ask if we’ve been committed to our commitments lately. If not then realize why we committed in the first place. Let’s be creative and find a way to bring the excitement, passion and adventure back! Study again or have a desire to be a sponge again. Resurrect the good things that have been waiting for life again. -chuck
So what is something? I think it may different depending on the individual, group or organization. I guess I’m looking at the whole experience of life. If I can speak for others I would say that our mentality combined with emotions goes through a cycle.
If we start something new like a project, job, relationship or group meeting we have this sense of motivation and intensity. We may not have the experience but we have the desire to try or take on this new thing. Because it’s so new we find ourselves in research and knowledge seeking mode. We are a sponge wanting to soak up even the tiniest amount of provision. We are giving it everything we got.
After a while as knowledge builds our motivation is still evident but we aren’t giving as much of our own as before. Then over a period of time something dangerous begins to happen. It is so dangerous it can become toxic. What I mean by toxic is that it can potentially begin to affect others in an adverse way. Over a period of time we realize what harms us and how far we can stretch the limits. If it’s a job we may show up late. If its finances we calculate how far in advance we can write the check before it clears. Or even how far we can get away with telling as little of the truth as possible before we really get called onto the carpet. How about stepping into another lecture or meeting knowing like weeks prior we have failed to prepare but hoping we can fake it one more time.
Meanwhile, we have failed to realize our first love. The first love of why we even began this new project, job, relationship or group meeting. We proclaim that we have become more intelligent than everyone else, even the boss, therefore I’m bored. Here is the best one. It’s always the same ole’ thing, nothing has changed. I just wish… Yeah, that wishing part is what we should tell ourselves we should be contributing.
See we quit things because we don’t see the attraction any longer. Is it safe to say that we want to be romanced? What would happen if we took a greater part in the romancing? Can we be intentional about creating new ways or ideas to show who we are to what ever project, job, group or individual. Creating takes work and sacrifice. Wow, it goes back to we get what we give in. If we do something good do you think we’ll reap something good? What if we give a less than half-hearted effort? Over a period of time do you think we’ll reap absolutely nothing? It might explain why so many people quit jobs, efforts, projects or even relationships. Things fail when we become selfish and do our desire instead of sticking to the commitment.
Let’s evaluate our priorities and ask if we’ve been committed to our commitments lately. If not then realize why we committed in the first place. Let’s be creative and find a way to bring the excitement, passion and adventure back! Study again or have a desire to be a sponge again. Resurrect the good things that have been waiting for life again. -chuck
1 comment:
I think we can glean some wisdom from the great philosopher, Billy Crystal in the movie, City Slickers when he said, "I'm not gonna quit my job, I'm just gonna do it better." I agree 110% that this is a very common human phenomenon. I am guilty of it myself to a great degree. I am always looking for something new to capture my interest and motivation, when I should be looking for ways to "do it better". That is to say, recommit to your committment. The only thing we can control is our attitude/how we approach/perceive things. You are right on with your blog, Chuck! -Janice
Post a Comment