Any Game of Thrones fans out there? (Silly question – of course there are!) Maester Aemon, one of the oldest member of the Night’s Watch on the frigid Wall, tells fan-favorite Jon Snow that “Love is the bane of honor, the death of duty.” Great line. And it’s got me thinking of a similar sentiment.
Comfort is the enemy of accomplishment.
What amazing thing did you ever accomplish sitting back and coasting? I ask that question as one who has been very comfortable in life enjoying my own down time. (Just ask The Queen!) But it’s a serious question, nonetheless.
As I mentioned in my last post, I started a course at Future Learn this week. (100% free! I’m working through week 1 of “Start Writing Fiction”.) It feels strange. My early attempts at college were unsuccessful. I was well into my 30’s before I finished my bachelors degree. I was just shy of 40 when I finished my MBA. When I was pursuing those degrees, I was in the zone. I was a full-time student while supporting my family in my career and doing my best to be a good husband and father at the same time.
But that was a while ago.
Today, my schedule still feels full. I’ve advanced a bit with my company. Our boys are older and involved in more things. The Queen started her own business. (Witty Wicks, for all of your handmade, all natural, soy wax artisan candles!) It’s not like I’m bored.
But… comfort is the enemy of accomplishment. I’m committed to pursuing this dream of writing. (And I’ve now branched out to speaking and coaching!) I’m grateful for the fact that my job allows me to support my family. But the day job doesn’t help me write better stories.
Hence, the enrollment in Future Learn’s course. I’ve just about finished the assignments for week 1. They have been interesting, like stretching muscles that don’t get used much. There is still that little voice in the back of my head as I was working on one of the tasks this evening saying, “C’mon, just keep writing on your blog… that’s good enough…”
How do I expect something new to occur by just sitting back and staying comfortable? That idea doesn’t pass the sniff test. If I’m being honest, I don’t buy it.
So I’m in this class. I hope that it will help me increase the content in my “Fiction” category. I hope that my stories get better. And this work, back in school, seems like a decent tool. Maybe this will help me get the results I want.
If not, I’ll try something else. And along the way, I hope to keep fighting that little voice that says, “Just relax. The status quo is fine.”
You’ve got things that you want to accomplish. Are you stepping outside your comfort zone? Or are you letting yourself coast? Are you going easy on yourself?
TMPinSYR 