Don’t Give Up On Your Goals: Motivation Monday
I’ve been writing my book for what feels like forever.
I’m nearing the ending stages and am now deep in the throes of editing, revising, and addressing my editor’s comments.
And you know what? I’m discovering that this is the most difficult part of the writing process.
It’s not the research.
It’s not forming the argument.
It is not even writing the 250-300 page book.
Rather, it’s taking the comments, criticisms, and suggestions from my readers, incorporating them into my work, and turning it into a finished product of which I am proud.
Somedays I will spend the entire day writing four sentences or finalizing one tiny paragraph.
I feel like I am constantly tweaking sentences and re-wording phrases.
I swear somedays I actually undo the progress I made the day before; it’s on those days in particular that I feel like throwing in the towel.
The Shift
This past Saturday, however, as I was metaphorically banging my head against my desk, I came across the quote that read, “I didn’t come this far only to come this far.”
And although it is a simple statement, it spoke loudly to me.
I’ve spent years working on this book.
I couldn’t begin to guess the number of hours I have sat in libraries, poring over microfilms, studying scores, researching materials, and writing, writing, writing.
I’ve worked hard, and although the process is slow – and at times incredibly arduous – in the end, I will have something to show for it.
I didn’t come this far only to come this far.
Will the finished product be perfect?
No, it probably won’t. As writer Elizabeth Gilbert reminds us, the only thing that is perfect in the writing process is a blank page.
Nevertheless, my imperfect labor of love will be something in which I take pride. If anything, it will be a tangible product that represents all of the figurative blood and literal sweat and tears that went into making it.
I didn’t come this far only to come this far. I will finish.
Are you facing any big hurdles in your work or home life right now? Do you ever feel like throwing in the towel? How do you keep going? What is your motivation to persist? Let me know below!