Battling the I Don’t Wanna’s
May 11, 2011 § 7 Comments
Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where A-Ha moments happen every second of the day?
Why, it would take virtually no effort whatsoever to be motivated! Sure, it might be mentally taxing to have an inspirational thought every time you think, but still. At least then, you wouldn’t be faced with the I Don’t Wanna’s.
The I Don’t Wanna’s: a tough little army of reasons, excuses, justifications, and plain ol’ not-wanting-to’s whose prime objective is to keep you from your work. Like facing a moat or a fire-breathing dragon, you (brave knight) must face this barrier in order to rescue your work (sweet princess) from her assured demise.
My I Don’t Wanna’s come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, they are as feeble as a mere “but I just don’t want to.” Easily hammered down and defeated. “But I have to,” comes my battle-axe response. Done. “But I just don’t want to” is no more.
Sometimes they are massive, scaly, venomous dragons with wings that beat deafening thunder. The Dragon “I Would But This Other Thing Takes Priority” buffets me with fiery guilt, shame, and regret. I am pelted by hailstones of “remember how you ignored this friend or that activity,” and I am almost always brought to my knees. Weakened. Humbled. Humiliated.
But, if we really are the brave knights we think we are, if we really do intend to accomplish the goals we ourselves set before us to accomplish, then we have no choice but to take to our feet again. Hoist that shield up. Draw the sword.
Our battle cry changes. “But I have to” becomes a mighty yawp of “I will because I want to!”
We charge the Dragon “I Would But,” raise the sword overhead, and push through until Steel Will slices through fleshy idleness.
We will be victorious.
A.Hab.'s View 
Love it! “…steel slashes through fleshy idleness”
Awesome imagery, my friend. Miss you! We must all get together soon. How does a gathering of the girls with wine on my back deck sound?
Hehe, thanks, Robin! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post. And I think an evening with the girls, wine, and the outdoors sounds delightful. Let’s put that into motion! Definitely!
I have the I-Don’t-Wanna’s way too often, and I’m afraid they don’t turn into But-I-Have-To’s often enough. It’s sad. I’m not being productive today. It’s pointless, perhaps. Too damn hot here! How are the temp and humidity down your way?
Kathy
Miserable! I’ve been hiding out these past couple of days in Grad Study Nirvana! 🙂 I guess, on the one hand, it’s been a blessing in disguise…there’s nothing to do here but work. On the other hand, there’s nothing to do here but work! Lol.
Do you wanna borrow my Steel Will to kill off your I Don’t Wanna’s? 🙂
How funny that we wrote similar posts today! There are so many times, I just want to say, “I’d prefer not to” and get away with it. Unfortunately, that means comps won’t get done, the dissertation won’t get written and so on…
We can do it! Keep pushing!
I remember taking a workshop that addressed this. Of course I have forgotten anything that was said. Or else I don’t want to remember.
[…] I lowered my sword Steel Will, fatigued and drained. I stared up at the Dragon “I Would But” and croaked, “You win.” I fell to my knees, too exhausted to hold up my own body. […]