Find a rhythm that suits you and learn the art of continuing
Have you ever set out to begin an exciting project or initiate a significant change in your life, filled with a wave of enthusiasm? You envision all the possibilities ahead, but suddenly you find yourself at a complete standstill.
It's as if you have hit an invisible wall that halts your progress entirely. You may want to continue; however, it feels like something intangible is preventing you from moving forward.
As a result, the demands of everyday life, filled with mundane chores and responsibilities, crowd in. These distractions make it increasingly difficult to return to your once-inspiring project.
Many have faced this challenge. Personally, I have encountered it numerous times throughout my life. Each time, it leaves me with a lingering sense of frustration. I often wonder why, despite my desire to push forward,
I can't seem to make progress on my project. This sense of annoyance comes from a deeper understanding that, for reasons beyond my grasp, I am not able to keep my momentum alive and finish what I started.
This experience has prompted me to reflect on what it truly takes to sustain motivation over the long term. In this article, I hope to share insights that may encourage you to persevere with your own projects and ambitions.
Now, as I celebrate my 52nd birthday, I find myself continuing to write a weekly article that explores themes of a simple, slow, and meaningful life.
A quick calculation reveals that I have produced 312 articles over these six years, and the piece you are reading now is the 313th installment in this series. At the beginning, I had around 100 subscribers on my mailing list.
Today, that number has grown to just over 5,000. The size of the audience or the quality of the articles is open to judgment by others.
However, what stands out to me is the consistency of my writing; these articles have been published every Sunday at seven o'clock in the morning for six continuous years.
As a result, I often receive questions about how I manage to write week after week without fail. To be honest, I have not always had a clear answer. However, after considerable reflection, I have pinpointed five essential qualities that can determine whether someone persists in their endeavors or ultimately decides to give up on their project.
Firstly, it is imperative that you genuinely enjoy what you do. My ability to write articles for the same platform over six years without missing a single week stems primarily from my passion for writing. I find immense joy in the process itself.
Although some days are easier than others, the act of sitting at my desk with a mug of coffee while listening to classical music is inherently fulfilling.
It also feels meaningful to contribute to a conversation about the importance of slowing down in our fast-paced world. I firmly believe society needs this reminder.
If you do not find joy in your project, or if it lacks meaning for you, it becomes exceedingly difficult to maintain your momentum. It is entirely natural to feel stuck in such circumstances.
Therefore, as you consider your own project or life change, take a moment to evaluate whether it holds significance for you. Think about how you might make the process more enjoyable and engaging so that it becomes something you are compelled to pursue.
Secondly, avoid the trap of overthinking. It is common to weigh various options, critique your work, and ponder the right course of action for any project you embark upon.
However, excessive deliberation can stifle your creativity and slow your progress. When you become entangled in the need for perfection, you risk diminishing your chances of maintaining consistent effort.