Dreams are nice, but as Thomas Edison said, "There is no substitute for hard work."Work is physical or mental activity done in order to achieve a purpose. A sustained effort to overcome obstacles in order to produce or accomplish something. And hard work would be ... um, extra work in order to reach the goal.
Last week I went to the Colorado Christian Writers Conference. In many ways, attending a conference qualifies as work, especially for an introvert with chronic fatigue syndrome. Being around people all the time drains energy that isn't easily replenished while sleeping in a different bed. Actively networking and meeting people. Attending classes and workshops from breakfast to bedtime. Skyrocketing hopes and nerves before meeting with agents and editors. Recovering quickly when appointments didn't go quite as planned.
I'm back home, but the work didn't stop when the conference ended. Now it's time to apply what I learned in all those workshops, followup on the contacts I made, and submit the requested materials. Not to mention redesigning my website, revising another manuscript, writing a few articles, and brainstorming my next project.
What about you? What work does your dream require? Have you ever tried to get by with less? How did that turn out?
1 comment:
I've had lots of "dreams and goals" over the years. Some, I worked very hard on, but later realized that it was because I was trying to escape my (then) current life more than seeking a new one...a desperation that did not produce the "goal."
I am more patient now, fulfilling the needs and joys of the season I'm currently in, while still holding on to dreams that may be fulfilled in the future. And if they're not, it will have been a nice fantasy. :)
I admire your tenacity and strength.
You never know what surprises God has in store for you.
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