Most of us settle in, and settle for what we have. Rather than pursue, we accept. Our lives become unwitting celebrations of passivity: we undervalue our work and perceive ourselves as wage slaves (and so we phone it in at the day gig), we consume compulsively (but not create), we pine for better lives (but live vicariously through our televisions).
These corners we paint ourselves into, it’s no way to live. There’s no adventure, no passion, no hunger for change. Remember that relentless optimism you once had? The goals you wished to achieve, before settling in? They’re still there. You need a nudge to find them; a little gumption.
You can start that business. You can lose that weight. You can quite smoking, and learn to garden, and write that book, and be a better parent, and be all the things you want to be…that thing this world needs you to be. It requires courage and faith, both of which you can muster. It requires effort — but this effortless life isn’t as satisfying as it seems is it?
Declare war on passivity. Hush the inner voice that insists you’re over the hill, past your prime, unworthy of attaining those dreams. Disbelief is now the enemy, as is the notion of settling. Get hungry — hyena hungry. Get fired up. Find your backbone, and your wings.
Flap ’em. It’s the only way you’ll be able to fly.
—————–
~J.C. Hutchins (Novelist): “Gumption” in “What Matters Now“
Live & Learn 
I’m going to boldly put out there, that THIS should be required reading for the MASSES! Great work
LikeLike
Thank you!
LikeLike
What do you need t start today to accomplish your dream next year?
LikeLike
Hi Jeff. Thanks for visiting. It’s a long list!
LikeLike
Great Post Dave, exactly my mission this year-
LikeLike
This is exactly what I am trying to live by. Complacency is death, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Lokyra. Dave
LikeLike
This is a great thought. Even though I must admit it is sometimes hard to push yourself to do something “active”, I think it is worth most of the times. Sometimes, doing nothing and giving yourself some peace and quiet are necessary though, also to give you the opportunity to get a new view on things around you. It’s of course important to not let such times turn into boredom and lethargy.
Creativity and Activity can come in many ways, and every one of us must find their own way to lead a satisfying life, for themselves, but also for others around them.
LikeLike
Katrin, thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts. Dave
LikeLike