October 28, 2009
Sometimes, you just gotta give up. Knowing when to do so, I think, is critically important to surviving and succeeding. I call it “surrendering to the void.” Knowing when you’re licked. Just plain ol’ tanking. Tonight, for example: I got very little sleep last night, had a very busy day today at and after work, and now I’m wiped. But I haven’t touched my writing for the day; I haven’t done any work on the proposal I started yesterday. And I’m not going to. This, to me, is a mortal sin…but I just don’t have it in me tonight. I’m so tired, I can barely keep my eyes open. My muscles ache, and my brain is stuck in “park.” I…am…beat. So do I sit here and force myself to grind out something I know will be crap? Heck, sometimes I do my best writing under these kinds of conditions! But not tonight. Tonight, I am giving up.
Just about always, I’ve found it’s best never to surrender. Push through the pain, don’t give up no matter what. It’s the only way to be productive and achieve my goals. Quitters never prosper, right? Absolutely true, believe it. But sometimes, it’s better to “surrender to the void,” get some rest, and come back at the work that matters most with a full tank of gas instead of a flashing “E” for “Empty” on the fuel gauge. Better to get a fresh start.
Tomorrow. See you soon!
