Making Plans

I saw this image shared on Twitter the other day and, although it may be meant at a lighthearted cartoon, I believe it illustrates a very important point about life.

So often when setting goals and thinking about how life will turn out, it seems like a subtle incline on a bicycle with the destination at a far, but manageable, distance ahead.  Sure it's going to be hard work.  Absolutely, expect to sweat.  But eventually, we'll arrive safe and sound at our destination.

Unfortunately, most life plans don't turn out that way.  Instead, we are bombarded with challenges we didn't expect, surprised by undeserved suffering, and blindsided by seemingly insurmountable obstacles.  The reality is that we are never fully equipped at the beginning of our journey to overcome everything that keeps us from achieving our goals.  

This is where the life skill of grit comes in.  Grit is defined as courage and resolve, strength of character, the ability to keep trying even when things get hard.  It is crucial for anyone who aspires to achieve their life purposes and plans.  It is also a skill, that with practice can be improved and strengthened.  My challenge to you (and to myself as well) is to improve your grit: get back up if life knocks you down, take it one day at a time, find creative solutions to problems, ask for help when things get hard, and keep fighting to follow your dreams.