Enjoying the Process
learning to at least
I love taking on new, big, exciting projects. I become obsessed with the idea of how something can look, romanticizing the finished product while disregarding the process required to complete the project. Actually, it’s hard to say disregard because I do think about it, for like half a second, then I remember how awesome my obsession will be and I immediately decide it is worth it. Sometimes, if the process seems really long and strenuous that gets me even more excited because, for some reason, I love a challenge.
Part of this, I believe, has to do with the fact that hard work doesn’t scare me. Most people can probably relate to this, but completing something difficult equips me with a sense of accomplishment that is almost always worth it for me.
Additionally, I have no problem committing to big projects because I know a few things…
My audacity will carry me through. Even if I have never done this before, I believe there is no hurdle that will really stop me. I feel entirely certain I can figure it out. I have the world at my fingertips with Google in my pocket and I will find the way.
I’m going to finish it. I really hate not finishing things.
Now, if we take a second here and really unpack this second point there is a disclaimer that comes with it. I’m going to finish it, but that can come at a price. The price often being the result. I will rush through and foresake my vision if I become exhausted by the process and, unfortunately, I often get sick of the process.
Miley Cyrus once said, “Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side; It’s the climb.”
You’d think maybe that would have stuck with me as an impressionable 8 year old who loved Hannah Montana. Yet, I am cursed with the impatient, “grass is always greener” mentality.
Lately, I’ve been very aware of the fact that I think like this. I’ve taken on more long-term projects than usual and have noticed I have the urge to move quickly. Truly, I do not want to. I want to take my time, but there is this little voice in the back of my head saying to keep it moving. I’m refusing to give in. I really want to enjoy the process.
In my quest to revel in each step, I’m finding out a few things about myself. The first is, silence actually helps. I have always been one for background noise, a show or podcast perhaps, but lately it seems like these comforts are doing more harm than good. I find them distracting; I’m taken out of whatever I am doing and not in a way that makes my task more enjoyable. Rather, I zone out and find myself wanting to move on. Since I cut down on these distractions, I am embracing new little joys in processes.
I’m far from having this all sorted. For now I’m learning. But this could be the reminder someone else needs to take a breath and enjoy the journey.
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