When Everyone is Running, Walk.

Dear Real Academics,

This past week I was figuratively running. I have a very big project to complete, and I was talking to one person and then to another and trying to put all the pieces together. The problem is, the pieces were stubbornly just not coming together. Needless to say, I was feeling quite frustrated and quite tired. 

Has this ever happened to you? You feel as if there is a mad rush to get something done and everyone around you is running and you are running, too, but you feel as if all the effort is not getting you anywhere?

I decided to go for a walk with my puppy in the crisp air and warm sunshine. After the walk and some quiet prayer, I understood I needed to: 

Stop running. 

Stop striving. 

Still move forward, but stop rushing. 

This understanding was confirmed by one of the project constituents who called and said that maybe I needed to slow down. The confirmation continued with a wise friend from church in his 70's. (Actually, the advice is from his grandfather!): When everyone is running, walk.

Photo by Trace Hudson from Pexels

What are you figuratively running to get done because everyone around you is running, Real Academics? Consider walking. Walking is still moving forward, but it is moving forward at a slower, hopefully less frantic, pace.

I still have the big project to complete. But, you know what? I rather like the idea of walking through it rather than running. I'm still making progress, and I'll eventually "get there", but walking allows me to weigh information and decisions in with more thought and clarity. 

I hope this bit of advice is helpful. We live in an often chaotic and unfortunately fearful world. Don't allow those things to consume you, but stay focused on your goals and purpose and enjoy the interesting journey ahead.

Until next time, happy writing and happy productivity!

Maggie

www.therealacademics.com

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