Finding Pleasure in the Grind

How do you get from here to there?

Pursuing dreams and realizing goals accomplished is of course an important pursuit.  And for those who are into all that "chase your dreams" stuff, that pursuit is a valid answer to the above question.  I've written a post or two about goals and dreams and chasing in the past, so I won't add on here to that specific discussion.

The question persists.  Aside from cheating and behavior unbecoming of a decent human being (if there is such a thing--decency that is) how does one accomplish anything of value?  Answer:  Pay attention to the little things in life and find enjoyment in those small moments.  I like to refer to the day-to-day movements of life as the "grind."  To find pleasure in the grind means to find purpose in tasks that are as interesting as grandmother's sea shell soap that you're not allowed to use.  The mundane needs to be welcomed, not pushed away for some opportunity that never comes.  Know your routine and follow that guide daily.  In fact, create a routine that is made of building blocks.  Stack daily successes one on top of the other until those blocks have created something of beauty.

An aspiring gourmet chef must scrub pots and pans for a long while before their opportunity to inventory produce comes.  A salesman must make call after call after call (repeat) before getting that one 15 minute appointment with a potential customer.  A parent must communicate and model their expectations to their children every day for 18 plus years before sending them out into the world alone.

Seth says to "First Make Rice" and Dan interviews Josh Shipp and explains this concept in terms of breaking it down into smaller parts.  Both of these individuals I read regularly and believe you should too.  These guys are much smarter than me.

Don't wait until your desired creation emerges to enjoy it.  Love it now before it's fully formed.  Like an artist, excel in the craft of creating.  Find joy in the process.  Grind it out.  The end of a 162 game baseball season will come.  When the end arrives maybe you'll find yourself in the playoffs.

Do what you have to do today or else tomorrow won't matter.