"Do It and the Energy Will Come" by Joan Y. Edwards
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do the Thing and You’ll Get the Energy to Do the Thing.” To me his words translated into, “Do It and the Energy Will Come.” It was one of those “Wow” moments for me. I asked myself, “Is that true?” You might ask yourself the same question.
Remember the times your baby woke you up in the middle of the night. Somehow getting up and seeing to it that they were all right, gave you energy to complete that task before you went back to sleep.
What about the time you didn’t want to do the dishes, but you started on them. Pretty soon, the dishes were done, and your energy level had sparked.
What about working on your term papers the last few hours before they were due, you all of a sudden had the energy to do it. Why? At the time you may not have known. But you knew you had to get it done now or it wasn’t going to be done at all. Plus, each step you took gave you energy to do the next step, until you had the whole paper finished.
What about when you want to read a book on the craft of writing or a book on how to draw action figures, but you’re not in the mood. Start reading it and you’ll get in the mood. The energy will flow.
As a writer or illustrator, have you been saying, "I don't have the energy to do that." Try knocking down that excuse. Work on the article. Sketch that picture. Watch the energy flow to your mind and body.
Action is a mood buster. Test this theory for yourself. Accomplishment gives a great feeling of satisfaction. It makes the next step easier. Finishing three small things will give you energy to start a bigger project.
Empower yourself. Do it and the energy will come.
Good advice, Joan. I wish my lack of energy was always refreshed by just doing. However, I do remember the days when that was true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us.
Vivian
Joan,
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! People used to ask me how I could waitress part-time in addition to working a full-time job. I responded that I looked at it as getting paid to exercise. Attitude makes the difference. Two other quotes come to mind: Fake it until you can make it. Nike--Just do it! Thanks for the reminder to just get started.
Linda A.
Dear Vivian,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I'm sure in your job as the President of 4RV Publishing and also, Mother, Wife, and Family member, you have so many jobs, that you feel overwhelmed.
It's also important to get sleep. When I was caring for Mother, I didn't realize I was so exhausted until my husband and I took a little vacation. I slept for 24 hours straight.
Then prioritizing the jobs. And delegating the jobs. But accomplishing a small job will help you get started on another job. I'm praying for that to happen for you.
May God energize you!
Joan
Dear Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome for the reminder to "Do it and the energy will come."
Thanks for writing and adding two other quotes to the pot: Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith rock band: "Fake it until you make it."
I like the fact that Nike is not only advertising their shoes, but empowering the people with their slogan, "Just Do It."
May God's energy flow to and through you today!
Joan
My dad used to say that too many people simply say, "Take Care" when a visitor or guest leaves. He said, "instead just say 'Take a chance!' "
ReplyDeleteI believe that is my energy boost day after day. Thanks for a well timed article.