“Desire without knowledge is not good, and one who moves too hurriedly misses the way.” Proverbs 19:2 NRSV
I’ve realised that one reason why we have abandoned projects that we once started with a lot of internal fire and passion is impatience. I’ve written previously about how I have several projects I never completed.
Impatience can be good but only when channelled correctly with the right plan. Ever wondered why you’d start something and then get stuck somewhere in between? It’s because there’s a missing element from the equation.
Impatience becomes patience when the right first step is taken. What is this step? The acquisition of knowledge over some time. Many of the problems we encounter are due to a lack of knowledge.
When you desire something and don’t know how to get it, hurriedly taking action isn’t wise. I know that many motivational speakers and books have encouraged us to “just do it” without letting us know how.
“Just do it” applies when you take fast action based on the knowledge that you have at the time, not on the knowledge you don’t have. Someone who professionally runs a marathon doesn’t need to stop for hours to catch her breath at any point during the race because she knows how to conserve energy and extend it through the race. But an unprofessional will speed up and do all the wrong things, only to collapse in the middle.
Are you eager to jump into something you’re so passionate about? Start from where you are and what you know or have access to. Don’t be intimidated by a person who can start big. He can do that because he has the knowledge or can externally acquire the knowledge for it. If you don’t have such access, then don’t fake it; start small and grow.
I’ve had to catch my breath many times and it hasn’t done me any good. Now, life experiences have made me calm down and figure out the best first step to take, even when it isn’t perfect or glorious.
Calm down. You’ll get there.
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