Jane was thrilled when she landed her dream job as a Chief Marketing Executive. The first few weeks were filled with excitement and enthusiasm as she dove into new projects. However, as the workload increased and challenges emerged, she began to feel overwhelmed. The initial excitement gave way to moments of doubt and questioning her motivation and decisions. She questioned whether she could persevere or maybe she just was not cut out for the job!
In this fast-paced world, people often find themselves swept away by waves of excitement at the outset of a new project, relationship, job, or school, only to watch that initial fervor gradually dwindle over time. This pattern is a universal phenomenon that poses a unique set of challenges. While the thrill of starting a new endeavor is invigorating, it is the journey’s long and winding road that truly tests your courage and endurance.
“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines.
But the one who endures is the one who the final victory comes.”
Even children experience this. My granddaughter Rose is four and had her first day of school this week. She was so excited and could not wait to get to her class. She was still excited when she got home and told us all about it. The next four days she cried and slow walked her way into the building and class. The whole way crying that she did not want to go to school. She wanted to play. The excitement had worn off. She got the new experience but realized new routines and habits were required which took the fun out of her experience. She is still in school and no longer cries.
The excitement anyone feels at the outset of a new project is undeniable. It is an emotional high that propels you forward with unbridled enthusiasm. Yet, as time passes, this initial exhilaration often gives way to the lows of indifference and fatigue. The problem lies in your tendency to perceive engagement as a steady upward trajectory forgetting that the path to accomplishment has peaks, valleys, challenges, and triumphs. As the peaks descend into valleys, the pain becomes real. The once-bright flame of enthusiasm flickers, and you are left grappling with disinterest and frustration. This erosion of excitement can lead to procrastination, self-doubt, and ultimately, abandonment of the endeavor. The pain is not merely the decline of enthusiasm but also the realization that your aspirations are slipping through your fingers.
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To persevere through the excitement phase, you must shift your perspective and embrace the journey itself rather than fixating solely on the destination. This shift in mindset requires a recalibration of your expectations and an understanding that a) valleys are temporary resting points, not signs of failure. b) assessment, acknowledgment, and appreciation of your milestones and growth creates momentum and excitement, and c) nourishment of your mind, body, and soul will withstand the challenges of your journey. By enduring you will:
Forge a genuine connection to your goals. This authenticity infuses your accomplishments with depth and meaning, enriching your sense of achievement.
Foster personal growth and mastery through the valley and the peak times. It is an opportunity for learning, adaptability, and skill refinement. Master the continuous journey of growth and refinement enriching your life.
In a world where instant gratification is often sought, the satisfaction of overcoming challenges and persistence despite obstacles creates a deeper and more lasting sense of contentment.
“What once was extraordinary eventually becomes ordinary.”
You are naturally wired to seek out new and stimulating experiences. This can lead to a tendency to become less engaged once the initial novelty diminishes. Your attention shifts toward the prospect of newer and more exciting opportunities. This can result in feelings of restlessness and a desire for change. However, you are on a journey of transformation, adaptation, and self-discovery. Embrace the entirety of the journey itself, finding purpose and meaning in every step, whether up or down.
