Jack White’s Words Of Wisdom
By vishwa on Inspiration
March 20, 2012
I endorse the views of what Jack White says about inspiration and work ethic. He says that we should show up and force ourself to work. We then may find out that what we just did was good enough.
Now, you may ask me, “How does this apply to gym parlance?” Suppose that you want to get into physical activity. At the same time, you find yourself lacking the motivation to pursue the interest. Just remember that during those times, things may just fall in order, if you merely try to show up. At the least, the motivation to be physically present should be the primary focus. Frank Tibolt rightly says, “We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action.”
Many times I am unable to write stories in my blog. My mind goes blank. Perhaps, on few occasions, I have succumbed and not showed up on my desk to do my daily practice. However, I get back into writing sooner for the better. At the same time, I can also say that I have come up with some good pieces of writing whenever I have struggled. I believe the human mind likes challenges, whether we embrace that or not. The mind yearns for stimulation—challenges. Edward Gibbon says, “We improve ourselves by victories over ourself. There must be contests, and you must win.” On the other hand, we can also be enamored with our comfort zones. As Robert Heinlein says, “In the absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it.”
I believe we are walking on a razor sharp edge. Yet, if we keep at it, the chances of coming out victorious are greater. We will fail whatsoever if we do not turn up at all. Moreover, as Leo Burnett says, “When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get them, but you won’t come up with a handful of mud either.”
“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke.
PS: Thanks to Ross for posting this video at his blog.