One of my favorite scenes in the movie “Fight Club” is when Tyler Durden drags a convenience store clerk out into the back parking lot and holds him at gunpoint. When the store clerk divulges his abandoned passion to become a veterinarian, Tyler decides to let him go on the condition that he fulfill his dream, or else face certain death. What is so great about this scene is that anyone who can imagine himself in the store clerk’s shoes will know that he will succeed at becoming a veterinarian come hell or high water.
What would you do if you had a gun to your head? Would you do the right thing? Of course you would. No question. There would be no more excuses. Any rationalizations for why you’re not pursuing your passions would instantly melt away under the heat of a cocked pistol. I’m not saying to actually put yourself in that position. If you have the mental discipline to stay the course no matter what, then keep doing what you’re doing. But if you find your willpower breaking down in the face of temptation, whether it be a second slice of cake or your next paycheck, imagine a gun pointed at your head. Would you still eat that slice of cake? Would you still continue your daily grind? Or would something deep inside you finally break free? A forsaken dream. A suppressed desire. A muzzled roar.
I remember being in college, looking back at how quickly high school flew by, and then I remember being in graduate school, looking back at how quickly college flew by, and then entering the work force, again looking back at how quickly graduate school flew by! As you reflect on your life, notice how every phase of your life has come and gone in the blink of an eye. If you keep putting off the decision you know is right in your heart of hearts, one day you’ll look back in regret wishing someone had forced you to do the right thing, but the only person that will ever force you to do anything, is you.
Choose to Take the Journey 
You have a way with words that expresses some of my own deepest thoughts.
Another great post by one of my favorite “wordsmiths”! :)
For the sake of potentially interesting conversation, answer your own question for me…did something deep inside you finally break free?
You are so generous with your compliments. Thank you Traci :)
To answer your question, yes, of course. I used to envy people who were naturally motivated because for me it was always difficult to get me to do anything. That is, until certain events in my life occurred in quick succession. I was torn up inside, but that pain was a blessing that woke me up from my mental haze. Like a muscle that’s been ripped from lifting a heavy weight, I came back stronger. I started my journey of self-development to heal myself, and even though most people would say I’m “all better,” I’ve been walking for so long that I’ve simply fallen in love with the journey itself.
This made me literally smile from ear to ear. :)
Congratulations on becoming a stronger person through such a beautiful adventure!
Thank you for your super sweet words :D
“Do it now, or regret it later.” That seems a good motto.