What keeps me from doing all the neat and wonderful things I plan to do? What stops me from being everything I could be six months from now? Merlin Mann posted this excellent paragraph on 43 Folders yesterday…

Resistance can be thought of as anything that pulls us away from doing the work we know is most important to us. It takes many forms (including procrastination, fear, distraction, and negative self-talk), but the effect is often similar: we find or permit all kinds of barriers to keep us from becoming the person we want to be, or from completing the thing we really want to make. Whether that’s being a published author, a composer, a playwright, or a painter, our impulse to create constantly battles an impulse to do something else, or to do nothing — to not upset our weirdly comfy stasis.

The things I would like to do:

• Create better writing and sermons.
• Get published more.
• Pray better.
• Improve my drumming.
• Improve my running and overall fitness.
• Try writing a book.
• Be a better husband.

The resistance that stands in the way…

• Fear of failure or criticism.
• Watching too many movies.
• Aimless web surfing.
• Naps.
• Unnecessary reading.
• Lack of a plan.

These are in addition to the ordinary duties of life. I admire those of you who, in the midst of raising kids, going to work, and managing family obligations, still manage to go to school, write great blogs, shoot awesome photos or follow whatever passions and dreams God has placed in your heart.

I need to take Merlin’s advice when he says to “beat the crap out of whatever perceived obstacle keeps you from doing your work.”

(Found Merlin Mann’s post via Lifehacker).