Will
I think a lot about will. Gumption if you so desire. I figure it's the only thing I've got going for me. You see, I want to be great. In order to do this certain things must happen. The problems I run into are with exactly who I am:
You see, I'm not the smartest guy out there. There are people who, even in my chosen field of philosophy can blow me out of the water without even trying. I'm also not the most naturally athletic. I see some guys who put in half the work I do and get twice the results. I'm also not the best looking or most charming. I generally have to work to get attention from females. In all of these areas I may be average or even above average, therefore I have to strive to compete at a high level.
But I want to be great. That's the summary of me right now. I want to do something great and in order to do that I have to sacrifice a lot of things. I have to spend hours and hours studying. I have to diet, and work out every day to maintain a good physique. I have to put in a hell of a lot of effort. But this is what I want and the only way I'm going to get it is by working my ass off.
You see, I'm not the smartest guy out there. There are people who, even in my chosen field of philosophy can blow me out of the water without even trying. I'm also not the most naturally athletic. I see some guys who put in half the work I do and get twice the results. I'm also not the best looking or most charming. I generally have to work to get attention from females. In all of these areas I may be average or even above average, therefore I have to strive to compete at a high level.
But I want to be great. That's the summary of me right now. I want to do something great and in order to do that I have to sacrifice a lot of things. I have to spend hours and hours studying. I have to diet, and work out every day to maintain a good physique. I have to put in a hell of a lot of effort. But this is what I want and the only way I'm going to get it is by working my ass off.
"The essential thing is action. Action has three stages: the decision born of thought, the order or preparation for execution, and the execution itself. All three stages are governed by the will. The will is rooted in character, and for the man of action character is of more critical importance than intellect. Intellect without will is worthless, will without intellect is dangerous." - Hans von Seekt, Thoughts of a Soldier (emphasis mine)
