Brick Walls

Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something
Randy Pausch

Ever feel like you have run into a brick wall. You couldn't think of a way to get around it. So you just quit. We have probably all felt like that at least once. There are so many reasons why we can't get to our goal. Sometimes it's because our parents, or spouse, or children would disapprove of our venture. Sometimes it's because we can't afford what we need to reach our goal. Sometimes it is because some law or social convention prevents us from doing what we need to do. Sometimes we feel like we don't have the necessary education or contacts or equipment to reach our goal.

When we encounter a brick wall like this, whether we quit or not depends on how badly we want it. If the rewards of reaching our goal are greater than the difficulties of trying to find a way of getting it, we will push forward and find a way to reach it. But if we are not really serious about reaching our goal and the potential rewards are not as great as the inconveniences and problems associated with reaching it, then we are just not going to try very hard. And we will quit after a while. Because our goal just isn't worth it.

It is also true, of course that whether we quit or not depends on whether we are confident that we can succeed. That's the other part of the equation. Even if you want something badly, if you beleive that there is no way to get around this brick wall, you will not find a way around it. You will get frustrated and quit. But if you want something badly enough, if there is no turning back because you "burned your boats" you will find a way to get around the brick wall even if you are not confident about your ability to get what you want.

The next time you run up against a brick wall, look at it differently. It is not an obstacle as much as a proving ground. It is there so that you can prove your love for what you want to acheive. It is there so you can prove your commitment and dedication to your goal. It is there to help you refine your character.