Put It On the Clock

Daily journaling has helped me recognize the rhythms and cycles of my life. Over the years, it has deepened my appreciation for the different “seasons” within each year. Only recently have I been able to clearly see these seasons—and even the seasons within them. This awareness began with a journal entry from three years ago, where I realized the need to put some of my goals “on the clock.” I needed to be more time-specific in my action plans. 

There’s a paradox in making plans and setting goals—a kind of wrestling that takes place. When we desire something deeply, when our hearts call out for it, we must take action. We need the discipline to do the work. But this is a nuanced journey. We need urgency, yet we must also embrace patience. I see this partnership like that of a young, enthusiastic apprentice and a wise, discerning mentor. The apprentice shows up with energy and eagerness, ready to learn and work. The mentor brings experience and patience, ready to guide and nurture growth over time. There comes a moment to take action, to put our plans on the clock. And once the clock starts, we need both the endurance to see things through and flexibility to adjust as needed. 

As I finished Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly, one of her final thoughts included a quote from David Steindl-Rast—one of my favorite voices of wisdom: “It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” This reminds me that as we step into action and put things on the clock, we are working toward something meaningful. We are doing the work that adds value to life. The work that brings us joy. 

I am grateful that each of us has our own unique story to live. We each have our call to action, our work to do, and our joy to seek. But joy isn’t what makes us grateful—it’s gratitude that allows us to experience joy. So, let this be a reminder, to you and to myself, to step back and be grateful for the opportunity to respond to life’s call. 

This season, let’s put the things that matter most on the clock. 

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash