Reverse perspective

There is a tendency in me, and possibly widespread in the general population, to view life's hurdles as higher than they actually are; the job from afar looks tall as a tree, only to diminish in size as I draw closer. That isn't in keeping with physics as we know it (or is it "them") but such so often seems to be the way it is.

Take writing as an example. From my performance thus far at this blogging thing it seems obvious that sitting down at the keyboard and jotting down some random thoughts is terribly difficult. That might have been true in the days when one needed to sharpen a quill and mix up a fresh pot of ink but now, with ---[okay, this is unbelievable; as I typed that last sentence the batteries in my wireless keyboard decided to run out of juice and my typing made nothing but noise! ]--- a computer and a keyboard, writing is a cinch. I even remember where the letters lie so I can type without looking so that writing should be no more difficult than talking. And I talk all the time without thinking.

Part of my problem in getting started on any project relates to the old adage: the perfect is the enemy of the good. I look at a problem or a project and try to invent the most elegant solution, unwilling to accept compromise of any sort. That's bound to magnify the challenge, to distort the perspective to frightening proportions. I admire those who don't create hurdles for themselves by falling into the trap of over-analyzing every single thing, who jump feet-first into everything. I'm the one who has to get through the long list of all the stuff that might possibly go wrong before I can touch a toe to the water.

But there's hope. I've identified the problem and I'm aware of the solution. Don't let the reverse perspective slow or stop progress. Don't spend time and energy looking for the absolute best way to move forward, just move forward.

Easy to say. Hey, easy to write!