Quitter and David v. Goliath

I love to read.  It's a hobby I've kind of rekindled with ever since I discovered my little teeny tiny local library and the ability to request books sent to it from other branches.  Via the internet at that.  Technology never ceases to amaze me.  Don't make fun of me that I might be years behind on this.

I am currently reading this book called "Quitter" by Jon Acuff, who is the author of the blog Stuff Christians Like.

I have really been enjoying his thoughts on how to close "the gap between your day job and your dream job."  I thought I'd share some of my favorite quotes and thoughts here today!  As much as the title seems like a downer, it really is an uplifting book.

First up -
"The Incubation of a Dream
How long does it take for your dream to become a full-time job and sustain you?  Longer than you want it to.  I don't know the exact answer for you, but every dream takes longer than you want it to.  Our time frame is always shorter and faster than what a dream has in mind.  And if we rush it, if we don't give it time to incubate, we usually end up killing it before it even has a chance to breathe."

This message really gave me a lot of encouragement.  Where would I love to be 10 years from now?  I'd love to be a Laura Novak or an Angela Weedon.  Right now, I'm just so far from that goal.  It sometimes feels like I will never get there.  I might not.  However, this message inspired me to have patience and keep working at my passion.

Then, I loved his connection to the ground work needed with the biblical story of David and Goliath.

David was chosen to be king of Israel.  Did he assume the throne immediately?  Nope.  He went back to the fields to continue his work as a shepherd.  There was no grand party, no huge visible payback, just life as usual.  Life which helped to shape his character before being king.

Acuff:
"Right now, the size of your dream probably outweighs your ability by at least tenfold.  That's not a bad thing.  I love that you've got a big dream right now.  I love that you've got your own personal version of the Catalyst main stage.  I think that's important, I just don't want you to get lost chasing a Cinderella story when what leads to a true happily-ever-after experience is a David story.  Start small.  Start slow.  Get better along the way.  And enjoy the gift of making many of your early mistakes without a major audience."

This insight really reassures me.  I know that as a "pro," I'm supposed to act like the end-all-be-all of photography.  While I do know quite a bit about it, I always feel like I'm learning all the time.  However, that's just my personality.  I don't want to put myself out there as this expert on anything because I feel like there is always something new to be learned, about any subject.

I really feel like I am in the "ground work" time of my dream.  I am establishing my procedures for my business.  I am making valuable connections with my clients.  I am working on my dream.

What happens 5 - 10 - years from now.  I do not know.  What I do know is that I am doing something I really love and making the most of my "Other 8 Hours."  That's another interesting book to read as well about entrepreneurship.

I just wanted to share with you some passages from this book, Quitter, and I hope it inspires you to follow your dreams.  It sure has for me!