A Man in Progress
I’ve been searching for a long time for a “brand” for this blog. What began as a 30 day challenge blog focused on improved well-being flamed out because the goal was too nebulous. My recent attempts to reignite the blog have been without direction.
What I’ve needed is a unifying idea: a concept that inspires me. Unfortunately, as it is, I’ve been looking for that idea for a long time, and it has not come, nor will it ever.
As it turns out, I lack the kind of ideals that unify a persona. The things I value shift and change with time and circumstance. Under the guise of logic I cling to ideas at intervals neither short nor long, but there is no higher purpose behind my thoughts or actions.
It occurred to me that perhaps my search for some named and tangible identity was fruitless, because, like the wind, I only exist in motion. Stability and security are my death.
February 7th, 2007 was a snowy Wednesday, coincidentally my sister’s 18th birthday. That morning, I received an email that I’ve taken care to keep, for reasons I have not understood. I have copied excerpts below:
Gentlemen,
I can’t imagine the day when I awake with the thought that mediocrity should be my agenda for the day. I can’t fathom the possibility of waking up without belief in myself. Have I woken up in doubt, have I felt mediocre, have I struggled? No doubt, I am a man and men struggle. It is hard damn work rising above the morass of mediocrity and the pull of doubt and depression, after all we live in a society that celebrates instant success and dubious achievements based in self-aggrandizement. This society rewards followers and those of shallow thought with all the trappings previous generations showered upon real heroes. Why? Simply because we no longer value hard work, accountability, social order, long-term goals, sustained effort, humility, respect and belief in each other. We are an instant gratification “what have you done for me lately” society. It is not as if I have done anything great in my time on this planet, but I strive to never short change the day and more importantly I give those around me everything I have to give- most of which is my time, effort, love and respect. I am not a rich man, but I am rich in experience, friends, the spirit of life, work ethic and determination. I will share all of these with anyone who simply asks and is willing to work alongside me in positive endeavors. I will fight for what I believe in and for those I love and respect.
…
I want this to be a place where people don’t fear possibilities and shed fears about what they can accomplish. A place where men embrace failure as part of the process of success, but never dwell on that failure as they move forward to that successful outcome. These are the things that I value. I simply love spending time with a group of people who are not willing to accept the status quo of a diseased society where mediocrity and disrespect are glorified. I love spending time with people like:
At this point, the author wrote about many individuals, including me:
Dave Croushore- a man in progress- few men are willing to make real
change in their life- Dave embraces it and the results are obvious.
“A Man in Progress”
It was not the kind of praise given to others, and seems almost a backhanded compliment intended to convey that I was not a fully formed person. But that is not the case. In fact, that simple phrase, “a man in progress,” is the most accurate description of my life and values that I have ever encountered.
For me, there is no end goal. Progress is the goal.
I cannot comprehend the feeling that others must have when the return to the same ideas and tasks repeatedly. Why look towards the past when there is a future (a near future) to create?
This is my grand ideal: to embrace constant change in pursuit of nothing. To remain in progress for progress’ sake.
