(FREE)Letter from the Editor
by Kelsey Wagner | Editor-in-Chief
The following article appeared in the print issue of Ponca City Monthly magazine, which includes hyperlocal stories about Ponca City. Get full access to all online articles, videos, and content by becoming a paid subscriber. We offer free and paid subscription plans. Find rack locations to pick up your free print copy here, or subscribe here to get online access plus exclusive content.
My oldest son attained his Eagle Scout rank last month. It was a big moment for him. He was SO unbelievably proud of himself, as was his father and myself.
After over a decade of scouting, many merit badges, hundreds of campouts, and scout meetings, he completed his Eagle Scout project and fulfilled every requirement. This was a huge accomplishment, not just because the task was difficult but also because six months ago, my son had all but given up hope.
Six months ago, his father and I had a very serious talk about my son falling behind on planning his scout project. We asked if he knew how much there was left to do because his lack of task management was going to inevitably lead to a project failure if he didn’t change course. I wish I could tell you that our discussion with him changed his behavior, and he woke up that next day with a renewed sense of optimism, but it didn’t. It took a few days, actually.
My son says he was grappling with the enormity of the project within himself and was trying to rationalize if he had “what it took” to do the work. He says that late in bed one night, he decided that he would get his Eagle, and that decision and determination for the task are what he had been lacking all along.
Day by day, he started breaking things out. He got a plan, made some lists, and started really chipping away at his project. He enlisted the help of some mentors and got answers to questions. He created a fundraising campaign to fund the project. Once the money was raised, he ordered his materials and arranged for his fellow scouts to help him build the project.
There are tasks in our lives that test us to the very core of who we are. Huge, monumental, extraordinarily difficult tasks are usually the roadblocks to unlocking who we are. There are some secrets that can help you lighten the load, secrets my son learned on his journey to his Eagle.
First, you are only as strong as your team. One person can be the catalyst to start something, but you can get so much more accomplished by working together as a team. Second, take it one day at a time. My son was so focused on the big picture that it overwhelmed him. Once he broke that project into smaller, bite-size projects, the smaller tasks didn’t seem so daunting. Remember, mile by mile, it’s a trial; yard by yard, it’s hard, but inch by inch, it’s a cinch. Lastly, you have to decide you will do something before you can do it. I know this seems silly or obvious, but the very act of making the decision, “I am going to do this,” can sometimes be the missing piece of motivation someone needs.
It’s January, which means it’s a fresh new year to start new projects, set new goals, and conquer life in a new way. If you are facing a monumental task, dig deep. Don’t quit. Keep going. I promise you have the strength to accomplish your goal and overcome whatever adversity you face. Like my son, you will be proud when you hit that goal.
Happy New Year, my friends and I hope this is the start of the best year ever for you.
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