I don’t know how many dirty dishes I have washed in my life, but I know it’s well into the thousands.
Washing dishes (and cleaning the counters and stove, and sweeping the floor) was one of the first chores I ever had. It was also one of the first tasks that I didn’t enjoy doing, but I did it consistently.
Being tasked with washing dishes helped me with cleanliness, but also with mental toughness. There were many nights when the last thing I wanted to do was wash dishes, but I still did it. I had a responsibility, and I had to do it. This has helped me achieve many things in life.
No matter what you’re pursuing, there will be days when you don’t have as much energy or simply don’t want to do what you have to do. Those are the days you should appreciate the most. Those are the days that will build your character.
They will show you what you can still do even when you don’t want to. It will help build that grit and resilience. Every night that I did not feel like doing the dishes but still did them, the end result was happiness. I would be proud that I accomplished a goal, and I would also have peace of mind, knowing I wouldn’t be punished for skipping my dishwashing duties.
So the next task that you’re avoiding or dreading, think about the positive impact it will have on you when you follow through and do what needs to be done.
FLY, BLACK BOY 