willing AND able?

The question is often asked... "are you willing and able?"

It's usually posed as a single question, when in fact, there are two very distinct things at play here. Willingness and ability are not the same thing of course, though we're often led to believe they should be.

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

And just because you should doesn’t mean you can.

Ability. This is about skill, talent and know-how. If you're not properly qualified or trained to perform certain tasks or undertakings, then your choices are two-fold: 1) Learn how to do what you want to do or 2) Don't do it. Get educated or move on to something else that you're qualified to accomplish successfully. Ability is largely external and, barring any mental or physical limitations, can be taught and learned.

Willingness. This is about desire, passion and interests. If you're not willing to consistently do something... you won't. Be honest with yourself when it comes to what you're really willing to do in life. Whether it's pertaining to a career, relationships, or hobbies, people only stick with things they are passionate about or significantly interested in. For long-term commitment, true willingness must be present. Willingness is primarily internal and generally cannot be taught. One can be forced to be willing temporarily, but this is more accurately called obedience, not willingness.

Four scenarios pertaining to willingess and ability exist:

1) Willing and Able = A calling... equals happiness, adventure, fulfillment, & contentment. (best case scenario)

2) Unwilling and Able = A job... equals stability, security, restlessness, boredom, & wonder. (head case scenario)

3) Willing and Unable = A dream... equals good intentions, excitement, fear, uncertainty, & unproductiveness. (head case scenario)

4) Unwilling and Unable = A waste of time... equals dread, angst, apathy, & loathing. (worst case scenario)

So what to do if you find yourself stuck in scenario 2, 3, or 4 - where either willingness or ability or both are absent? First, you may voluntarily leave the situation after you've had enough. Second, you may be asked to leave, or the situation may leave you after others have had enough. Or third, you may seek one or more vices, devices or distractions to cope with and endure the disconnect.

The moral of the story?

Pursue your passion that's also your talent.

If you're an "easier said than done" enthusiast, you're likely sitting in scenario 2, 3, or 4 right now - and are likely a chronic excuse-maker and victim. The real question is... how long are you willing to stay there? Only when the pain is great enough to [exceed the need] for excuses can real change take place. Ask yourself if it's a matter of can't (unable) or won't (unwilling). Big difference. Honestly answering this is the first step toward the solution.

©2009 Tom Leu