Sunday, September 12, 2010

Yeah, I'm a pain in the butt

I was recently told, "You sure are a go getter." But the comment wasn't necessarily meant as a compliment. It was a very nice way for this friend of mine to tell me I'm being a pain in the butt. My husband would have used a different word, but I want to keep this rated PG. =)

Can I be a pain in the butt? You betcha. My family would heartily agree! When I get a bee in my bonnet, it's hard to focus on anything else. My mom was the same way. It drove everyone nuts. I tend to lean that way, but am not so self absorbed that I can't recognize it. Do I like to be told to back off? Uh, no, but at the same time, I don't want to come across as too forceful.

So, I have this drive, this incredible ability to set a goal and see it through . . . like a bulldozer. For example, writing a book and actually finishing it. (many times over) It's this same ability that made me a runner when all bets were against me. With my screwed up back, scoliosis and everything else, I shouldn't be able to run. I shouldn't want to. But I DO want to. Desperately! So I work, and work, and work . . . until I can do it. It's the same with everything else I really want. I can be very persistent.

My son has this talent too. It drives me crazy.

This drive, this determination, if used wrong, can get in my way. It's like this for everyone. We all have great abilities and talents, but if we don't watch ourselves, they can be stumbling blocks. They can hold us back and irritate others. My challenge to you is to look deep. What do you do that rubs people the wrong way? Can you admit it? Can you change it and use it in the positive? I bet you can.

My goal this week is to not be a pain in the . . . uh, butt.

13 comments:

Karen Jones Gowen said...

Haha still you're so cute, and I'd love to see you channeling that focus and energy to become a powerhouse on social media. Like posting on this awesome blog a lot more often and following more and commenting on others. I'm serious you have an awesome voice here. Your personality just shines through. Whenever you post I rush over to read it, so glad you're doing more of it.

Melissa Cunningham said...

Ah, Karen. I just thrive on praise! LOL

Thank you for the great advice. SO glad I have people like you in my life. You keep me grounded! I'll try to do more with commenting and following, but I have a selfish spirit. It's hard to pull myself away from 'my stuff.' LOL I'm working on it though. =)

Talli Roland said...

Good luck!

I would say my anxiety gets on peoples' nerves. I can worry about anything, anywhere, anytime. I need to try to curb that!

Nicole Zoltack said...

I get cranky if I don't have time to write. And lately with a 6-week old, that isn't happening unless I sacrifice sleep time and I'm just too tired to do that. Besides it would probably be all garbage and need to be rewritten anyhow. *sigh*

LTM said...

I've been told my exclusive focus on projects is a pain in the butt--but it's sort of a good thing in terms of writing, right? Just must remember to return phone calls...

good stuff, Mel! :o)

DJ Kirkby said...

I like it that your talent drives you crazy when it's coming from your son. I drive people nuts by being pedantic, I need to know answers for everything.

DJ Kirkby said...

Hi
I just saw your comment on my blog about missing the contest for my books but you haven't missed it! One goes until the 20th September and the other goes until the end of the month :) You can find the details in my post or by clicking on the competitions tab. Good luck!

Angie said...

I say good for you! You don't let anything stop you and that just can't be a bad thing.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I know my perfectionism drives my wife nuts!

N. R. Williams said...

I need to refrain from lecturing unless I'm being paid to do it.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, fantasy author

Unknown said...

My mantra is, "What I lack in intellect I make up in tenacity." I think this says it all. Maybe us writers are more alike than we know.(:

Krista said...

You may be a pain in the butt, but I gave you an award and shout out on my blog. Come see!

Old Kitty said...

LOL!!! Yay for pain in the butts if they are all like you! LOL!

I'm so moody and I like to think I channel this moodiness into my writing instead!

Take care
x