Perhaps, we begin writing our autobiography. We get table of contents and introduction written, then we let it sit because we don't think anyone will care.

We begin a diet over a weekend. Within a couple of days, we are back to our normal habits because we didn't see any immediate results.

Maybe we want to start a desktop publishing business. We get it started and clients start coming in sooner than we expected. Because of our past experiences where we have been so good at what we did, we only remember getting bombarded with more and more work when we wish we could have taken a break. We may see how this can end up, so we slack off and let business of our dreams fade away.

Or maybe we have this idea of having our own place on Internet. We create a page, then we have different ideas to put on it. Then we think of starting a business with it. Then we also want to have a newsletter for people. Then we want to do web pages for others. Then we go back and work on ways to get people to read our newsletter. But we need a better web site. So we start from scratch and circle continues. Having too many things we would like to do can stop us as well.

Personally, I've become an expert at getting out of my own way when it comes to doing things. After all, I have gotten in my own way over and over and over again for years. I still fit that last one way too often.

There are so many different ways we stop ourselves. But what can we do about them?

- I'm not good enough: Well, right now, a group of students are being given a lecture by worst teacher. The worst actor is starring in a made-for-television movie. And worst boy band is putting on a show for friends and family in their garage.

The last movement of Ninth Symphony is choral music Beethoven set to Friedrich von Schiller’s poem “Ode to Joy.” Beethoven believed this poem celebrated brotherhood of man.

On May 7, 1824, when Ninth Symphony premiered, Beethoven was on-stage conducting. Also on-stage was a supplementary conductor necessary because of Beethoven’s deafness. When “Ode to Joy” movement was over, audience erupted in applause. Beethoven did not turn around as he could not hear them.

Turn Around and See What You Have Created

One of chorus members broke protocol and moved towards Beethoven. He took hold of composer’s arm. Beethoven gave him a fierce look but chorus member persisted gently turning him around. By then applause had subsided.

As Beethoven looked out into audience, they began to rise in standing ovation. First one person and then many and then all. It is said that a single, small tear of joy slipped down composer’s cheek. It is also said that another tiny companion tear rolled down cheek of chorus member standing next to him.

Some Questions for You