Have you ever heard the word “yougottawanna”? No, it isn’t from an ancient language long forgotten. Rather, it is an expression often used to articulate the desire to keep going, to staying motivated, to enduring until the desired result is achieved. I clearly see this desire in play as children grow. My sons provide countless examples! I watched them learn to play ball, ride bikes, roller skate, swim, fish and hunt with their peers. Despite the obstacles, hardships, challenges, physical effort and mental anguish, they persevered to a level of competence that was at times unbelievable. And they did it happily, with enthusiasm and excitement! They were motivated! The prizes they sought varied as their skills improved but initially, all of them wanted to be able to do whatever it was. They cheered each other forward as did their peers, parents and teachers. They did not see quitting as an option. When the going got tough, they would utter, “Yougottawanna!”
Achieving any goal can be daunting, and motivation may wan when challenges and obstacles surface. It is at these times when we need to dig within for endurance and reach out for help and support. The journey is a learning process and we do not have to go it alone. We just need to keep in mind the steps needed, find ways around the barriers and remember the prize that lays ahead. If it seems too hard, too long or too difficult, what can you do to not stop dead in your tracks and give up? Is there a different way available? Is there someone who has “been there” and “done that” who can mentor you? What is in this process for you that makes it worthwhile to continue? Spend some time discussing with each other the options, choices and adjustments you could make to keep you going with each other. “Yougottawanna” enough to keep striving.
I ask you to take out your notebook as you reflect on the following poem I first heard in grade school. Jot down the reasons you want to keep trying.
When Things Go Wrong
by Anonymous
When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit –
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don’t give up though the pace seems slow –
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor’s cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out –
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit –
It’s when things seem worst that you must not quit.
I Care, Barb
By Margaret Stafford September 21, 2019
I have not heard this in a very long time. It sure its home. If I give up and THAT is what I did gained 45 lbs back from 75..
I will not give up and I will reach my goal! I am on my way losing now. Never give up. Thanks Barb! Have a great day!
By CK September 9, 2019
Reminds me of the verse…”I can do all things!” Much appreciated and just read it tonight after our “GREAT” online meeting w/Carol H. & Barb C.; plus, when someone (either a family member or not) tries to inflict negativity and deter us from accomplishing our objectives/goals then my favorite reply is to state: “No one is going to make me feel bad about myself!” (Usually silences all critics b/c you are standing up to them-Ha! And if you don’t feel like confronting them at the moment then state it to yourself too!)
By Clara Gleghorn September 9, 2019
Thank you for this letter of encouragement – – so many in my chapter need this and I look forward to sharing it. The poem must have been written especially for TOPS people! I’ve seen it before, but I will be sharing a copy of it with all of my Chapter members next meeting night. Thank you for your bi-weekly posts – I love them.
By Arlene F. Clayton September 4, 2019
Self esteem is the most useful emotional tool available to those of us who are constantly plagued by life’s little annoyances that can roll along into a big ball if the self esteem is so damaged that there is not one more ounce of self respect left for the resilience of those who are always degrading your self esteem. There are many, many who will do this, intentionally, knowing that they do not have any self esteem of their own. These personality types want their intentions to always keep the boy in the corner in the corner.
By SHIRLEY WASHINGTON September 3, 2019
LOVE IT , THANKS
FOR POSTING IS VERY INSPIRATIONAL MESSGAGE
By Libby Durham September 3, 2019
Thanks Barb!! That is one of my very favorite poems and I read and pass it on rreal often., You are the best! Love ya!
By Barbara Convery September 3, 2019
This is just what our Chapter needs for this week’s program, which is actually on staying motivated. Thank you.
By LaVern Swisher September 3, 2019
Motivation we all need it thanks Barb
By May Scocco May 9, 2022
We need to help each other to stay on program.
By Robin O September 3, 2019
The “Yougottawanna” cheer from your sons is fantastic. Yes, we must stick to the fight when we’re hardest hit. Thank you for the motivation!
By Sharon September 3, 2019
Thanks Barb I needed this
By Patricia Ahern September 2, 2019
I’m inspired thanks.
By Mary Rismeyer September 2, 2019
Love yougottawanna and plan on using it at this weeks meeting as a mantra to keep on going.