Turn Those “Shoulds” into ‘Coulds”
“You should eat your vegetables.” I have been told that more times than I can count. At least 500 words worth, I’m sure. I can still hear the voices of my mom, grandma and aunt in my head, telling me to make better dietary choices. I knew I should eat my vegetables, but they were gross. The dark greens and browns were not appetizing and the mushy texture did not help either. I didn’t know enough at the time to offer commentary on my mother’s cooking skills; not sure that I would, anyway. Thankfully, the Food Network and a slightly more refined pallet have grown my appreciation and enjoyment of the foundational level of the food pyramid. I found that I could eat my vegetables. In other words, more exposure and new techniques turned those “shoulds” into “coulds”.
I have a few “shoulds” in my approach to writing and research that need to be turned into “coulds”. That’s what I heard as Dr. Jason Clark referred to our writing as “adequate” for our current tasks, yet it will improve if we are willing. This reminds me of eating my vegetables. I often feel that I should read and write more, and I look forward to improving these skills, even when I’m not enjoying the process.
Early in my academic career, I was given the axiom that no one reads the entire book. I was perplexed by that, even while I labored through the required reading. I found myself thinking, “the author put so much time into writing and I may miss vital information.” However, my experience is that most writing is not as poetic as my sentimentalities. I’m much better off gleaning ideas from the book so that I can metabolize the information quickly. While this pertinent axiom was impressed upon me, I was never taught the proper technique to fully embrace it.
Note taking falls into this same category. My current approach is to write in the margins of the book or a piece of paper folded and hidden in the depths of the book to be discovered like buried treasure. Admittedly, I have to rely on my ability to recall when and where I had read a certain idea that has suddenly become necessary ingredient to the perfect argument. Sometimes I find it, and other times the treasure alludes me.
I have a love-hate relationship with essay writing. It is difficult for me to get started and determine the correct voice to use (academic or conversational). Once everything comes together and my idea is clear, I enjoy creating something new, even experiencing a sense of pride.
I know I should do better, as this will prepare me to be productive in my life-long vocation of synthesizing ideas in ways that can offer something of sustenance to others. I will be more productive, if I embrace a new way of approaching my work. It won’t be easy, but it will be like those vegetables, it will be better, and I’ll enjoy them more, once I get started.
About the Author
Chad McSwain
Chad is a systematic creative serving in pastoral ministry for nearly 20 years, Chad is a professional question-asker and white-board enthusiast, who enjoys helping people discover their own passions and purpose. A life-long learner, he has a B.A, Philosophy - Univ. Central Oklahoma, M.A Theology - Fuller Seminary, M.Div. Perkins School of Theology at SMU and is pursuing a Doctor of Leadership - George Fox University. He is an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, currently serving as Lead Pastor of Whitesboro UMC. Chad and his wife, Brandi live in Prosper, Texas along with their three children, two pugs and a chameleon.4 responses to “Turn Those “Shoulds” into ‘Coulds””
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I can relate to your struggle about not reading an entire book AND writing notes in the margins of books that will never be seen again!
Chad,
I loved how you tied your story of reading books and writing notes this way we’re discussing this week to eating your vegetables. That was very clever!
I also can relate to the struggle of writing notes in the margin of my books, but then putting the book away and never seeing those notes again. I don’t often go back to the books I’ve already read and flipped through them.
Here’s to these new ways of writing and reading getting easier and “tastier” the more we do them!
Chad, I enjoyed reading your post and liked your “eating our vegetables” analogy! I can relate to the learning curve you described regarding your reading, note-taking, and writing skills. One thing that especially stood out for me was your mention of finding it difficult to get started on an essay and also to determine which voice to use, academic or conversational. I even had that struggle as we wrote these first blogs and now, as we are responding to the blogs of each other. Conversational or academic?
Looking forward to all we will learn and to the skills we will develop. I bet it will be interesting to look back on our first blogs and comments at the end of this year.
I can certainly relate to your post, Chad. My post shares similarities in regard to my “should” do, and “could” do for a comfortable life balance. I struggle with efficiency and order more than desire. I have goals in mind and know what’s best but I often choose other things even when I know they are not best or will cost me in some way. I’m reminded of Jesus’ recommendation in Matthew 26:41 “watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” For years, I thought this was only referring to physical temptation. After completing this self assessment, I have realized that my habits, schedule, and motivation are all tied to my physical activities and there is definitely room for improvement. I’m encouraged by your post and others on here. I look forward to improving my own skills and learning from all of you.