If You Are Going To Try

If You Are Going To Try Graphic © motivationpowerboost.com

“If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don’t even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days. It could mean freezing on a park bench. It could mean jail. It could mean derision. It could mean mockery–isolation. Isolation is the gift. All the others are a test of your endurance, of how much you really want to do it. And, you’ll do it, despite rejection and the worst odds. And it will be better than anything else you can imagine. If you’re going to try, go all the way. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It’s the only good fight there is.”
— Charles Bukowski

Isolation As Sacred Space

Conviction, the unyielding force that propels us to chase our dreams with unwavering determination, lies at the heart of Charles Bukowski’s powerful words. His message is a clarion call to those who dare to venture beyond the confines of mediocrity, urging them to embrace the relentless pursuit of their aspirations. Bukowski reminds us that the path to greatness is paved with sacrifice, demanding an all-consuming dedication that may require us to relinquish the comforts of relationships, material pleasures, and even our own sanity.

Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations that await those who embark on this journey, there lies a hidden gem: isolation. Bukowski presents isolation not as a curse, but as a gift—a sacred space where one can delve deep into the recesses of their being, unencumbered by the distractions and expectations of others. It is in this solitude that we forge an unbreakable bond with our true selves, nurturing the flames of passion that ignite our souls.

The road to success is laden with obstacles, from the sting of rejection to the weight of seemingly insurmountable odds. However, Bukowski assures us that these challenges serve as a litmus test, separating those who merely dabble from those who are truly committed to their craft. It is through perseverance in the face of adversity that we prove the depth of our desire, and it is this unyielding spirit that will ultimately lead us to triumph.

For those who summon the courage to go all the way, to pour every ounce of their being into their endeavors, the rewards are unparalleled. Bukowski speaks of a profound connection with the divine, a sense of unity with the universe that transcends the mundane. In those moments of absolute dedication, we find ourselves riding the currents of life with an intensity that borders on ecstasy, embracing the totality of our existence with unbridled laughter.

Bukowski’s words serve as a reminder that the pursuit of our dreams is not for the faint of heart. It demands a level of commitment that few are willing to undertake. But for those who dare to heed the call, who are willing to sacrifice everything in the name of their passion, the journey itself becomes the ultimate reward. In the end, it is the fight—the relentless, unyielding, all-consuming fight—that gives our lives meaning and purpose.

So, if you find yourself standing at the precipice of a dream, poised to take that leap of faith, remember Bukowski’s words. Embrace the isolation, welcome the challenges, and surrender yourself fully to the pursuit of your passion. For it is only when you go all the way, leaving nothing in reserve, that you will truly experience the rapture of a life lived to its fullest potential.

The Indomitable Spirit: Bukowski’s Embrace of the Unconventional

Charles Bukowski’s unconventional approach to life and art resonates with a raw authenticity that defies societal norms. His unapologetic rejection of the mainstream serves as a beacon for those who dare to forge their own path, embracing the fringes where true originality resides.

Bukowski’s life was a living testament to the power of unwavering conviction. He eschewed the traditional markers of success, such as stable employment and material wealth, choosing instead to immerse himself in the gritty realities of the human condition. His writing emerged from the depths of his experiences, infused with a visceral honesty that resonated with the disenfranchised and the outcasts.

Through his poetry and prose, Bukowski challenged the notion that success can only be measured by external validation. He advocated for an internal barometer, one that gauged the intensity of one’s passion and the depth of one’s commitment to their craft. In his world, the true measure of achievement lay in the relentless pursuit of self-expression, regardless of the obstacles or societal disapproval that stood in the way.

Bukowski’s defiant spirit extended beyond his writing, permeating every aspect of his life. He reveled in the freedom of solitude, finding solace in the solitary moments that allowed him to shed the constraints of conformity. It was in these pockets of isolation that he honed his craft, refining his voice until it became a resounding cry against the banality of the status quo.

Yet, beneath the rough exterior and the uncompromising nature, there was a profound empathy that resonated through Bukowski’s work. His words spoke to the disillusioned and the misfits, offering a sense of camaraderie in their shared struggles against the oppressive weight of societal expectations. In his unapologetic embrace of the unconventional, Bukowski gave voice to those who dared to live life on their own terms.

Related Inspirational Quotes

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” – Robert Frost

“Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits.” – Mahatma Gandhi