There is another way of saying this.  Aim for the chopping block.  If you aim for the wood, you will have nothing.  Aim past the wood, aim through the wood; aim for the chopping block.

Annie Dillard, The Writer’s Life

What is this chopping block?

Is it love?

Yes it is.

Is it patience, kindness?

Yes it is.

is it the willingness to begin again

when you have been unkind, impatient?

Yes it is.

Is it the desire to make something

beautiful of your life?

Yes, it is.

Yes, it is.