Focus and decision are so important. You can do anything you set your mind to, but you can’t do everything. I’ve wrestled with who I want to be for some time, it’s part of adolescence, and probably is an experience most people can relate to.
How can we decide what we want if we have options? I’ve found that most complicated mental conundrums can be solved with pen and paper. For whatever reason when I write, things get clearer, and problems get smaller. So, I make a list of the things I’m thinking. In this case, the things I want to spend my life doing. I write everything from musician to product manager. Probably 50 to 100 items, or until I’ve felt comfortable with what’s on the page. Then, I go through and find focus by deciding not to do things that can’t hold my attention like some of the items on the list. Ideally, one to three things. Warren Buffet says five because life is long. I like occupying my time, and I also think it’s important we relax and enjoy our time here.
Why does life need direction or focus? I read something that answered this question for me. It was in a book by Napoleon Hill in a chapter of his titled “A Definite Chief Aim” wherein he details why it is important to have a clear mission to achieve. In essence, because success is not happenstance. Success requires active pursuit. Think of a famous athlete, which of them required no training to succeed. Easy answer is all of them trained, and still continue to train to be the best. They focus on achieving greatness. The same is true of a business. People come together for an idea, either started by an individual or a mastermind group.