Many of us were raised to believe we could do, or be anything.
Along with our mothers’ milk, we were sold the world as a place of infinite choices, and like eating from a buffet, we could switch one dish for another if we weren’t satisfied.
In reality, having options sounds good, but not focusing on one thing will limit your chances for success.
In middle school, I was a good athlete and recommended for the AAU. I played various sports year-round and was a stand out on my prep school’s flag football team.
However, while I was fast and strong for my age, I was no match for the guys in my neighborhood. Sure, I was a star playing against suburban kids, but in a helmet and shoulder pads against an inner-city team, I wasn’t even average.
I was intimidated during games and didn’t play near my potential. Feeling dejected after a Saturday practice, I never went back. At the time it felt good to escape the pressure. But little did I know, I’d set an unfortunate standard for myself that would take years to overcome.
Walking away when things got tough would become easy, too easy.
I showed talent, and initiative in several fields, but once I experienced them, and ran into criticism, or my efforts weren’t up to par, I was gone.
Aided by permissive caregivers, I lacked direction, goals, and focus.
I just magically assumed opportunities and success would find me, and if things weren’t easy my choice wasn’t the right one.
Of course, I was misguided.
Quitting is a terrible habit, and my life tumbled out of control for years as a result.
I had a bunch of excuses, while never taking responsibility for myself.
I struggled and became frustrated. It took me a long time to settle down and develop my writing ability with the goal of building a career and making a living.
But when I dedicated myself to a single task, my life changed.
The fact is, you can only focus on one thing at a time and do it well. If you don’t stay with it, this will never happen and you’ll be spinning your wheels, going wherever your moods take you, with nothing to show for your efforts but wasted time and energy.
Choices are great, but if you want to accomplish something, stick with a trade and master it.
There’s no better feeling than being good at something.
Later,
Gary
