A person with passion for something has deep interest for
that something and because of the passion has energy to complete the task. Passion is the driving force. Well, that’s what I’ve noticed.
When I was a distributor working from home, my leader asked
me; “What are you passionate about?” She was trying to discover what motivated
me so that I could apply that passion to that one thing and thereby increase my
sales. But alas, I couldn’t answer the question
because there were and still are many things in which I’m interested. I couldn’t put my finger on the main point of
focus and so needless to say, I wasn’t successful with that home-based business
even though I liked the products and the company, and the company’s philosophy.
I simply lack focus. I
have eyes like a housefly; compound eyes composed of many individual visual
receptors which create a board field of vision. Perhaps I’m subconsciously
afraid to miss out on something if I increase time on one thing and reduce the
time on others. Must we sacrifice something to accomplish what’s important to
us?
The only thing that forces me to focus on one thing and get
the job done on time is a deadline. But
of course, then I push everything else aside and pour all my energy into that
one job. That is focus but it isn’t
balance.
Doing what is important to us without neglecting our
responsibilities to our families and employers can be a tricky balancing act. Time
is a difficult thing to slice into equal parts so that there is enough to go
around. I really must discover what is important to me now and prioritize those
things. Perhaps then I’ll be able to
focus and finish some of those writing projects that are collecting dust. Oh, my,
this will be like panning for gold. But
here I go.
Hi Shirley,
ReplyDeleteYour metaphor about eyes like houseflies -- I never thought about the housefly eye, but that's perfect. I usually call it my magpie tendencies, always catching the light from the next shiny object to come across my path.
I very much resonate with your comment about maybe being subconsciously afraid we'll might miss out on something when we focus on one thing and let go or reduce our attention/time on others.
Perhaps being able to identify that feeling will go a long way in helping us let go and relax into the one project we have chosen for our season.
It sure is a learning curve ... some things are getting easier as the years pass, thankfully, even this one.
Wishing you a great day, Shirley!
Brenda
I think we all suffer from a bit of these tendencies... Thanks for your honesty!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Shirley! Joining you in panning for gold!
ReplyDeleteI think you expressed outloud what I've always had a difficult time identifying - and that's my tendency to hoard projects and then not let go to focus on just one in case I lose the others. Like you, I need to let go of some gems in order to find the gold. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Shirley!
ReplyDeletePam M.
I have abandoned some of my hobbies over the years. I used to sew my own clothes, but I didn't have a regular place to sew. Often I'd get going on a project and then have to put it away. When I got back to what I was sewing, it was hard to get "back" to it. I liked the part of picking a pattern and a fabric I liked and imagining it. Loved it then. Now, sewing is expensive and I seem to have good luck buying clothes that I like, that fit, and sometimes they're even on sale.
ReplyDeleteI used to love to knit, but it bothered my hands and wrists and gave me carpal tunnel. I decided to leave the knitting to my daughter, who is a great knitter and so much faster than I was. I miss it, but I enjoy writing more, so I am saving my hands for handwriting and my computer. I am better off, I believe, with fewer hobbies. I enjoy my writing and music the most. Thanks for making us think about this, Shirley.
Thank you for this message Shirley! I never thought of the housefly metaphor either. My distraction can be what I call "shiny things." I find I have to set deadlines for myself. I also have to discipline myself from the dreaded shiny things. Blessings on you as you write on!
ReplyDelete"Doing what is important to us without neglecting our responsibilities to our families and employers can be a tricky balancing act." Absolutely my struggle these days. I don't want to "adult" right now. However, I will stop reading these wonderful posts and go make a salad for supper. Thanks for the push :)
ReplyDelete