Trying to pursue many different directions at once?
2011-06-08
Trying to pursue many different directions at once, but not making progress?
Frustrated that the world wants you to pick one thing, because you want to do them all?
The problem is you’re thinking short-term. Acting as if you don’t do them all this week, they won’t happen.
The solution is to think long-term. Do just one for a few years, then another for a few years, then another.
You may have heard this story:
Buridan’s donkey is standing halfway between a pile of hay and a bucket of water. It keeps looking left and right, trying to decide between hay and water. Unable to decide, it eventually falls over and dies of hunger and thirst.
A donkey can’t think of the future. If he could, he’d clearly realize he could first drink the water, then go eat the hay.
Don’t be a donkey.
You can do everything you want to do.
You just need foresight and patience.
If you’re 25 now, and have 7 different directions you want to pursue, then you can do each one for 10 years, and have done all of them by the time you’re 95. (Safe to assume that by the year 2081 it won’t be unusual to live to 95.)
It seems ridiculous to plan to age 95 when you’re 25, right? But it’s a fact that it’s (most likely) coming, so you might as well take advantage of it.
Then you can fully focus on one direction at a time, without feeling conflicted or distracted, because you know you’ll get to the others.
We’ve all done this on a small-scale. When something is urgent and needs to be done that day, you really focus. You get distracting thoughts for a minute. (“Wow, it would be nice to go watch a movie now.”) But you put it out of your mind because you know if you just focus on this one thing now, you can get it done, and do the other stuff afterwards.
So, expand that into months or years.
Focus on one at a time, knowing you can do the other stuff afterwards.
Most people over-estimate what they can do in one year, and under-estimate what they can do in 10 years.
Think long-term.
Use the future.
Don’t be short-sighted.
Don’t be a donkey.
(If you’re interested in this, please read “future-focused or present-focused?”.)
Wow, use the future. I need to apply this to small things as well, not just big projects or undertaking. Thank you.
Haha - love the photo! Oh the advice is good too! ;-)
... and what if I'm not 25 anymore?? ;-)
Derek, You always expand my horizon and give me a broader perspective. Thank you for being exactly who you are~
Fondly,
Stephanie Kathan
Host of "The Journey"
Most people who excel at anything at all have done so only by long term planing and practice.
Consider the artist, musician,writer,sports person.
They all accomplished their goals at the passing of many years.
There are no quick fixes in life.
Politicians do not qualify in any part of this poor world.
I've been called a jack-ass before, but I don't think it had anything to do with my inability to view the future. No matter, I still enjoyed this, Derek!
Awesome.
Also think that this is only to get worst. I mean, one problem in the present (that isn't going to diminish in the future) is the complexity of deciding.
There are so many good options that is very hard to choose which is the one (or which are the ones).
Know how to filter, selectivity and taste are going to be better valued in the future.
Just the reminder I needed, Derek! Thanks!
Once again Derek - insight and words of wisdom - even for old dudes like me! I have just finished my day job and am focusing on music for 10 or maybe more years if I am lucky.
great article. I spent years trying to do many things at once, not realizing there was only one thing I wanted to do... and now I do that one thing and nothing else (apart from being a mum!) I feel like I am making real headway!
Make sense, I get caught up in this myself. In such an on-demand world where we get everything instantly it's easy to forget that some things just take (and need) time to manifest themselves.
There are some alternate directions that benefit from working on them "a little" while still pursuing a current direction.
For example, I have aspirations to contact juggling. Don't have the time to pursue it whole-hearted at the moment. But, I believe doing fifteen minutes a day is a huge help for my eventual immersion.
Reason for this is that contact juggling requires tremendous finger strength (more than you might think from watching it.) So by doing a little each day I am able to build the strong hands I will eventually need when I go into full time. Besides it helps keep my fingers limber for the bass
Well said, Derek. Thinking long term is something we all should do, particularly governments and industry, or we won't have a life-sustaining planet to live on by 2081, regardless of medical technology. But, as with the "visualize x" advice, as with so many things, it starts with how we picture things as individuals. John
We sometimes are so short sighted and caught up in the moment, that realizing we should plan for the future instead of focusing on how stuck we are today is lost. Even if you are not 25 anymore, if we focus, get it done and move to the next you will be amazed at what you can accomplish.
Thanks Derek,
Although, it may be unusual for someone to live to 95 since the trend of increasing longevity is reversing because of what we're doing to our bodies (and environment) over time... Did you know that this generation is the first expected to not outlive their parents?
My problem is being to lazy to get started on any projects. I need that extra push and tense feeling to get something done. Great advice though.
i think this is Part B to your "Be an extreme version of yourself" advice, but the extreme version of myself at 25 and now at 34 have changed quite a bit though i feel i am still the same person, only slightly more self realized i guess.
when faced with 2 things i cannot decide between, i try to think of what i would wish for if i did not have either option, it helps me make up my mind
we love you, Derek;
Peter & Elizabeth
Funny thing, I'm turning 25 next week and this is exactly what I needed to hear, being capable of pursuing many things at once I need to cut down that list to just a few, or even one like you say. Assuming too many roles gets stressful and not very productive. One of my tasks for this week was to go over the list all things I do and choose the essential ones, saying no to others, being focused on just 2-3 things.
Thanks for this post, it is a great reminder for me.
Nice reminder that it doesn't all have to happen at once.
Another idea I try is focusing on a particular activity for a few months, or a season. I might learn a new instrument during the summer, then take a break with the instrument and focus on my Spanish skills in the fall.
This way I spend a good amount of time on an activity, become somewhat proficient, take a break from it for a while, then pick it back up in a few months. I then feel refreshed and ready to get back into it when I start it back up.
Thanks again!
Greg
Ok, that's funny, because I JUST put up a photo over my desk of half a donkey with a red circle and slash. NO HALF-ASSING.
Yes. I do believe I've stuffed all I can possibly handle in this year. Thanks for staying in touch and sharing what you know.
And if you are sixty, there could be one or two more projects, seventy maybe another new career. When the church sent daddy to leadership training when he was 92 he said "I sure hope they get something back on this investment..."
Glad you are posting again. So sorry I didn't try to find you when you were in the northwest, Auntmama
I'm in complete agreement. With a potential century-long productive life - it's less a question of 'if' and more a question of 'when'.
I wrote a similarly themed post back in August - The Runway Extends Beyond the Horizon
Yes! And if you're 40, 50 or more - don't think it is ever too late - because is is not....You can still make long term plans because let's face it....we never run out of ideas of things to do in this life! Older people are reinventing themselves all the time - even at 70!!
Perfect timing for me.... Historically patience has been my nemisis. Though the universe conspires to help me with this lesson on a daily basis
I'm always surprised by the goals that have been accomplished....all in due time.
Thankful all my ideas have not born fruit at the same time, It would have been insane.
Taking that proverbial leap of faith to take action instead of spinning in mind circles of all the awesome possibilities.
Focus, this is my work right now.
Yeah,
I've been feeling the same way recently. I used to do so many things at once, to only realize now that you won't get far if you do too many things at once.
I've been considering something like a black swan approach (have something stable 80-90%, and use my free time to experiment 10-20%), but with my life and ideas/projects.
When I get some more stability and good habits in place, I can move the slider over more.
It reminds me of this article I just read by Jeff Bezos of Amazon.
http://www.geekwire.com/2011/amazons-bezos-innovation
I need to put that photo on my desktop because, sorry to say, I currently am a donkey. Thanks for the insight!
GREAT article Derek! I tend to be a big-picture person, but I've gotten fairly good at mentally organizing myself. It is indeed a HUGE and vital skill to be able to figure out steps to get where you want to go, and then focus on taking them 1 at a time. My major problem is I don't know when to take a break! (o:
Uuuuugggghhhh.....
then there is this,
The unseen but very real diobolical biological clock, which adds a surprising element, and does run out.
Throw that in the mix and the pressure builds again.
Derek - you're email is both timely and thoughtful, thanks for taking the time to post this... I often get too many projects, lead ideas, or ideas for new revenue streams all at the same time and need to remind myself to step back, look at the big picture and ask myself "What is it that I truly want to accomplish over the next 5, 10, 20+ years" and keep focused! Too often I think entrepreneurs / musicians (including myself) use the shotgun approach to try and hit something when often it's the rifle that provides the best chance for success
Glad to see you're posting again, thanks again!
Thnx for the post. I have red it and had to read it a few times. Just passed the 25 years, but I didn't had much problems with doing more things at once.
I think it depends on the route you are walking and the person that is walking it. I for instance am a person who's good at doing several skills. So there is no guitar prodigy within me like a John Mayer. Sometimes I am jealous at those kind of people.
So focus is something that is hard, because you get compliments with the most diverse kind of things you've done as a person. Everything seems like a possibility that could be done.
I would therefore advice people who recongnize that and who are young to do the same (not saying that the above isn't true, I do think it could work for allot of people). I failed quite sometimes, but also had quite some modest successes. Through that i've learned to:
- become better at delegating
- know my weaknesses (and strengths)
- Cut through the bullshit and it's shitters
- Keeping focus
- Letting go of ownership
So i've seen the balance of "succes/ fail" shift from 15% vs 85% towards give or take 40% vs 60%. And had to force myself to become a smarter worker if I wanted to keep challenging myself.
* ps i'm in the business of selling myself as an "brand"
Another inspirational person once shared a similar analogy with me: It's as if you're stranded in a desert and have no idea which way to go. The fact is that you have to start walking in some direction, any direction, otherwise you're gonna burn/starve/die in that same spot in the desert. However you want to put it, it's great advice and your twist on it was very timely for me. Thanks
This is true. And as you go it is a positive curve mentally. That is if measured in units for the sake of argument you might have 2 units then a year later 4, 2 years later 7 etc. This is because the more you learn the more you get to compound these processes. Child prodigies exist in narrow subjects where the child can just get great at spelling, chess, etc. but never in things that use multiple disciplines. In other words, while you are declining physically, if you plug away you get enormous advantages over time. So you can plan to do many great things.
This concept is akin to the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique blown up to decade scale.
Interesting take. One should also consider the temporal nature of some opportunities when deciding to narrow your activities down to one and prioritizing.
Just ask Scooter Braun's bank account for advice on that subject.
I love your analogy.
Great advice Derek, but I was curious about how far you think this principle should be applied. Field of study/career choice is what I'm assuming you are referring to in the piece, but does it go deeper than that?
I guess to be more specific I'll tell you why I'm asking: I'm a musician (drummer), but I want to expand my skillset. I am starting to fiddle around with recording, and learning electronic production techniques, and also I'm learning vibraphone to give me a gateway into melodic instrumentation. They all connect to one another, but does one risk stretching themselves too thin?
Your thoughts (and anyone else would wants to chime in) on this would be very welcome.
Ryan
Very good point! It doesn't have to be 10 years. Imagine you spend the next 6 months learning everything you can about recording/production. Then after you've got a solid base in recording/production techniques and are starting to use what you learned, perhaps take up vibraphone when you've got spare time again. -- Derek
Very true, all 'round. There is also the half donkey (I suppose that would be half-assed) where decisions are made, but not full hearted commitments. Making a commitment often involves risk and may be scary, yet the alternative will be scarier to face years from now.
Great story, but hard to put into practice. We don't act moved by our rational thoughts but rather, by our emotions.
Expanding on your idea Derek - If you are young, at least do try many different directions. I was very concerned when, in 9th grade at her magnet school for the arts, my daughter was told to pick one thing and do it. One program only. Visual arts students were not allowed to take dance or performing arts. They were told that, to be good at one thing, they had to do only one thing. How soon in life as adults we will be stuck in some life cubicle, and told that we are to do one thing all day. I disagreed with this restriction. We left that school after a year, and this past year, in 10th grade, my daughter has been in early college. She thrived, making excellent grades in academics, taking visual art and also taking the modern dance and jazz she loves. Next year she will add more theater. She is talented in many areas. Who knows what the future holds or how many doors will open? Yes, we can't be so scattered we don't complete things. But we should be well rounded, find a balance in life, try many things, and learn about new things to see if we like them and can do them well. If spreading it out over time, helps accomplish things, then this may be a good solution to time management. Just don't restrict yourself, especially when you are young. Learn to focus on one thing at a time, but don't close yourself off to new ideas and new opportunities to be such a specialist in any one thing. Love to all, Sarah
...you name is under the pic of the donkey, but I am assuming that's not you, Derek.
Just kidding...could be me.
...as a mentor of developing leaders on several continents, I could not agree with you more. I've found it helpful to encourage people, of any ethnicity, not just western thinking, to look at life in thirds...and do just what you've suggested.
...thank you for encouraging us all forward, even a man like me who is fast approaching 70.
As I step into 'retirement' on Friday, I have several projects I want to accomplish. Your thoughts today remind me of one of my favorite quotes, "It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can!" (Sydney Smith) Like the donkey, I have been frozen in indecision. Thinking long-term is a great way to relieve the pressure of indecision.
I struggle with this all the time. Doing just one for a few years isn't really an option, as my tasks include:
1. A freelance business that has a decent chance of making some money (but if it doesn't, replace #1 with "day job").
2. Responsibilities involving another person who needs me to stick close to home.
3. A band that is not a steady source of income (touring would be very difficult because of #2).
#2 is a constant. #1 is necessary and can't be dropped. I have no intention of dropping #3.
My combination of things to do is a little unusual, but the conundrum isn't. Many people are parents. Most people don't wait until they're independently wealthy to have kids so they can stay home with them. (Families with enough money can opt for one parent to stay home, but usually at least one of them works.)
Your advice is pretty good, really, in certain circumstances. What would you tell people who have to juggle?
P.S. Per your recommendation, buying _Getting Things Done_ is on my list of things to get done.
Wow, just reading the thoughts and posts by this community is inspiring in and of itself.
Powerful way to start an awesome conversation Derek.
Hi Derek,
Nice posting, but do want to point out that some people do make better progress working on multiple projects at once.
You are a donkey if you are 85. Or you will if you change your mind after 60 years about the last thing you want to do
I am going to start filling my glass 1/2 with Pepsi and 1/2 with Coke. That way I can have both or do both things at the same time.
A friend changed his sleeping schedule to two long naps 45 min. and two short naps 15 min each day along with 3 hours solid sleep. He had enough time to keep a day job and moonlight in construction all night long. It worked for him.
It would be easier to just focus on one at a time.
Dan
Hmmmm not sure on this one Derek. Are you sure it was a Donkey and not an ass? We don't have the future - but we do we have the now. ;o) Some people I know thought they had a future but sadly it was taken from them......
I am approaching 72 and I have been disabled since 1989. I wish I could plan long term, but dealing with my Crohn's Disease demands just about all my attention, but I did have about a 10 year go as a professional musician, though it wouldn't cover all my bills. If it didn't cost (very much) and was fun, I was willing as long as I was able.
Derek,
You Rock!
Freeing
From any crazy overwhelmin' thing
Stress-Releiving
Empowering
" I think I can
I think I can "
Step by Step
Irregardless of age
Thank You
Sir !
Perfectly timed post for me. I am 23 and for the past few years schizophrenically started and stopped a bunch of activities.
I then took a look at what was working for me (working out) and realized I did this for 3 days a week for only 3 hours over the past 4 years. Clearly it has netted me the greatest results over the past 4 years.
I realized small growth over time is the winner's game (keeping in mind the 80/20 principle) vs attempting to sprint for 10 miles in the chump game or Donkey as you put it.
AWESOME! And so true. I've done so many wonderful, exciting things in my life which have broadened my spectrum, given me hilarious stories to tell, helped me inspire others, and basically serve as a bottomless pit of inspiration. I've always felt that I couldn't possibly pick just one thing (career, hobby, sport, art whatever the case) and stick with it forever (though there's definitely been an unspoken societal pressure NOT to do that). The world is just too interesting. My dad always said, "Life is a smorgasbord." Dig in, people, dig in!
Best advice I've heard in a long time, actually the answer to something I've been looking for, for quite some time, now it seems so easy to see ahead, instead of always worrying about which one I should do or attempt first, excellent!!!
I can't stop laughing of the mental image of that Donkey looking left..... looking right...
Too Funny!
Thanks Derek.
Great timing and so right on.
I am doing it in projects, or at least trying.
Thanks for the book recommendation too. Love it so far.
Lorisong
Focus on one thing at a time as Derek advises - but within that thing plant 1000 seeds to see which ones bloom!
Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails is rumored to have been in 5 bands total when NIN was just starting out - even he didn't know which band and songs would stick.
However, he did have a broader 'framework' (songwriting) that focused his energy in one area. Within that structure he was free to write hundreds of songs in multiple genres and see which ones crowds responded to the best.
I think all of us can learn from and apply Reznor's 'focus on one area but plant seeds' approach.
As the founder of a software company I enjoy applying Reznor's methodology to conversations with prospective customers. To do this I make slight adjustments to the way I describe my company and our product. This way I am able to gauge which type of pitch 'catches' the most while remaining focused in one area.
So - focus on one thing (building a great company/brand), but create 1000 songs (products or whatever), and see which ones bloom.
Ee-haw!
I have found you can do it all but not all at once. Life happens and sometimes the best intentions and practice till perfection are trumped by an act of god or idiotic human nature. Shit happens. How we react and ultimately recover is what leads the path. Some passions are a carry forward and some dreams turn in to nightmares. Enjoying the process is key and riding the wave that one is currently on tends to create a chance to make the most of it. Do what you love and give as much of your talents as you can to share. The more you give the more you get. A donkey doesn't know how to give.
Sometimes you can do more than one thing -- and look to the future. There may be a common center with diverse applications. It's a matter of perspective; is strategic action or a tactical approach most practical for the moment? If you look beyond the list -- a pile of particulars -- and see process and principle, progress is much easier to measure. It all flows in one direction or another. A list, on the other hand, is just a list -- stuff to knock off and stuff that's still there.
I love your perspective Derek. It always gives me a new outlook. Thanks so much!
Wow, this is right on with what I've been struggling with lately. Thanks for the insightful posts! Off to read the next one you linked to!
Perfect! You have such wisdom Derek. I so appreciate all your insight and wisdom you lay before us... I am thrilled that you are back! I have missed these pearls...
Thanks so much!
Dorie Pride
PS. Thinking hard on that question... Look out! It is coming
Another wonderful insight. Thank you!
Hey - thanks Heaps Derek, great answer to my question. I do get a must-do-everything-now mindset sometimes.
You're right - life is long, and the long term view works best - in the long term.
many thanks from NZ!
- Naomi
It also helps to forget about the number of years something might take, and simply prioritize. Asking yourself "If I could only do one thing, what would it be?" is a great starting point and if asked honestly, the answer can surprise you. Just applying yourself to the first thing, confident that you will get to the next thing when the most important one is finished, frees you of trying to meet a deadline. Deadlines are useful tools, but only when they mean something tangible. Arbitrary timetables often produce unnecessary frustration.
I literally JUST had this conversation last night with someone...I have many passions and many skills that lead me to do too many projects at once. I decided this morning to apply myself fully into one direction so that doors will be opened up into other avenues that I want to travel down. Thanks for your perspectives.
I'm 53, and at the end of this month, I'm finally leaving the corporate cube farm to turn my part-time passion into a full-time dream job (before I get too old to remember what my dream initially was!) It's exciting to realize the culmination (for this point in time, anyway) of my dream, after years of, as Derek said, doing first one thing, then another - all just different roads to lead me to my ultimate destination. Now it's time to dream new dreams and keep on expanding my horizons, one thing at a time! Deep breath, big leap of faith, and here I go!
Thank you, Derek. I'm actually 25. And I've been trying how to pick one thing to do while I'm interested in pursuing several. This really helps.
It took me ten years to build a film company...first I built a Workshop http://www.TheTotalWorkshopForActing.com
and Won 15 Film Awards from the workshop Work...then developed in the past two years a Pioneer company called http://www.3DayDemo.com that I ACCELERATE an Actors Career in a few days or a week depending on the budget...where they have a Body of Acting work that would have taken 5-10 years...this is worth seeing even if you are not an Actor...then there is the Master site for the Film company http://www.TheFilmmaker.me where you can see UPDATES of Features in Post and Films in Development ...all this time...I was writing books that will now be coming out...'MONEY' 'ACTING' and more so by staying focused and sacrificing by NOT wasting time but being PRODUCTIVE with all your time you will accomplish what you want ...however you must accept it may take you a Lifetime to achieve it all...but that is the beauty of life...the WORK is what gives us Joy...and following your dreams and making them a reality is what life is about...so I agree with your Dreams being a Lifetime of Work...and that you need to pick and chose what goes first and what will follow...as you work to achieve your Goals...Blessings to all I have to get back to work...
Hi Derek, Nice to see you back in a regular communication again! Just curious as to what your current focus is?
Heeeee Haaawwww!
Excellent advice. I have been an artist, a cartoonist, a musician, a singer, a songwriter and now a published author of horror fiction.
At one time or another I focused for several years on each. None of them ever took off to the level which I wished they had, but I still loved doing each.
Then I finally focused on my writing and am now becoming fairly successful at that. Plus now at the age of 55 I have enough life experience to be able to still focus on my writing yet still have time for my art and music.
Wow, this hit my life right on the head of the nail! I teach guitar at a college and at a local music store, getting into orchestral writing/film scoring, writing for a serious metal project, and own a web design firm. Unfortanetly I do have to keep multiple plates spinning because many of these things are already in motion. One of the things they teach in time management is to focus on only one thing at a time when working -- this makes a big difference.
Well put.
Timely words for me, Derek, thank you for sharing them. Last month I just announced my retirement from the PRIZM Ensemble so I can pursue other interests. I've been playing the piano for 40 years and accompanying for 35 years--its time to do something else for a while!
Keep in touch!
P.S. I strongly recommend reading the novel:
"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" and the trilogy of books beginning with "Portuguese Irregular Verbs"!
Well put Derek! I like the part about dying because of not being able to choose. Do something even if it's wrong. Jesus will forgive!
The message of thinking long-term and placing less emphasis on trying to pack in too many achievements in one year is vital to society's overall wellbeing. I connect this to the instant gratification that has become embedded in how many people lead their lives. It has special applications to organizational leadership and North America's myopic focus on short-term results, heavily discounting the future.
Let me redirect the thread to focus on the way we were all brought up, the way we were "educated" which in my opinion restricted the way we think and are able to solve problems.
RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U
Man, you nailed it. that is me and I am getting old..but only in years. The music keeps evolving and growing but mostly in my bedroom. thanks for the article!
and to the poster above who said enjoying the process is key.
Hum.. it looks like I'm the donkey then
Luckily my wife loves donkeys, she went to donkey sanctuary and got a licence for handling one. (I am not joking)
What if you only have half year, have kids&wife and are in a situation where you can't possibly stand anything more than that?
I hedge my risk and do more projects at once. It's good to get some distance from the project for clearer view from time to time, and to process things in background and give users time to figure out what's really needed next.
My style of work fits me, I love it.. but it's quite possible that everything is taking a lot longer this way (with a little less risk hopefully). Nice article, got me thinking.
great to hear your virtual voice again Derek!!!
funnily enough the logo for our new album is a donkey. oh my!
he does have wings though. hopefully he represents transcendence of the jack-assed way we used to do things
Xie-Xie Derek ;)
foresight and patience,,,,,,,,I'm gonna try!
This post really came a right moment for me. I was discussing this topic just the other day. I have so many things I would like to accomplish but we only have 24hours in a day and I try to do too many things at once. thank you for your ideas
Hi Derek! I'm reminded of that old saying, "If I had known I was gonna live this long i would have taken better care of myself!" I say that when you keep doing all the things you are truly good at, one good piece at a time, you will continue to grow and learn, even if you're already very talented. I would in the long run rather be like the hummingbird who keeps flitting from flower to flower in search of variety and survival than be like the donkey who can't make up his mind and dies an early death. Bill
IN SIMPLICITY DEREK U KAN PRO OR KON ANYDING DAT SOME1 SEY'S - DEPENDING ON UR KNOWLEDGE AND ARTICULATION OF UR TONGUE - I KAN DISAGREEABLY AGREE 2 CLOSE DA DOOR SO WE KAN AVOID VANITY OF A FUTILE DEBATE - OR DISAGREE 2 OPEN DA DOOR OF DEBATE SO WE KAN PARTICIPATE N VANITY 4 DA NEXT HOUR OR I KAN AGREE SO WE KAN MOVE ON 2 DA NEXT SUBJECT OF INTEREST - NOT 2 INSULT UR EGO - I OVERSTAND EVERYDING U SEY & U SPEAK DA TRUTH - BUT WATS HARD 2 REASON IS DAT NO MATTER IF U PLOT & PLAN OR JUST LIVE 4 DA DAY - NO MATTER IF U HAV GOALS & AMBITIONS & ACCOMPLISH DEM IN A SHORT OR LONG PERIOD OF TIME - NO MATTER IF U WIN CHAMPIONSHIPS OR LOSE EVERY TIME - WE ALL END UP DA SAME JUS LIKE DAT DONKEY - WE ALL MUST GIVE UP DA BREATHE OF LIFE - WAT I DEW OVERSTAND IS DAT DERE IS NUTT'N SO BORE'N AS LIFE & WHILE MAN IS CURSED OR BLESSED WITH LIFE - WE WILL PURSUE DA GOOD OR BAD DAT DWELLS WITH IN - SUM WILL PLOT OR PLAN 2 KILL STEAL & DESTROY - OTHERS WILL PLOT & PLAN 2 PRACTICE DA ROOT OF LOVE RELEASING DA INFINITE BRANCHES OF CHARITY - NO MAN/WOMEN WANTS DA GROUND 2 BE DERE BED NOR DA ROCK DERE PILLOW - MISS INTERPRET NOT - WHETHER U PLOT EVIL OR GOOD DA ROOT IS ALWAYS CAESAR (MONEY) JUS LET NOT DIS GOD RULE UR WORLD - 4 FOOLS DIE 4 LACK OF KNOWLEDGE - STAY SWEET LIKE HONEY DEREK SIVERS - BIG UPS - MUCH LOVE - http://www.myspace.com/percywillinghamiii
I have actually been living this way since I first heard an interview with George Plimpton on television many years ago as a child.
His idea to try everything you're interested in for a little while instead of doing the same thing forever - it became my life direction.
When people asked 'What do you want to do when you grow up?" I would say "everything at least once" - they were often not amused. In my early working days, I was told my resume showed a "lack of focus"...as years went on, the word 'multi-tasking' appeared and I was the 'in' thing.
As more years went by, I was able to really hone in on what gives me the most joy. I was able to try most everything that interested me and now can focus on the two or three things that I've found the most fulfilling.
Cool thing is, I am able to combine a couple of my favorite things together as yet another twist for the next 5-10 years...
So, yes, I've done it as you suggest, and also I've done several things at a time. It seems to work okay either way if you can truly focus, shut out any impatience or self-doubt and can teach yourself to enjoy making mistakes.
I needed this right now.
Thank you!
Kamal
blessthemicmagazine.ning.com
Once again you share some great wisdom!Thanks...and may you accomplish all you want to!
I have found you can do it all but not all at once. Life happens and sometimes the best intentions and practice till perfection are trumped by an act of god or idiotic human nature. Shit happens. How we react and ultimately recover is what leads the path. Some passions are a carry forward and some dreams turn in to nightmares. Enjoying the process is key and riding the wave that one is currently on tends to create a chance to make the most of it. Do what you love and give as much of your talents as you can to share. The more you give the more you get. A donkey doesn't know how to give.
Very insightful...definitely my problem as well!
Mahalia Jackson sang, "If I can help somebody, then my life will not have been in vain." I've lived many, many lives here and excelled in all good things (credit to my Almighty Father, Mother, Brother and Sister; Yahüeh/Eeah'ooeh).
But, I always had just One Desire or Goal: To Serve and be United with The Almighty Beings called "Love".
Like Saj, I do want to go home (I do realize that home is in Them in my *combined heart and mind*).
To fulfill my mission here and be Transformed into *who I was* before I came. To be Totally At One with all of my Celestial Family not only in this world in Spirit, but in a Glorious Body throughout all Eternity.
Contrary to what many believe; We do travel, laugh, create and the Bliss is unimaginable. The good things on Earth is just a microscopic reflection of what Heaven is like.
It is the *Future* that keeps me focused and stable. And, I can wait....
Much Love
Very well put. This hits home.
Derek, Really interesting...the best of both worlds... advise for conscientious minded individuals to achieve their strategic goals...presented in a positive light...sounds like a plan!
@Kevin Conaway
A Kindred Spirit! Much Favor, Beloved of my heart....
Cystinotics are mules, not donkeys. When I was about 23 or so I met the oldest living cystinotic at that time. Late 30s, mid 40s I think. I am sure we live a bit longer nowadays. This is exactly the kind of way I hope you don't answer my question. Platitudinously.
This Article hits home with me, because I have a lot of Irons in the fire. Not only am I musician but now I'm writing books and I currently have one on the market, "Summoned The Novel and four more in works all outlined and read to be finished. I found that when I write novels my concentration on my music wains, and so it becomes difficult to concentrate on both and be effective. Now I found myself having to stop visiting my facebook and twitter accounts as often because that was taking up too much of my time. So I think its a good idea that I should just take the rest of this year and finish writing these novels a.s.a.p and then go back to concentrating on my music career, makes sense.
As a longtooth (56), I appreciate Derek's sentiment. I am coming to what I've always wanted to do - write fiction - 35 years after I dreamed of it (and studied it at UVM in the 70's).
Not that I made a mistake not pursuing it then, because you do have to have life experiences to inform your stories, but going after it earlier wouldn't have hurt either.
Music is the other pursuit I avoided too long, too - and THAT is probably the single most significant aspect of my current life that makes me happy, daily.
Greetings dear Derek,
Thank you for all your noble works.
Blessings of light, Ahmad
This is a one-sided proposition, in that it makes no difference what you choose to get the water. You may choose be be a simple beat wordmaster, even though a major part of your heart is in the blues, but you still need to align yourself with a slice of the populace that likes what you do, so you get known that way. Unless you have a major blowaway success, this will not influence the majority unless there are other acts and bands coming up with the same thing around the same time. This is how a trend is started.
Please forgive the wordiness of this message, but it's hard putting these ideas into neat little packages
So, here's my take...
It's better to go on playing the way you have been all along. Just think that there will be people listening and liking it as long as you do.
The future does not exist. If you need to do something there is no time like the present. It's all you have.
If that is true for an individual,(future focus) I wonder if it applies to a group working together collaboratively and creatively together. Can we "exponentialize" our capacity for creating things when we work together. I think so!!
Thanks Derek and Deep thinkers for your thoughts
Derek,
Great to have you back! Been busy, but reading every line you have sent me so far. This is especially good advice and applicable to everything. Wish I would have adopted this at 25!
We can possibly add to check if we are getting any closer to the bucket of water or able to get to another chew on the hay - adjust your plans as you go according to how much closer you are realizing your ultimate agenda for self.
Keep it coming!!!
Thanks,
Annie
Sounds exactly like what I do everyday. I appreciated that article because it made me recognize the self destructive things that I do all the time. I always start projects just to put them down the next minute for a new project or hobby that just "needs" to get done. I think I will give long-term planning a try.
Some great comments here everyone...
I may stand corrected, but I don't think that Derek was suggesting we couldn't do more than one thing at a time - we all have to?!
I take it as I can plan to meet goals/dreams that will take me in several different directions in the course of my life.
And this is giving me hope and inspiration and I am far beyond the 25 mark.
Thanks again...
Great advice....Having a plan and devoting a certain amount of time to each component of that plan has always worked for me.
I believe you mentioned in another post to go with the gumption. Work on/do the thing that you want to do, at the moment when you feel inspired. I think that is important to remember when reading this new post. Cheers from Taiwan!
Hmmm! It occurs to me that the donkey is in very serious trouble. He can't choose between 2 things that are necessary to stay alive.
I think the metaphor would work better if the choice was about what he/she really wants. For if one knows what one wants, then it is a simply a matter of how to get there, Time -past (memory),present (reality)and future(imagination)- are the space that we function in and should be used as a part of the creative process. Remembering that life itself is a creative process. Age is irrelevent!
Derek! You're such an inspiration! This is exactly the answer for the question I've bore in my mind for recent couple of years. A big big thank you from Seoul, South Korea.
But the future is not yours to plan.
A man said to the Universe,
"Sir, I exist!"
"However", replied the Universe
"The fact has not created in me
A feeling of obligation."
Derek,
Thank you for the great comments.
I really enjoyed them!
In reality you can program your mind and accomplish anything you want in life.
Nothing is impossible! Eileen M.
From reading these comments... I get a sense that some people commenting feel 'held back', 'limited', or 'constrained'. I think that most of us know what we really want to be doing, and it's a shame if we find 'reasons' to justify not doing that, or putting it off ! I'm wishing everyone who's responded here the nerve to make the move NOW... to do what they most dearly want to do NOW. And no... 'finances', or lack thereof, is not an acceptable excuse. I bet that Derek didn't really have suitable finances to start CD Baby... but he did it anyway (?) So do it now folks ! No waiting please. Best wishes to all...
Mr.Derek! you are unique real Man!!!
This was an awesome post! I loved the quote:
"Most people over-estimate what they can do in one year, and under-estimate what they can do in 10 years."
Good one Derek..
Derek,
Donkeys are not this stupid!
Martin
Fantastic article! I feel this struggle everyday running a one-stop recording studio, video production, CD/DVD duplication facility. Working on a marketing plan is a challenge, cause we can't target everyone for everything at once. Your advice helped me solidify the decision to focus on only one of the things we do at a time. Not for 10 years at a time, but at least for six months. A year would probably be better? Thoughts, anyone?
This is vintage Derek. Good one.
We all have some unique dream that we must pursue. Those finding what their dream is early in their lives have a head start on those that don't know what their dream is. I believe we all will eventually know what our dream is no matter how long it takes to realize it even if it never comes true. Thanks for the inspiration, Derek.
Thanks again for this great article. After losing both of my parents now, I think I am finally realizing that the past is to be cherished, learned from and where necessary forgiven. To paraphrase a friend of mine, "Look back but don't stare". The present is truly a gift and a responsibility to use it well. And the future? It really is about balance isn't it? (and discipline ah, yes, back to discipline)
I find it quite amazing that I had been thinking about you lately and I was so presently surprised and happy to see your emails. And just what I needed to read.
You are such an inspiration and a gift to those of us that are still trying to stay true to ourselves.
Man, I know what you mean. I have a friend who is trying to start 3 businesses at once, using the profit from a fourth, and it's barely enough. I am afraid the whole thing is going to come crashing down around him. I have to watch out for this, too. It's easy to get wrapped up in all this and not see what you are doing as others see it. It reminds me of a circus act where a guy spins a huge number of plates on top of poles, and runs around like a crazy man keeping them all from stopping and falling.
Thanks for the inspiration, Derek! You can do different things, but you can't do them all at ones at the same 'satisfying' level. Even for just yourself.
Sometimes people say that I do so many things it dazzles them. Then I say: "Yes, but because I CAN, I don't do them all at once!"
If you can do several things, it can also be an advantage. If for example you are self-employed, and in your industry it doesn't go well economically, because of heavy cuts, you can try out something else. And go back if the branch you prefer the most 'flourishes' again.
The same if you get fired from your long time job and cannot find one again in the same business. Experience, age etc. can be an issue then.
But the most important thing is that you can't cut yourself into pieces to pursue everything you want or like all at once, and at '100%'.
Thanks for article.
a strategic plan,so all companies us.
I'm 25 and this is exactly how I feel at the moment! So many opportunities to do great things, but which to focus on *now*?....
Thanks for the post, the advice is reassuring.
Derek, thanks for sharing this. It is right on time for projects that I'm doing now.
Devo wrote a song about this like 30 years ago;P
This was very informative. And also a relief. The joy is not from the finished product it in the journey there.
A life well lived is present, past, and future focused...360 degrees of life;-)
great, I just spent a lifetime trying to be a guitar player
Hello Derek,
Some great stuff in there. Quite practical with a combination of few other strategies.
And the picture - awesome. Love the donkey. Helluva kid there
This wouldn't work for me. Rather I decide the night before what my priorities are and schedule them for the next day. What this has resulted in is me doing a "little" (by conventional standards) of everything I want to do. Right now, I write screenplays,practice guitar, blog a bit, exercise and do my money gig. This allows me to stay disciplined but ride the energy. I have no idea what I'll be into in 10 years. I think its healthy and aerating to change activities during the day. But sometimes I'm more absorbed in one activity and everyone's different.
Derek, I can tell you've never been a lawyer.
,
But there's no rule that says you HAVE to diversify - if you find your passion at an early age follow that path for as long as it fulfills you! I only change paths when the one I'm on no longer brings me success AND happiness. We can be seen as 'successful' and still be miserable so I think it makes sense to let our happiness level determine if we're on the right path.
Derek Man, fist of all thanks for making me laugh. It was the donkey of course. Thanks for the brief but sure fired seminar about our mental potential on short term gratiicaton and the delayed benefits. I believe this is of great value as the I can now begin to delay my temptation to inpulsively eat cheese cakes but I will not have two portions as a reward. Seriously though thanks for the idea. I will try to adopt it as a new behavioural pattern in my everyday life and resist giving into impulsve short term desire. You know you are so good for the world and very generous to share your acquired knowledge and learning with everyone.
Hey Derek!
Great art takes time!
Life chooses its own pace...we just have to find it!
Right now I am finding something in the fridge....
Rachel
Hi Derek,
I always look forward to your articles 'cause you give us food for thought.
I have read on numerous occasions that concentration is limited to a 40 minute span, then boredom kicks in.Maybe,this is why people try and do as much knowingly and unknowingly.Also,sometimes at one point or another we all must do many things in order to do that one thing we love most.
Love ir Derek
but
Is this your carrot or your stick approach?
great discussion...reminds me of "pleasure Isle" in Pinnochio!
Derek,
Thanks so much for sharing that. It was exactly what I needed to read this year.
--25 and trying to do 10 different things.
What a great aproch to getting things acomplished, I'm going to put it to work, Thank you!
I know I'm suffering from donkey syndrome myself right now! I think I almost have it beat, but this was a useful and timely reminder.
Thanks so much for shining some new light
Ideally speaking, you could do 7 things over 70 years, but not every opportunity waits for 10 years. If the food would go stale in a few hours, the donkey could have only had water if he went for that first. However, the donkey could still run and enjoy drinking some water and run back to eat some hay before it got stale and then back. The exercise keeps him healthy too. Also, doing one activity for a long time could make it mundane and less productive after some time. Switching activities over shorter time frames could help you achieve more value for your time, will keep your mind agile and fresh with ideas and body healthy. Too much focus can also restrict you to thinking inside the box. I get a lot of my ideas about a project when I am working on another. In the end, life is about experiences. When you die at 95 or 59, you want to be satisfied that you did everything you wanted to.
Thank you -
I love having your company in this world.
-g-
Derek, good thought. That donkey looks pretty sharp to me.
Interesting, Derek, and
i'm much the same way; only, my situation might be a tad different -- i'm now over 50, so long-term thinking has shortened somewhat. Plus, i love the arts, especially music, and for nearly 20 years, i've had my hand in most of the "business end" of music. Funny thing is, the more i take on, the more i do, the more i seem to get done and be able to do. Key for me: it's all RELATED because i can put it all in one big category. It never seems like work -- it flows. Plus, my kids are now adults and i have a day-job i don't have to take home with me.
Thank you for this reminder Derek.
This has been a problem for me for a few years actually ..focusing on too many things. I've had some progress with all of them and when I look back there's tons I've accomplished, but all ventures ran short as soon as they grew bigger, then I didn't have capacity, budget, energy nor focus to follow my ideas through.
I am so truly aware that I need to put some of my projects on the shelve but it's still hard. I so want to see how much I'll accomplish if I put all my focus on one thing.
I'm going to use your writings to challenge me, the donkey is now my desktop picture ;)
Thanks bro!
I tend to agree with Les Reynolds. Completely. I love every minute of my ten zillion things days so much that I never need a vacation, it is just built into every second, because everything is the thing I want to do. But I have very low interest in things like playing cards or watching television or going to parties where there is nothing to do but eat and be polite. I like parties where we play music and cook, I like learning new things. Hey suddenly, at 52 years old, I ahve become an actual athlete! So I spend all this time reading about and practicing swimming technique! A new completely unmarketable skill that I love! And I study French! And tree names! And sail plans! I learned to navigate! awesome! I keep adding new things that I like to the day! It all fits together perfectly!
I think the thing is, what is a direction? What do you mean by, trying to pursue different directions? I don't look at life in terms of direction. I am already there.
I don't want to be a donkey. Thanks, Derek. This was posted at a very good time for me
Meghan
Love what you say Derek. It is spot on and important advise. As crazy as it seems, it's counter to traditional thinking which squashes
individuals from realizing their full potential by stressing they concentrate only on one career path.
It follows my life and reinforces Alvin Toffler's theory that unlike our forefathers we will follow many career paths in our lives, not just one.
Bravo to you!
Having a 5 or 10 year master plan also lets you deal with mundane work you may have to do along the way to pay the rent.
YES! I recommend serial monogamy when it comes to projects.
Left to my own devices, I would have done only one thing ever ... live my whole life on a stage. That is still the place I feel most alive. When I had my first child, I put my ambition on the back burner because I did not find the two roles compatible. For me, parenting is a very focused state and song writing is a wandering-off-into-the-night-in-a-haze-of-distraction state. I told myself I would return to the pursuit of creating art when my debt to humanity had been paid. Now I live my life on a stage and in the recording studio and in the midst of high-quality jam sessions. My three grown-up sons come to all my local shows. We stay close in a daily sort of way and we are all mostly making art with our lives!
Always exceptions to every rule.... (: Me well i have been squeezing in so many things but yes not rotating on a ten year basis. Varying it from day to day week to week year to year but I never got started till 43 so i gotta cram more in punishment for not striving earlier. When i started i thought i am getting nowhere... However for me so glad i have done the learning I have as now I am going to put all things together in a fab way.... In 11 years i have squezed in 10 10 year cycles.... 100 years now I can have a great time for the next 35.... Still much more practise learning and honing but got some great bonuses. Some of the things I have learnt most say is a waste of time but like I said there is an exception to every rule...
Knocked this post out of the park. Thank you Derek.
Dude, if you don't already, surf.
Design your stick
Build many sticks with many different technologies.
Surf
Learn to forecast waves
Master as many disciplines within the sport as possible
Become a waterman.
You'll dig it.
Paul
I learned just as much from the responses as I did from Derek's post. What a great community.
What about if you want to fulfill a destiny and your partner wants to fulfill a destiny but they are in conflict! And the bigger problem is you both have the destiny to stay together as well?
Hmmm...
Wow, perfect timing for me to look your site up and read the blog. I've been struggling with trying to figure out what box I need to put myself in. I think I'm going to rip the box to shreds and create one that lets me move easily between boxes. I don't think I want to be a donkey! It kinds of brings new meaning to the question that gets asked all the time when we meet others, "so what do you do for a living?". Maybe there are MORE important questions to ask!
I say do what you do best today and tomorrow and the day after...good things happen to you if you run into LADY LUCK and she likes you enough to grant you your dreams....
Thank you for this little bit of illumination! I realized this on the small-scale, but I didn't think about applying it to planning out the next decade. I love the idea of delaying and scheduling rather than having to choose one over the other.
I highly recommend Leo Babauta's book Power of Less: The Fine Art of Limiting Yourself to the Essential, if people want some more in-depth, practical advice about how to apply the lessons you preach in this post.
I read it and it really helped my productivity and peace of mind.
Thank you Mr. Sivers for posting this.
I'm struggling with this ALOT right now - I'm so overwhelmed with trying to move in several directions that it's starting to affect my health and my ability to do anything.
My fear of 'waiting until later' to pursue some of my goals comes from my fear of having regrets. I am haunted by the notion of living in today and never regretting (likely from the passing of friends and family when I was really young).
So I push to do a little bit of everything I want to do (I am a web designer, developer, artist, and also seeking to learn Japanese). But what's happening is that I'm trying to cram all of those things into such a short time I'm destroying myself in the process.
Now I just feel tired and diluted, and like I have so much to offer but no time or energy to do it. So I know I have to change my mindset.
It's hard to let go of fear, and that's what has caused this rough cycle for me.
On the plus side, despite how I feel right now, this mindset has allowed me to accomplish a whole lot in a little time. I sent you that email giving you the abridged version of what I've accomplished in less than 10 years. But it's come at a price.
Thank you again for the perspective, I always appreciate your blog posts, and this one especially hit me at a very important time.
Best of luck to you, please wish me luck as well, and I hope to have that coffee sometime in Singapore!
Yet another posting of yours that rings true to some of what I've learned in the past few years of my life.
This was presented to me from self-inspection triggered by conversations and advice given to me by my wife, who has known me for over half of my lifetime now (we are 28).
Bookmarked. Thank you so much!
Great story. I like to suggest you think about where you are at this moment, then ask where will you be in 1 hour? 1 day? 1 week? 1 month? 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? Once you start to realize that saying "I don't know." to any of these is not good enough, you are set to move on to where do I want to be in each and what do I need to do now to get there then. The long term perspective clearly becomes the most important. Thanks for bringing it into focus.
I shared it with my 18 yhear old pup kid who actually was on Earth long enough to read it and react with some positive words. it makes complete sense to my 65 year old self and might just tip some decisions for me. Thanks.
PS I'm the guy who hangs out in the Amazon River Basin and loved your Poison Dart CD
Can't agree more. Thanks, Derek - very insightful, as always
Love This Derek!
Now THIS is precious....as you are Derek...thank you. Please call...I want to share the idea with you Blessings. -TinGle
There is a scripture that says 'a double-minded man gets nothing....your wisdom is 1000s of years old. awesome!
Very kool....Juzt do it...
Good advice for the youth.
Derek, I am so happy you are writing again. My gf's grandpa just died 2 nights ago at 94 years old. It makes me realize that I have a lot of life to live, so I may as well tap the brakes and focus my passions one (or two) at a time.
Thanks Derek for the thoughtful post. Sometimes it boils down to paying the bills....sad huh...
For Ryan Sprute, my son has a website called http://tutorialsforreaper.com/ It is great for learning recording, he used to be an avid pro-tools guy and discovered the ease and great editing capabilities of Reaper. Very professional but also very friendly, it walks you through of all that Reaper does as a recording program. Have a good one all you creative people. Sincerely, Dawn AKA TheSingingNurse
Good advice Derek. I wish I had known this 30 years ago. To all you youngsters-- Don't wait,Do It Now.
Focus on the things you do well, and find a common purpose to them - indie artists need a portfolio of projects, but must not waste their most precious resource - their own time.
Nice article!
I haven't always thought that way, but I do now. Everything I am doing today is laying the groundwork for my future. Here I am, almost 36 and finally graduating from college. I will either go forward with a MBA this fall or aim for a BA in English/Creative Writing.
I just want to spend the rest of my life writing. I think its pretty simple.
I am now 47 and so far have had at least three different "vocations." Many years ago, someone said I had to choose one thing to "be." That just simply wasn't (and isn't) true.
Thanks Derek! Another great post. If I only remember one thing from this post, it would be this:
"Most people over-estimate what they can do in one year, and under-estimate what they can do in 10 years."
Keep rockin',
Ryan
So how does a person (me) pursue multiple objectives at rate of 1 every 10 years, or for myself 10 for every 1 year, and not be accused of being "spread too thin"?
I'm not the only one who is trying to figure out what project to do next! You asked for questions and they came to you, Derek. When I decided on my question for you, someone else (must have) already asked. I've already lived close to 40 years as a professional musician, done many projects, experienced lots of cool stuff. Plenty more to do, though I'm at the point of wondering what my most important or meaningful things I still want to do- are! The over-estimating for one year, and under-estimating in 10 is a great point. Whether this is a scientific statistic or your own observation, you made me feel a lot better about where I'm at right now. Funny, I've been a donkey for the last couple of weeks. And there's a donkey down the road from me. On my walk I talk to him sometimes. And you're right, we haven't discussed the future. We keep it a little more zen like. The dogs, goats, and horses are always expecting me. The donkey never does. Now I know why.
Hey,
That's a good one to look at. Practically at 25 it looks that we want to everthing and we hold back that everything cannot be done, but its a good way to look at doing things for 10 years. I guess that is what is looking from a different perspective.
But don't you think by 95 you would still lack a core at which you are specialized ending up as a jack of all and master of none.
It makes a lot of sense in this age of super multi-tasking. We have become habituated to excessive multitasking. I have learnt that when you serialize things, you become more efficient (yes, more efficient!)in the long run and above all, you end up with a greater sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Mindfulness - Let the mind be where the body is.
The thing you need most when planning long term, is discipline. It's hard to stay focussed over a period of 90 years. The rest is easy. By all means make a plan and stick to it. Stick to it. Stick to it. Discipline is the magic word.
Long term is good, but don't forget the small bets and iterations. Going down the wrong path for 10 years is not so valuable.
Alas I am a hopeless Donkey - every week is different - songer-songwriting, then jazz pinao ina bar, then theremin electronics, then new age recording, then Indo-world fusion, then and Irish band.
It is ture if I stuck to one erxclusively for a while, I would progress further in that direction.
However it is this very variety that keeps my quality of life high. A chum of mine said to me - if any one of your directions took off and you had to do it exclusively it'd kill you - true for me I reckon.
An alternative to the Donkey metaphor for me is a baker. If I was a baker I wouldn't just want to bake macaroons.
hee haw!!!
in the year 2525....
The measure of choosing well is whether a man likes what he has chosen.
Time is precious, but truth is more precious than time.
Sandy Lane Famiglietti
Great analogy, thinking long-term is the way to go as no business or career is ever built overnight. This can be great advice for any portion of our lives as well as even economic problems going on across the world. Hardly anything good comes fast or without work.
Thanks for the reminder. I was just thinking earlier this morning that I have a lack of focus. I need to get back to focusing on just a few things at a time. Especially now that you can release music at any age now, and still find a good fan base. I'm going to slowly build my brand. Thinking long term will help me save more money too. So this is also good financial advice!!
nice.
shame you didn't tell me 20 yrs ago, dude. (make that 30)
That is great advice.
Sometimes we are lead to places we would never have chosen and find that life was preparing us all the while so we step out in faith.
Take care and keep safe Derek.
deborah
Great post! Short, sweet, and relevant analogy.
Paralysis by analysis. I think this is the underlying theme in most people's lives. Whether it's starting a business, relationships, change of location, etc.
A nice little ditty to keep us focused!
The problem is that currently everything changes very fast. After 20 years, 3 of these things I want to do won't exist anymore, and 2 will be heavily deprecated and not worth putting my time in them.
I hope I don't get flamed for sharing my differing opinion.
I'll be the 2nd to disagree, after Sarah.
http://sivers.org/donkey#comment-30479
I think the donkey analogy is unsuitable. The donkey died because it was undecisive and did nothing. The keywords are "did nothing".
Although doing numerous things at one time will divide your attention and energy, you are gaining useful experiences (assuming you're doing useful stuff). You're not doing nothing.
It not only gives you a broader perspective but also allows you to learn more about yourself.
Moreover, it is still possible to have really good achievements in each field --- as long as you do not have too many things. I would say that 3 is bearable and 4 is about the limit.
Derek, this is so true. This description fits me perfectly. I live in a nation with countless opportunities and seeing these openings I want to delve into them at the same time. Undoubtedly, I achieve some measure of success pursuing many things at the same time, but I know it is nothing compared to focusing on one particular thing and doing it with all your heart. I recall reading abou Jeff Bezos in the University in 1997 and I said to myself 'I like this guy'. Jeff focused on selling books for a long time before venturing into other related opportunities.Now I have decided to continue ''to pursue many different directions'' for the next 6months and concentrate on one thing in 2012.
Thanks Derek this piece in needed to keep me focused.
Been a while since I heard from you, Derek. Thanks for sharing again. I must admit, though, I like trying to do everything at once. I'd have a hard time putting my many interests off for ten years in order to focus solely on one. I still think long term: I'll be so much better at all of my interests in ten, twenty, thirty, etc. years!
Just the right email about this article from you to me at the right time while I am trying to do multiple things/careers at the same time!
Thanks!
Great idea. I've followed 3/7th's of this life plan so far.
You become the road you travel is some respects; so the idea of planning your seven decades in advance might possibly be replaced by taking a hiatus every 10 years to re-evaluate your next decade.
It's about finishing one project before you go on to the next thing. In the mean time write down idea's that pertain to other projects. It takes discipline and focus to improve at anything, few people have it. In the end it's all about growth and the fun that goes along with sharing your different art forms...My latest Harmonica Art Series will become a calendar for 2012.
Thank you for sharing. I needd this especially right now in my life.
I think musicians have an easier than most folks focusing on one thing; after all when we're immersed in music that's the only world we're in - for me, it's been like years and years of automatic meditation.
But now, having learned in a few short years how to operate a computer and just now stepping into the world of internet social media/networking/marketing - oy yoy yoy! I feel so fragmented and anxious I'll never manage to complete all the work or overlook something that needs to be done.
Thank you for sharing your perceptions here, Derek, as always, very helpful.
Elizabeth
LOL. I call this the curse of the entrepreneur, forget hay and water! Every dust bunny blowing in the wind becomes a shiny object that we have to chase. I agree with your 10 yr plan we can have it all just not at the same time.
I used to resent people telling me to just focus on one thing. Then, when I did, I was amazed at the results... and more importantly, how fast they manifested.
Now that I have proved this to myself, I can suggest it to another with conviction.
However, I read the related article on past, present and future and realized something even more important.
I am one of those that can focus entirely on the future - letting years fly by unnoticed as I aim towards this grand moment in that grand future. And always when I got there, I was so disappointed - feeling almost betrayed. Where was the joy and exuberance I was supposed to feel at this moment? Shoot, now I have to set another goal just to have that sense of excitement and purpose again. It was so bad that a group of friends bought me the book "The Power of Now" as a gift. I read the first chapter and put it down, never to take it up again. It went right over my head.
Then, my family intervened and demanded time. As I took that time, I started to experiment with doing more things in the present. And then, when I realized it was fun to live in the now, I took a bit more of it. Then, instead of always focusing on creating something for others - later - I started to create some things for me - now. Woo! Now we really are breaking new ground!
So, maybe my recent anxiety about possibly losing focus is really just guilt because I am living now at the same time that I am living future?
"Hee haw hee haw it's Dominic the donkey
Hee haw Hee haw the Italian Christmas donkey"...
AND
"Hee haw Hee haw Mortimer the mule
Hee Haw Hee haw He's actin'the fool
Hee haw Hee haw- Mortimer-
Ya muley ol'mule"...
A little jackass music for that donkey up there
Sounds good.
(I've been following your site ever since checking a couple of your blog posts and being immediately awed by your outlook on life.)
"By 2081 it won't be unusual to live to 95."
"Use the future."
This is seriously good insight and advice. I love it.
This is amazing. Thanks Derek!
I'm learning the value of this kind of focus. In my case the challenge comes from Joy. Because there are so many good things possible online to develop, it's hard to deal with one technology at a time.
But because things change so quickly with web development, I've saved my self a lot of struggle by going slow. Deal with the base of things, let the rest come as needed.
Great advice for a lot of things about life Derek.
YogiFish -
This is really awesome advice. I have been struggling with this very issue for years. And you have put it into a completely new paradigm for me. I'm blown away Derek. Thank you.
I'm currently reading Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher and she covers this concept in depth. She even uses the donkey example! As someone with a list of interests, using this approach makes it easy to give yourself permission to explore different paths and to think long-term. It's a really great read if you have a million things you want to do with your life and thought you could only choose one.
A great post! Some of my projects are at the interface of two or more fields, which when you bring them together can be a great catalyst for original work but it’s all-to-easy to become the donkey. This year I’m focussing on just one field and after reading the post I’m encouraged to give it longer.
Great story about the donkey, I hadn't heard of it before.
If you're struggling to focus and find time I highly recommend sitting in on a Tony Schwartz seminar or grabbing his book "The Power of Full Engagement" it's powerful stuff.
Nice coincidence. I actually just started reading that book TODAY! -- Derek
Thank you for the great advice, it seems like it came at the perfect time when I too am trying to go in so many directions.
Plus, if you really focus on the project or direction you are headed without diverting your energies just imagine how much more unstoppable you will be while everyone else is still stuck diverting their attentions in 100 different directions.
Wow what a powerful statement"Most people over-estimate what they can do in one year, and under-estimate what they can do in 10 years."
God Bless You
Brillant article & ideas. Thanks for the wonderful sharing. Think long term : )
Dont be the DONKEY! I'm sending this to my friend Jeremy right now. Thank you!
Will Good
WillGood.net
I never thought of it this way. I guess that means I've got a choice to make in the next couple months.
Sometimes I feel like the world's smartest donkey.
I would agree that you should keep focus on one project at a time.
Nature has it that I'm a (K) personality type, and I tried this and it
don't work. K= Kinectic is those babies who are always moving
around with so much energy. They have files in there brains and more
than one. In life they are the CFO and CEO of large network such as
a person who manage about 200 stores.
So the tunnel vision are for the other 3 personality types which are.
(V) (O) (A).
I have reason to believe also that since the (K) are also know it all
that the terms "Jack of all trdes and master of none" allies to them
because they don't stick to what ever they pursue because having the
ability to juggle many different things you never fully commit to one of them.
One of the best Post in a long long time!!!
Helped me a lot!!
Kudos!
Thanks, that's exactly what I needed now!!
Good One Derek, I was jotting down my thoughts in my journal and realized that I was trying to do too many things @ once. I turned to my extended brain aka 'Google' to provide me with a solution and it directed me to you. Sage advice.
Yes, many of us want to engage in so many pursuits yet we are not well suited to effective multi-tasking. Many times the decisions on which direction to go can be daunting. I try to look for "stepping stones" that help me with a more dynamic base of knowledge and experiences, and hopefully provides a good dose of flexibility as well to pursue new, not yet imagined adventures!
First of all, I love the Donkey story. I'm going to use that when I tell stories to friends
I like the idea of thinking long term. But doesn't 10 years seem to long? I think 2 years can be enough if you have laser focus.
But what's the rush right? Life should be enjoyed, not rushed.
Awesome post and there are many times where I find myself being pulled in many directions with my business. I try and focus on all tasks, but that is really hard to do. So, I find myself focusing on the tasks that will have the greatest impact long term. Thanks for the informative post.
Derek! I love your stuff and deeply respect your work.
I utterly disagree with the donkey theory.
Trying to focus on one thing makes me completely miserable!
Experimenting and dabbling for years has helped me evolve into those several areas I am now focusing on.
Going with just one track leads me to boredom and frustration.
Success to me feels like achievement AND diversity.
Would I be a heck of a lot more financially successful at the moment had I just focused on one thing? I don't know. Maybe I would have been too miserable to follow through.
I'm really excited about where I'm going now, and it's in multiple directions.
A multi-headed donkey.
Well put post in the sense of too many tasks to complete all at once. One thing I have found that I do is write my tasks down or make a notepad memo of tasks on my desktop. each task that gets complete gets removed. this has helped me to get tasks done.
This is exactly what I needed to read. Thanks Derek. I have been pursuing quite a few things at once and not really focusing solely on one specific path. Now it's time to figure out which path I want to pursue first...
Time to bring out the pen/paper and write up some pros/cons! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thanks Derek for the information. I need to start planning more for what I can accomplish over the next 10 years. So I need to take sme time and look at, 1 year goals, 2 year, 5 year and 10 year.
Very nice at pointing some of that out.
Oh man, this is exactly what I needed to hear. Awesome analogy!
Hi Derek, I got this post via google. Thanks for this post. I made my list after reading and have chosen 1 thing to focus on for some time to come-well, it may go on to be a lifetime. I'll sure check out your other posts.
Hey Derek,
Thanks for the post. I was feeling pretty stressed out.