I believe I’ve reflected on this previously, but last night I started to think about how involved I am with many, many, different things.
For the most part, I love to be hyper-involved. I have many interests, all of which I want to continually cultivate. And, even though it isn’t easy, I’ve been able to manage them well.
But, every so often two questions arise which I can’t claim to know the answer to.
First, I wonder if I engaged in fewer activities, explorations, initiatives, if I would be able to move from “well” to “exemplary.” I feel that I have learned to balance all of my competing priorities in a very positive way, and one that allows me to be successful. What I am not sure about, however, is if I were to drop a few of these priorities, would I be able to skyrocket my effectiveness in the other areas? Or, would dropping these priorities simply lead me to fill the void with new ones? Or still, would dropping the priorities lead me to be less effective because I actually want those priorities to be back in my life?
Second, I wonder a bit if it isn’t the number of initiatives, but rather, what they are or what they entail. Am I simply involved with some priorities that are “wrong” for my current skill set? If I switched them out to others that I was more effective working with, would I be a better leader and learner? Or, is the fact that I am not as strong at some of these initiatives actually a benefit to my future growth?
In many ways I am looking for these answers quickly. But, in many ways, I am also hoping to discover them over time. For me, having my life filled to 100% is both a need and a detriment. Most times I feel like I love to be this busy. But, at others, like last night, I simply wish I had an hour with nothing to do.
Take this blog, for instance. I enjoy the fact that I am continuing to write daily. At the same time, I know that if I had this thirty minutes back, I could likely put it towards something else. So, which is more important, the reflection time this blog provides me with, or one of my other priorities?
The one thing I do know? It is impossible for everything to be a priority at all times. And chances are, even if I learn nothing else, this fact will continue to show itself. Maybe I just have to come to grips with the fact that none of my priorities always are.