The Year of Focus

I’m really curious and so want to help others to succeed that I get lost in a haze of really interesting stuff that mainly impacts others – while my rocket ship sits idling on the launch pad.

Near the end of 2015, I decided that my curiosity is a really, really good thing. But, it’s slowly being killed by my inability to calm the manic evil twin that resides in the corners of my heart and mind.

My brother’s girlfriend, who is now a real person to me – that’s you Edit, spotted my evil twin during a FaceTime back in October. Following the call, she sent me a book. Passage Meditation is the last book I, a nerdy science guy, would ever buy. But, my curiosity and the quality of the book’s approach helped me finish it in a couple of weeks.

The ideas in the book compelled me to stand up to my manic evil twin. I realised that by harnessing the awesome manic nature of my mind, instead of allowing it to rule me, I just might be able to launch my next rocket ship.

No, I’m not going all new age. Yes, meditating is a bit of the moment, but I can see how it’s both a fad and a new old thing.

Hey, it works for me, your mileage may vary.

After facing down my evil twin, I had to own up to something even bigger.

My ego.

I realised near the end of last year, as I was burning out after another week of too many commitments – my helping others was mostly about me. While ego was a big part, it was hiding cleverly under my curiosity and genuine desire to make a positive impact.

It sucked to realise this, but it was definitely helpful to know.

This realisation changed my approach: I’m now focused on being helpful, not going around helping. A small, but important difference.

The moment of discovery was really more like reaching the end of a trail – the result of a series of moments during writing, editing, reading and listening here on the M. I’ve met so many awesome peeps here on Medium. Honest people. Curious people. All of whom have turned out to be, you guessed it – helpful people.

I’m not going to change overnight. You can’t waive a wand and be somebody different just because the calendar changed.

But, by keeping an eye on a broader idea – focus – I can make better decisions about how I use the moments of each day. I will focus my curiosity. I will focus on producing stuff that may be helpful.

And that’s why, for me, 2016 will be the year of focus – my mind, my effort, and my heart.

Thanks Kel – for reinforcing a direction of travel. I always enjoy your writing and your “Year of” piece is a great example of how you make the most interesting connections.

Peace.