As an undergrad, I was a textbook example of an over programmed person spread too thin. I was involved in so many different organizations and activities that I was never able to adequately perform or commit to any of them. Up until recently I was running a freelance firm with a dozen or so concurrent clients, leading multiple community efforts, helping a couple friends with their startups, working on my own venture, and and doing side projects. As I look at the list, it’s no wonder how I could never put forth a full faith effort into any one of them.
A few years back, I got to meet a medical professional who was extremely well regarded. One thing that really hit a chord for me was when asked why she was so good, a doctor explained the she cared about only three things in life. Work. Church. And fish (she was a serious aquarium buff, apparently). She could not care less about anything else, just those three things.
As I’ve switched gears to put everything into Contactually, I keep coming back to this anecdote as a useful guide for keeping myself on track.
I have three things that matter to me now.
- Family
- My current startup
- Fostering a strong DC Tech community.
Thats all that matters, right now.
If you had to choose only three things that you would spend the entire rest of your life on, could you name them?
I’m spread a bit thin at the moment. My long run – 10 year focus:
1. Family
2. Become an epic leader
3. Build a lasting company
2 & 3 go hand in had so that makes it easier 🙂