It’s an amazing time to be alive. Because of the freedom our forefathers constructed, the rule of law, and free market capitalism, we all (in countries with these ingredients) have countless options for what to eat tonight, how to entertain ourselves, who to date, and what to do with our days and with our lives.
This is great. And it’s a problem.
You can’t do two things at a time. If you try you will not do them well, and not enjoy them.
When we are young, there is a time for trying this and trying that to find out what we like and want to choose. This is important. Find the paths that resonate with your talents and your soul. But at some point, the search needs to end and the “fear of missing out” or “fear of making the wrong choice” needs to give way to making your choice and getting better at it/with it.
So your job is to eliminate options. Pick one meal to eat. One person to be in a relationship with. One career you love to get great at. One place to live.
Can you change your mind if you made the wrong choice? Yes. Can you add something once you have one thing mastered? Yes. But no choice is always the wrong choice.
By choosing and eliminating, and focusing your incredible powers, focus, and energies, going deep in one area instead of shallow in many, you will have a far better chance at living a rewarding and fulfilling life.
I remember being in your office back when Dan Fitzgerald was your marketing manager. Had to be 1996-97 ish? I wish you had told me about choices then when I was in my 20’s because I have made many stupid choices along the way. Dumb tax! But you are right, as usual. Don’t pay the same dumb tax twice!
I love your blog Larry. I read both every day. Thank you!
Not my original thought, but I’ve often heard this referred to this as being ‘pond wide and puddle deep’ – spread too thin to be effective, kinda shallow everywhere, and dries up quickly in the heat…
Always provided a useful visual for me in this regard.
Thanks as always for the reminder, Larry!
Well said, Larry!
I used to refer this to as:
“pick your poison and go with it”.