Sometimes, I think I’m strange.
Okay, I’ll clarify that: sometimes I think I’m strange for reasons other than the normal reasons other people think I’m strange.
Specifically, the number of hobbies that I have seems a little excessive. I never seem to be able to focus on one for a significant period of time before I start working on another new one or revisiting an old one. Do other people have this same problem?
I can’t think of anybody else I know who shows (outwardly) this same pattern of behaviour. I mean Tammy does to some extent: she crochets, sews, cross-stitches and bakes. In the past she has also dabbled in painting and piano, but never really took off. She does complain about not getting around to working on her cross stitches, so we have that in common. By comparison, when I have a some time to myself I have the following things which are half-done and/or are current interests:
- Updates to ii web applications (FFF, DVD List)
- Web-based strategy game (MD3)
- Learning Russian
- Drawing and pastels
- Guitar (classical, electric)
- Recorder
- Video games in progress (Doom 3, Halo 2)
- Two novels partly written
- Martial arts
- Playing hockey
… and that’s only what I can think of quickly. Oh, and the paint-by-numbers I started last year when I was on those drugs which were supposed to stop my hands from shaking. That was weird.
And people wonder that I don’t watch much TV. I’m too busy! Keep in mind that these are only the things that fit in around the family, house and work.
Don’t forget Go.
I must admit that I have a big problem with procrastination. When I buckle down (or have a time commitment) I can get a lot accomplished. The trouble is working it into my daily schedule. You’d think it would be easy since I’m home all the time, but it’s not. I can’t crochet or cross stitch with Miranda around; she’s worse than the cats for playing with the materials. I usually only have an opportunity for that once she goes to bed and by then I’m ready for bed and not to concentrate on stitches. Then there’s trying to spend quality/educational time with Miranda. She can’t watch Treehouse all day. 🙂 She plays on her own to some extent, but games, flashcards, and books require more than one person. As for weekends, we tend to try and spend family time with Simon.
I guess there’s no real answer. We need to get a fence up and then build a jungle gym so we can throw her outside, without fear of her wandering off, to play while we do our hobbies. (It always seems to keep coming back to this. :-D)
I’m similar to you. There are a lot of interesting things to do and maybe like me you never imagined you could do them so that when you find out that you can (or at least seem to be able to) you jump right in.
I’ve never had a problem with it since I guess I’m not leading a very purposeful life. Recently, however, I’ve listened to Tony Robbins’ "Time of Your Life" tape series on MP3 (file "sharing"). That’s changed my perspective.
TR inspired me to organize my time into categories pre thought out to meet my dreams of what my life should be. It’s a wonderful concept. I just have to finish listening to all the tapes…
So what you’re saying is that you have added "listening to Tony Robbins" to your personal list of things to finish… 😉
A lot of it has to do with having the opportunity to do things and the attitude of "yeah, I’d like to try that," that gets us into trouble.
What TR says is that the really successful people you can think of have a very narrowed focus. He also tries to balance work and play so that they complement each other.
The narrow focus aims at the completion of set goals with each goal building to achieve a "master goal". The play time is to avoid burnout. Sometimes I’m burned out by my play so my "life wheel" isn’t spinning at the speed it’s capable of and even short-term goals are not met. (Not that I’m worried obviously. I haven’t even finished the tapes.)
What I’m aware of now is the investment scenario of life. It’s like the RRSP scenario for the young guy who invests while he’s young and the old guy who’s always playing catch up because he invested late. I’ll get to a point where I’ll realize I have to focus and it will be too late. It’ll always be a game of catch up.
TR actually has kids so I guess he understands about the drain they can have on our personal resources. His mantra is "live life with passion" Find something that really inspires you and you will be successful in that area.
For what it’s worth…
I wonder if TR helps out with the housework. I mean, really. Not that I’ve listened to TR, but I wonder who cleans the toilets while he "lives with passion." One thing always seems to happen at the expense of another in this life. Like tonight, for example. I’m missing a family dinner at Brian’s parents, which means I have to stay home and cook for myself and our homestay student, just so I can keep of my routine of exercise. And today I took Lucy’s playdate for a walk, went to the park, drove him home, and did the weekly shop at Thrifty’s while Brian "lived life with passion" and did some wood work (hobby-type woodwork). Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not at all bitter at Brian; sometimes he does the duties so I can play. But here’s the thing. Would TR equate a well- run home, a happy child (children), a healthy marriage relationship,and interesting job with living with passion or having a purposeful life? In fact I believe that the above aspects of life are not pursued with the passion they deserve. Many people argue that fulfillment comes as a result of giving to others. I just wonder who TR has taken for granted in his selfish-seeming quest for inspiration and success. I doubt he even knows. Betcha his wife would, tho.
Not knowing TR from a hole in the ground, I can’t say how grounded he is (or not). In my initial post, I made sure to point out that these things are the things which fill in the time *around* the primary things like family, home and work. Even if I was given the opportunity to work on them all the time, I don’t know that the situation would improve at all: I suspect that the list would just get longer.
I just wish that the "B" priority items would sort themselves out into a semblance of order. Brian’s got part of the answer that I wish I could find: people who are good at something generally focus on it. But then again, sometimes I pity those who do focus like that: it seems as though the breadth of experience that life has to offer should be embraced.
Sidebar: Having said that, I *am* good at something, and I do it at work. I think the problem is that what I do there is generally not appreciated. How many people can claim the same? A lot! We live in a society where the doctors, engineers and other skilled people are not nearly as admired at people who can sing, play sports or do some other trivial thing like stand there and look good. American Idol? Give me a break. I’d rather watch Life in the E.R. and watch people trying to use their amazing skills to save lives.
Right on Sharon! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
When I first read "life wheel" and "lives with passion" I was reminded of the Brad Goodman episode from the Simpsons. Not meaning to sound overly cynical here, but *pfft* what a load of codswallop. I know if I "lived with passion" and fulfilled all my hobby interests the house would be a hole, my child a brat, and for all the exercise I would get you could call me big Bertha.
On the other hand, focus (tunnel vision or not) does have its merit. In 2 weeks I managed to crochet a poncho and matching toque and a baby blanket with matching hat for a couple of gifts. However if I hadn’t had the time-constraints they would still be partially finished. The problem with focus is that the hobby is in danger of becoming a task and; threfore, is not fun and relaxing anymore.
Just to clarify for everyone what seems to be a misconception or at least a sneaking suspicion, TR doesn’t plan your dreams – that’s your job. How could it not be?
Therefore if you value family highly then that’s a goal you plan to work on. I did say balance so it goes without saying that the sacrifices you make are the ones you choose for your best possible vision of how your life should be – others included.
Sharon wrote, "Would TR equate a well- run home, a happy child (children), a healthy marriage relationship,and interesting job with living with passion or having a purposeful life?" I would say that TR would, yes, according to him, but the question is "Would the listener?", because that’s who’s planning a life after listening to TR’s method of organizing your life as you see fit.
I appreciate the cynicism because I brought my share to the tape as well, however, here’s what TR did to give more time to what he and his wife love to do – he hired a housekeeper. He even recommended it. Too bad our housekeeper got too busy. We’ll never find one as cheap as her again – or will we?
Peace out.