I used to be a chronic list-maker. My life was a series of bucket lists, each filled with grand ambitions and lofty goals. I'd jot down everything from learning a new language to running a marathon, convinced that the key to a fulfilling life was ticking off as many boxes as possible.
Then I woke up at 42 and realized something startling: I had a lot of half-finished projects and partially realized dreams. I was the jack of all trades, master of none. It was a sobering moment, one that made me reevaluate my approach to personal growth and achievement.
That's when it hit me: the power of focus. Instead of spreading myself thin across a dozen different pursuits, what if I had channeled all my energy into doing one thing great? How deep could my singular pursuit have gone?
Life, I've learned, is longer than we often think. We're not in a race against time to accumulate achievements like we're filling out a bingo card. Instead, we have the luxury of depth. When you pour yourself entirely into a single task or skill, you're not just completing it – you're mastering it.
Imagine the difference between dabbling in painting for a year versus dedicating five years to it. In the first scenario, you might produce a few decent canvases. But with five years of focused effort? You could be hosting your own gallery show, pioneering new techniques, or even changing the way people think about art.
And here's the beautiful part: once you've truly mastered something, you have options. You can take that skill even deeper, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Or you can apply that same focused approach to a new challenge, armed with the confidence and discipline you've built.
So, I'm throwing out my bucket lists. Instead, I'm asking myself: What's the one thing I want to do great? And when I finish that – truly finish it – I'll ask the question again.
Life isn't about ticking boxes. It's about digging deep wells of expertise and passion. So pick your well, and start digging. You might be surprised at the depths you can reach.