Infernal Inventory

A day in which I focus mainly on my shortcomings.

I'm thinking a lot about an article on grit as a defining factor in greatness. I'd like to read more on the topic, but this blog article served as a good introduction: The Future of Self-Improvement, Part I: Grit Is More Important Than Talent :: Articles :: The 99 Percent.

I really do feel that my life suffers from a lack of focus.

I have to say that, objectively, I am very tenacious with my projects, once I "let them in." But I don't let a whole lot in. They remain as ideas, which I might pursue in fits and starts. I'm struggling to find a place for everything and struggling with the cruel, hard fact that I can't find a place for everything. I've got to choose, to commit.

What I've learned in the past couple weeks, though, is that the value of commitment, if total - that is, if your devotion fits the whole space of what you're committing to and you're not leaving any stone unturned or path untrodden in your quest to finish it - it doesn't have to last for a very long time. It could last a very long time, or forever (like with zazen), but it doesn't have to. You might burn through it and be done with it. There is no reason to be worried: if you invest the proper amount of energy into a project, a goal, a practice, you will either satisfy your curiosity for good and leave it be or find something you can be passionate about and take with you. Either way, you're fine.

With that, I go early to bed to rest for I day that I hope feels like it's 10 years long - it's so full of good projects (and excellent naps).

Good night, all.