-Hamilton, “Take a Break”
We all play make-believe. The question is, what do you believe, and what do you want to make?
Storytime
My niece will sometimes sit in a room by herself and ask not to be disturbed. “I’m telling an amazing story in my mind,” she says. She’s engrossed in it—the story she made up. It was instantly relatable. I told myself stories all the time.
The first stories involved Hot Wheels, army figurines, and dinosaurs. I’d create elaborate worlds with good guys, bad guys, and epic battles. When telling stories with friends, I’d push back and say the good guys can’t win too easily. They had to face hardships. Little did I know the insight in that sentiment.
It’s always harder than we think it’s going to be. To do anything great takes more effort than anyone realizes— a comical amount of work and effort. Compared to someone with a typical 9-5, everyday life is night and day. Priorities are different. The speed and efficiency at which everyone is expected to operate is on a different level.
Many can’t adjust or keep up. I understand those who optimize for work-life balance, but it feels like a waste. If you can do something great, do it. We have limited time and energy in life. Make your impact. You can watch that show or play that game later.
When Later is Now
A couple of months back, I attempted to take a week off for the first time in years. I was still online but didn’t take any meetings… ok, I didn’t take any scheduled meetings.
For the first time in years, I was anxious—anxious about doing nothing. How would I occupy myself? I just wanted to be occupied with my own thoughts.
Unfortunately, an employee had an emotional breakdown and blew up on me. The blow-up was unwarranted and around a low-priority item. But it happened and took a greater toll on my emotional state than I should have let it.
Beyond that, I attempted to decompress. I stayed with my thoughts, meditated, and embraced solitude. I slept. I thought. I wrote. I write to organize and make sense of the universe. If I had infinite time, I’d pursue endless crafts, sports, hobbies, philosophies, religions, and occupations. I’d write about it all.
Leave a Trail
Writing feels good– the same way Inbox Zero feels good. Whether it’s action items or ideas, I’m constantly writing. Clear it all out. I get to nothing by letting go of unimportant thoughts and writing down the good ones. Promising thoughts live on.
If I’m not working, I get bored. I’d go insane. I strive to balance creation and consumption. Creation fills my cup. I believe in responsibility and purpose. I want to make a legacy. At the end of the day, we’re all playing make-believe.