Focus-ish

 
I'm actually going to try something different for me: Focus. Of a sort. And maybe only for a limited time.
 
So I'm reducing myself down to just 2 "jobs": programming/software development, and writing/indie publishing. And only 2 hobbies: tabletop wargaming and photography.
 
Which doesn't look like much in the way of focus, does it? 2 jobs, 2 hobbies. But, by limiting myself to just those jobs and hobbies, by working to keep myself focused on a small number of things I enjoy (and want to get better at) and not being distracted by other things I *might* enjoy if I tried them, I think I can be much more productive.
 
At least in the short term. Say, through the end of 2012. At which time, I'm giving myself permission to make different choices.
 
In the opening chapter of Starship Troopers (the good book, not the bad movie), Johnny Rico talks about how you should try to do something constructive immediately, when it counts, instead of thinking of the best thing to do later, when it no longer matters.
 
A friend of mine recently described how holding out for the best possible outcome was cheating him out of what were probably some damn fine in-between outcomes.
 
I know that I tend to spend (waste) a lot of time worrying about making the best choice, time that I could be using to pursue a good choice that might not be perfectly optimized–but is still a good choice.
 
I've always found it hard to limit my options. Maybe it's a guy thing, the whole aversion to commitment. But I've also always found I get a lot more done when I limit my options.
 
Yes, this means not pursuing some possibilities that seem really cool (at least at first blush) or fun or maybe even profitable. I think I can live with that, though. It might even be a part of growing up. A sign of maturity to go along with the gray in my beard.
 
I know I can pursue programming and writing simultaneously. I've proven that, several times. Especially once I have an outline to work from. I can write some number of words in a day, taking an hour or two, then spend the rest of the day working on my software. It's a nice change of pace, actually. A way to shift gears in the middle of the day and bring a fresh mind (and better focus) to both tasks.
 
I've also found it useful to have something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT that I think about after hours and weekends. Something that has no burden of profit/loss or success/failure. Something I enjoy doing, something I can get better at but not worry about if I don't. Something I can do in close proximity to my family and friends. A hobby.
 
I'm trying to learn from 20+ years of adult life. I'm trying to look at how I do things, then do more of what has worked, less of what hasn't.
 
So, yeah. Focus. I'm gonna try that. My way.
 
-David
 
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