Sometimes, when there are many paths in front of me, I feel scrambled. I imagine deadlines where there aren’t any, and I feel a sort of pressure that is entirely self-imposed. I don’t want to be scrambled. I want to be over easy.
Here is what I do:
- Choose actions that can benefit the largest number of possible paths. For example, taking on a few freelance clients to save extra money will be pretty much universally helpful, regardless of what I end up investing that money in.
- Remember that time passes no matter what, and as long as I’m not backsliding I’m moving toward my goals, because I’ve already done number 1.
- While time passes, don’t ignore it. My life is very good now, regardless of what I want to build for the future. I have incredible children, and spending time with them is a joy. No matter what else I’m doing, that’s my “why.” So take it while I have it!
These three things calm me considerably. And being calm lets me think more clearly, which lets me take the actions I want to take. It can sometimes feel like the long way around, but that can be the surer path.
The Opportunity Machine 