Found this article today: You are not running out of time.
This is probably one of the most profound things I’ve come across in a long time.
I completely feel like I’ve been measuring my happiness against someone else’s measure of success and not enjoying the ride enough. That’s totally me! Well, I need to stop and reevaluate things. Here are a couple of passages that stuck out to me:
Ironically, when I started to cross some of my own personal benchmarks, I discovered that something was very wrong – I kept moving the goalposts.
Very guilty of this. Although, I don’t think humans are wired to set a goal, hit it, and stop. I think continuing to strive for something better is what makes us human. At the same time, I think it’s good to stop and smell the roses.
The people you are left playing with are better at the game than people left behind. In other words, distinguishing yourself from your peers gets tougher as your definition of your peer group gets upgraded.
So true. I’ve been working on moving into the web/technology world and constantly feel like I’m so far behind everyone I know. Then again, most of them have been doing it all of their lives, whereas I’m just starting up at 27. I need to keep that in perspective. Same with learning Japanese - I feel like such a novice, but it’s something that takes time, and everyone that’s ever tried had to start somewhere.
This would also suggest that the game – i.e. maximizing your potential, and what you can achieve with your time and resources – is best played if you enjoy the pursuit of your goals.
This is probably the biggest point for me. Do what you enjoy and it’s easier to enjoy the pursuit. I need to focus on this. What do I enjoy doing? Here’s my list:
*these are all professional-type goals. Thought it’d be best to think about those first. Personal goals could come later*
-I enjoy technology. I like all the things it can help us do, but I ‘m not sure how much I enjoy the programming part of things. I’d like to learn it to be a part of some of those advances, but wouldn’t say I wholeheartedly “enjoy” it like some people I know.
-I enjoy learning Japanese. It’s very challenging, and sometimes I get frustrated, but overall I genuinely enjoy learning more and more. I also enjoy helping people learn about the Japanese language and culture. Need to find a way to do more of this.
-I enjoy photography. I really love getting out there with a camera and finding the shot. I don’t think I’m cut out for a career in wedding photography or something like that, but definitely need to find a way to do more of this.
-I enjoy videography. I love putting together a good story. Getting all the right shots, having a solid interview, and making a story that people can care about and connect with. Obviously, I do this a lot at work, I just wish I could care about every story, no matter how interesting it is to me.
-Really love the culture and uniqueness of different cities. I love exploring new cities and finding out what makes them different - what makes them tick. I’m having a great time learning more about Tulsa, even after being here for so long, and I’ve always had a great time in all the different cities I’ve visited in the past. Which leads to the next thing.
-Travel. I don’t know why this is so far down on the list. It should probably be near the top. Travel is awesome. If you don’t like traveling, then there’s got to be something wrong with you. Getting to see new places and learn about them is exhilarating. Travel reporting is definitely one of my dream jobs. I’m sure lots of people feel this way.
This is all I can think of right now. It’s late. Read the link above if you have time. I guarantee it will change the way you look at things.
I’m taking a Japanese class this semester. All of the classes I need for my Digital Media degree aren’t offered over the summer, so I thought, “Why not.”
For the most part I’m enjoying having a few hours of Japanese thrust upon me two days a week. I’m grateful also to be re-learning hiragana and katakana (the phonetic alphabets). Mostly, I’m thankful to have a native speaker around for me to talk with. Tulsa is a terrible place to learn Japanese though.
My biggest pet peeve of this all-beginners class is the accents. I think it’s important to speak the way native speaker do. I’ve always tried to copy them as closely as possible. Still, it seems like most beginners don’t think about that. Sure, they’re saying the word, but the thick southern accent isn’t going to help actual Japanese people understand you. I’m sure this goes for all languages.
Dustbowl Lanes downtown with Ken tonight. Not for the mathematically challenged - manual scoring!
Really cool downtown shot
Dad and demon Shun
This was just too cute. Look at Shuntaro’s paw!
