The Same Mistake Two Ways

Good advice is only when it’s the right advice for the right person. You don’t tell the person frozen in inaction that “good things come to those who wait” just like you don’t tell the Haste Lord that the “early bird gets the worm.” 

I find that most of us are in a dance. 

We’re moving from too much Yin and too little Yang to the opposite and back again. If this is true, it’s important to:

• Know what side of the coin you’re indexing on too much, and

• What to do about that fact. 

Now, there are many Yin and Yang relationships to look at but today the dichotomy we’re addressing is your tendencies around…

Going Deep vs. Staying Shallow on your interests. 

Staying Shallow. Like trying new things? Are you a master of none? Constantly distracted by the next shiny thing? When you take inventory of your life have you maintained a craft, job, or relationship for more than 5, 7, or 10 years? This could be you. 

Going Deep. Are you a craft master in one or two areas, but seemingly common other areas of life seem to be disorganized and unhealthy? Have you lost sight of yourself during months and years of intense task focus?

At first glance, it might seem like one of these is better than the other. I’m not so sure that’s true. It seems like both are a problem when explored too far and knowing where you land on this spectrum of extremes will likely invite wonderful next-best-choice decision making for you. 

I tend to succumb to the Going Deep problem. Twice now in my life I’ve embarked on long, deep pursuits into crafts for more than 15 years each and the fallout of heartbreak, pain, and failure is likely as relevant as any perceived successes along the way. 

I’ve lost myself several times. 

And, likely I am experiencing this right now. While it’s difficult to stave off shame about this, the reason for me sharing this is it’s time to check in and recalibrate. When you slide, like I do, to one extreme, can you name ways you can come back home?