How to Gain Perspective

Having first met Traci on Twitter a while ago (here), I’m finally answering one of her Questions of the Day: “When you feel like doing everything yourself, do you stop and think if it is really worth doing it at all?”

I’m not really sure what keeps me going, other than the belief that I’m working FOR something (not just AT something).

That “something” is seemingly ever-elusive, however; what I was working for 10 years ago was certainly different than what I was working on 5 years ago… was certainly different than what I was working on yesterday.

To tell you the truth, I know I can’t do everything on my own – and have certainly relied on friends and colleagues to help. I depend on nobody but myself to do the things I want to do, however (and I believe self-reliance does not take away from surrounding yourself with supportive people).

Seldom do I stop to ask myself if “all this” is worth doing. I just assume it’s worth doing for one reason or another – to fill my time, to fill my soul, to fill my legacy (and yes, to fill my bank accounts). Certainly, there are moments when I wonder if I’m working TOO hard – and that’s when I have to rely on those closest to me to remind me to step away from the computer and do something different (if only for a brief period).

Perspective is never gained by living on the line.

Traci is from Hawaii and is also a fan of serendipity. I’ve been to Hawaii twice in my life – and each time was an unmitigated disaster (through no fault of the destination). I was taken out of my element long enough to realize that it takes me a few days to acclimate to a new environment. In another week, I plan on returning to Oahu – if only to remake August 1st as a personal day. There’s at least one tweetup planned, and I’ll undoubtedly be recording videos with old and new friends during my stay. Yes, I’m hoping to gain more attention for Gnomedex, too. Maybe I’ll see you there?

What about you? Offer your answer to Traci.