The Mind is a Double Edged Sword - Goal Setting

Something that I got caught up with recently, are the different interesting things that were happening within my life. I had Gamers' Life Convention stuff to work on, resume and job applications, plenty of gaming events and other potential business projects as well. There were quite a few projects that all wanted a bit of my time, so I tried to spend some time on each project. At the end of the day, there were certain things that I left too late and certain things that I didn't set aside enough time for.

I felt like I was moving one step forward, but moved two steps back everywhere else. It wasn't until one late night that I decided to go for a walk and buy some coffee powder that I got some good thinking time in. During that walk, I realized that I was actually in the great position of having a few too many opportunities to take. I really had to decide in my mind what was important to me and what I would prioritize in the next few days.

After I had got back, I pulled out my note book, flipped to the back and started writing down the thoughts going through my mind. I wrote down what I wanted to be in the near future. Which was for me, to be a all-round great gamer and a respected business leader. I then started writing down, what the future strategy would be, which included

choose you game > commit to it
find work > at least enough regular work to secure living costs
look after health
go out to events
meet new people

I then started writing down more specific plans in how I would achieve each of these. I sat there with my freshly made cup of coffee and read through it again and again to make sure I didn't forget anything and I was truly content with what was on the list. I made sure that the list included literally the most important parts of my life at the moment. I also made sure that I was listing only things that I thought I had the time to do.

As the following week came, I felt much more focused. I woke up in the morning and wasn't intimidated at all the stuff I could be doing. Instead I knew something on the list had to be done and then proceeded to get things done. Looking back at this, I think the benefit to writing down goals is that it really makes you think about what is important to you. There are distractions that come by every day and by making a list, you can much more easily determine whether that distraction is a waste of time or not. Ultimately, I think a good summary for today's post is "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything".

Summary
- when confused or uncertain, go take a walk and think about things
- writing things down are a good way of collecting your thoughts
- make a list of what is important to you, so that you can determine what is worth doing or not
- know what you want, so you can be focused on getting it