Narrow Your Choices for Best Results

 ‘Rahul’s in a dilemma bhaiyya,’ said Rinku sitting at the window table in the college canteen. ‘He’s interested in cricket, music, travel, comedy, writing, academics and so many things.’

‘So what’s the problem Rahul?’ smiled Rakesh.

‘I don’t know which ones will make me rich, famous and successful bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘Should I do things that I enjoy doing or study and get a job?’

‘Good question,’ said Rakesh. ‘Firstly, to be successful, you have to be the best in that field. You have to be passionate about it because it needs long hours and years of practice. There’s a difference between enjoying things and being passionate about them. But tell me, which among these do you think you can be best at?’

‘I don’t know bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I feel if I try really hard I can be the best at anything.’

‘Let’s narrow your options then. What have you learned, practiced and attempted to master so far? Won compliments, awards for?’

 ‘I’ve learned and practiced cricket and music for many years now bhaiyya, apart from academics. I won a prize for essay writing and two for music performances. And I score well in mathematics.’

‘Good, those are what you’re passionate about and good at then,’ said Rakesh. ‘What’s important now is how badly you want to become the best. If you’re required to put in 5000 hours and more of intense practice over the next five years, which ones would you choose?’

‘Not cricket bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘Maybe three years at best for it. But I can commit for music and writing. But bhaiyya, does that mean I have to let go of my other interests?’

‘Not really,’ said Rakesh. ‘You just have to reorient your focus. Instead of spreading your time and energy over 5 activities, choose one or two and focus 80% of your energy on them. Use the other 20% for other interests. That way your chances to succeed improve drastically. And when you succeed in one, you’ll find the freedom, confidence and space to explore other talents.’

‘What about academics then?’ asked Rinku.

‘Academics open up many options to succeed at too,’ said Rakesh. ‘If you plan to study another 4-5 years in the University, it makes sense to devote 80% attention to your academics.’

‘Bhaiyya, will I surely succeed if I do all this?’ asked Rahul.

‘It finally depends on how badly you want it Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘Which is why it’s important to enjoy the process. Then, success becomes a happy byproduct. When you are passionate, you engage deeply, get better at your work and you attract more success.’

‘Music and studies then bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘Mathematics specially. I can commit to these for life!’

‘Wonderful,’ said Rinku. ‘Let’s choose chai and biscuits for now.’

Pro tip: The options that you are most passionate about and have a chance of being the best in, are your best bets. Focus your time and energy on them and your chances of succeeding improve.

 

Exercise: List the activities you are involved in. Choose 2-3 key areas you wish to focus your energies on and give them 80% of your time and energy. If you have too many activities taking up too much energy, you will not have the desired energy to propel your major activities beyond an average level. 

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