I have lost count of how many times I have tried to start something, practically anything at this point. There are many factors to why I never really complete anything. After all the attempts, I have a lot of respect for those people who do eventually get something going whether it succeeds or fails.
For me, I think that I have the knowledge and creativity to work on a bunch of projects. Where I fail the most is having the needed support to stay focused on the project. Not the typical support that you hear about like thumbs up from your parents and friends. That is great for emotional support, but where I struggle is with just regular day-to-day events.
There is just always something going on with my family that I have to support with. Help siblings, parent's car break down, parents fighting, attend family functions, weddings, travels... although small, all these things just add up. Then there's regular personal life with meeting friends, meeting up with people, and eating out (which I already keep at a minimum claiming I'm too poor for that kind of lifestyle). Finally, I am also trying to keep my exercise going.
Although it may seem like I am complaining, but I am just trying to explain my inability to keep a project going. At times, I am complaining when I am just trying to keep things going. But in reality, I really do prioritize the things above so I shrug it off. Some day, things may finally settle down enough for me to keep going.
Another issue that I have is my lack of focus and long term memory. I feel that each time I finally get back to working on the project, I forget where I left off then I just restart the whole thing. I also get easily distracted by other new things. Since I am restarting, I always try to implement the latest stuff. But in reality, I rarely ever get to the second stage.
I still keep at it when I get free time. Lately, I've been working on Linux, Python, and Django. Not much progress again because other things were going on again in life (a visiting friend, another friend wants to take me touring, etc). But slowly, more things are sticking.
If you have an idea, go for it. If you have other priorities, take care of them first and do not regret it. We all wish things would line up, but nothing really lines up even for the successful ones. Just make sure you can afford the sacrifices that would help you to succeed. There are plenty of opportunities. But if you're just wasting your time procrastinating, then you have no excuses.
I can totally relate to this! I feel the same way, it is hard to keep at things going. I tend to blame life, because there's always something going on in life. But I think the real reason is myself, it's like you say, if I waste my time procrastinating there's really no excuses.
ReplyDeleteSometimes you just have to say no to life. And make time to these things, projects and etc... the cost will be missing some important events, but it's about finding a balance really... otherwise we wouldn't be living our own life.
I agree if you are saying no to procrastinating in life. If it is supporting my family and friends, then I would not say no. By support, I also include small support like taking out the trash, washing dishes, fixing problems in the house, teaching new technology even if I've repeated it a billionth time to larger support like moving, figuring out social security options, mortgage options, etc... even if the new project is worth it in the long-term financially. I have not always believed that, I've gained more appreciation from other priorities in life. This is probably why venture capitalists prefer investing entrepreneurs in their 20s.
Deleteps: how is the excercise going? :)
ReplyDeleteStill working on it. It is much harder to be motivated in the colder weather. I ate out and ate a lot in the last few days... final meals with a friend before leaving, then more meals with friends I haven't seen for a while. Fortunately, I have not gained weight.
DeleteYes, winter is the hardest! I know what you mean, most of what I eat that contains not so healthy food relates to meals with family or friends. I do try to eat healthy as far as I can. If they want to order some food I try to order from the 'light' menu, and stuff like that.
DeleteCheers, winter will be over before you know it!