I have obsessive tendencies. I don’t like dipping my toe in. I’d rather jump in headfirst. And at the same time, I can be easily distracted.

It’s like a man who decides to be a swimmer, but after slipping into his trunks and jumping into the water sees a runner pass by. He decides running looks more appealing. Sopping wet, he climbs back out and starts to run. 

Running isn't a bad form of exercise. But starting over can be exhausting.

It can be a terrible combination. I’ve had to learn to say “no” – to myself and to opportunities around me. Saying “yes” too often is a sure path to failure. 

One of the greatest attributes of successful men and women is their ability to follow one path. I’ve said I’ve had to learn how to remain focused, but it’s still a work in progress. I can still be distracted by shiny objects.

But managing things in small doses has helped me be successful. Instead of aiming to become a great writer, I committed to writing for 15 minutes each day. Committing yourself to small doses is a license to be obsessed with something for a time while ignoring every other distraction or opportunity that presents itself. Because, as I’ve discovered over time, distractions and opportunities are often one and the same, just dressed up differently.