^ Easter pun. Nailed it.

Focus. Everyone’s always talking about focus. I get it, focus is required for excellence. Focus is an ability that should be nurtured and honed. Focus is both the cause of, and result of, passion.

I’m all about doing things that you love. And I’m all about laser-like focus on the task at hand, but too much focus can actually be distracting. I’ll try to explain…

Years ago, during an internship at a small boutique web design agency, I was working on a series of client projects with a graphic designer. He was incredibly talented and I always learned a lot from him, lessons that I still keep with me today — over 15 years later.

He was incredibly focused when at work, which was admirable. He took his graphic designing seriously, as you should when you’re making a career out of it, but working with him was difficult. I was relieved to learn that I wasn’t alone in that sentiment. His reputation with everyone was that he was a great designer but stubborn as all hell. We all thought it was because he was an arrogant, condescending prick (that was actually kind of true), but I soon realized that it was something else…

His work was all he had

His only outlet of creative expression were our client projects. They were the only things he had to express himself through a form in which he was studied and proficient — design. The results of those projects were all he had to show as proof that he was a good designer.

All his eggs were in that one basket. If that were me, I’d definitely be a nitpicking a**hole, too. Focusing on work is great, but you guys…that can’t be all you have. You can’t hang your entire passion on any one outlet. I’ve never met someone that needed a hobby more than this guy.

It’s tough when you get outvoted on a design concept or when the client wants to go another way against your counsel. We’ve all been there in some shape, way, or form. But this is why it’s necessary to have other outlets. Outlets that you have complete control over and aren’t restricted by any rules, limitations, and measurable objectives. It can be anything: learning an instrument, painting, exploring new recipes, taking up photography, building a time machine…whatever. It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s creative, fulfilling, and all yours.

It’s not a distraction from focus, but actually the opposite

A secondary outlet could actually improve your focus on your work. It’s why I took up painting a few years ago, why I play drums or guitar every day, and why I’ve lately been trying to learn more about photography and photo editing.

If you can satisfy what you want to do, then you can focus on what you need to do.

In other words, distractions are going to happen — they are a part of life. If you’re able to acknowledge this and give them a time and a place to run rampant, then they won’t interfere with other parts of your life. It’s not fair for any one thing in your life to be totally responsible for 100% of your happiness.

Starting a musician lifestyle brand from scratch takes focus, work, and patience — a lot of it — but the more I’m able to have outlets, the more efficient my time can be. Some call it “balance,” and maybe that’s the best word for it, but whatever you call it, make sure those distractions and “wants” are attended to. They’ll show up in the weirdest places if not.

Putting all your eggs in one basket really only works on Easter.

#bewhatyoumake