I took today and tomorrow off from work to focus on wrapping up something I’ve been working on for over three years now. In doing so I needed to make sure that I could focus 100% on the task at hand and not be distracted. This is not something that is easily done for me.

In case you haven’t noticed, I have “Shiny Syndrome.” When I see something shiny it catches my attention and my thoughts race away from what I was doing to the shiny thing I now see before me. In a flash my focus is completely shot and it takes me a while to get back on track.

Staying at home would have led to way to many potential distractions. Same with being up in my workshop, there are far too many things to draw my attention away. I considered even renting a place for a day or two and then realized that may be a little too extreme (though it remains on my list of options if necessary). Instead I opted to drive to the beach and parked the car there. All I brought with was my laptop and phone (the phone was only to be used for music and as a mobile hotspot and I largely stuck with that). I killed the engine, slid into the passenger seat, and made myself comfortable.

The hours flew by in a flash. Every so often I’d glance up and take advantage of the wonderful view. In those quick pauses I’d close my eyes for a moment, let my brain wander a bit, and then went right back at it for a while. Next thing I knew it was time to head back home. When I took a quick assessment of progress I was pleased to see that I’d made it further than expected.

While the task itself was mind blowing, I am truly grateful for acknowledging one of my many shortcomings and then finding a way to work with it. Just a hunch, but I’m thinking I already have an idea of what I’ll be thankful for tomorrow… but none of it would have been possible without the focus starting today.

Shiny Syndrome, you bring much excitement to my life and I’m grateful for you. That said, thanks for taking a vacation today. Please stay away tomorrow too. I’ve got work to do. 😉

Thanks!!!