I've come to realize the toll that spreading myself too thin has taken on me. For too long, I've been hedging, juggling multiple side projects alongside a full-time job, advising on various projects, and creating content for Substack and YouTube. At times, it felt like I was managing two full-time jobs, a realization that I'm not proud of. I used to rationalize it by telling myself that with my ability to contribute and my wide range of interests, this was the only way I could live. But this approach led to a significant burnout.
Just two weeks ago, I was experiencing deep fatigue, and life had become a constant cycle of moving from one task to another, like being on an endless hamster wheel. It reminded me of two illustrations that show how working on multiple projects can give the illusion of progress, but in reality, you might not be moving forward at all. In contrast, focusing on one project can lead to substantial progress.
This realization led me to a new commitment to focus. In the past three weeks, I've simplified my life. I've stopped making YouTube videos analyzing American politics and ceased personal brand consulting. Although it was financially beneficial, it didn't feel fully aligned with my values. Most significantly, I've left my full-time job to devote myself to a project that truly resonates with me: Zuzalu.
This new era of focus in my life is something I'm genuinely excited about. I've come to understand that in our world of extreme distraction, focus is greatly underrated. When you concentrate on one thing that you deeply care about, it allows you to unleash your full potential. I realized that filling my life with side projects was a coping mechanism to avoid confronting my dissatisfaction with each of them. It was a way of hedging because I didn't fully believe in the success of any single project.
Now, I see the virtue in going all-in on a project that I truly believe in. This new phase of focused effort and dedicated passion is exhilarating, and I'm eager to see the outcomes of this commitment. It's a significant shift from spreading myself thin to concentrating my efforts where my heart truly lies. This is the new path I've chosen, and I'm excited for the journey ahead.