As I continue to the process of evaluating how I spend my time I was struck by the phrase, "Failure is to succeed at something that really doesn't matter." Wow! I really like that. It kinda puts a negative spin on the past as it causes me to have to re-evaluate things that I had previously thought I succeeded at. It also potentially provides guidance for the future, but perhaps not as much as I first thought. Let's consider some examples:
- Ran Bloomsday in less than 7:15 min/mile
Success? Sure, I felt pretty good about that pace given my twice a week training schedule.
Does it matter? Hmmm, the pace sure doesn't. The time I spent training with others and the fact that it challenged me to do some regular exercise that I wouldn't have done otherwise. Yes, perhaps.
- Wrote a total of 3 computer books
Success? Debatable, at a minimum I would argue that the COM+ one was a success although I was a little late in getting it to market.
Does it matter? Really to answer the does it matter question one needs to have a good understanding of what does matter.This is, of course, a lot of what the Purpose Driven Life book focuses on. This book concludes that the five purposes of life are 1) Live a life of worship, 2) Love you neighbor as yourself, 3) Go and make disciples, 4) fellowship, and 5) Become like Christ. Hmmm, it is hard to fit writing computer books into any of these five items. But is that all there is too it? Based on these criteria, where does my work fall?
AT this point coming up with more examples doesn't seem to make sense. I have not fully figured out how my life (work, play, sleep, etc.) fits in with my God given purpose, however. As a result, I am not always sure what does matter.
Clearly, this is a nice saying that I believe can provide guidance on prioritizing items in the future. I need to figure some more of my purpose, however, to be able to use the statement with it full force.
Upadate 6/26/06:
I found the source of this quote: "I don't worry about failing but that I'll succeed at something that doesn't matter."--Howard Hendricks
11:58:36 PM
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