Prompt: Write about something calling for your attention.
Today’s prompt, June 10, 2026, is: Write about something calling for your attention.
I don’t think anything is actually calling for my attention so much as I’m being distracted and finding everything interesting, trying to give it my attention.
What I’ve learned—and am continuing to learn—is that you can’t give everything your attention. In fact, if you want to make progress, you have to be very decisive, almost cutthroat, about what you choose to focus on.
I remember when I was leaving Calgary and moving to Toronto, my manager at the restaurant asked me, “Why do you want to be a small fish in a big pond when you could be a big fish in a small pond?” Why is that relevant? Well, in Toronto there’s so much going on that everything can get drowned out. You can do and be almost anything. In Calgary, at least at the time, there seemed to be fewer options. I don’t know what it’s like anymore—it’s been well over a decade since I left—but there were definitely fewer paths available.
I think the trouble I’m running into now is that I’ve found myself interested in so many things. I’m trying to pursue those interests because I genuinely want to, but it’s not gainful. It’s not productive. It’s not particularly effective. I end up with a superficial understanding of many things instead of developing a deep understanding of one thing. I’m not really pursuing mastery of anything.
Moving away from that approach is difficult.
Actually, I don’t think that quote about the fish is relevant after all, so we’ll scratch that.
What I’m really trying to do right now is figure out what I want to do and then pare those things down.
With SANA Stationery & Gifts, I’m trying to identify the key products I can make that will continue to sell—products that can support the business and make it self-sufficient. Once I have that foundation established, then I can go off and explore more freely.
Instead, I’ve spent the last three or three-and-a-half years exploring without really landing on anything. So now it’s probably time to narrow things down and focus on building a successful business.
Luckily, I’ve been given this time, and it’s been somewhat transformative. That’s been good.
Anyway, I think I’ve rambled enough for today.
You can find this prompt, and many others, at Letters’ Lounge, www.letterslounge.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment, a link to your blog or audio journal, or wherever you keep your thoughts and ideas.
All right, folks. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.
This transcript was lightly cleaned up with the help of AI to improve readability while preserving the original voice and intent of the recording.
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