About a year and a half ago I sensed it was time to make some changes. Things weren’t in a bad way. I was happy with what I was doing–devoting my time to comedy and other creative pursuits. But I wanted a new challenge. A new area to uncover. A new skill to learn.
This yearning for something new was constrained by what was old. Most of my time and intellectual energy were already spoken for. Taking on something new meant making cuts to activities I enjoyed doing. Giving up places and positions where I felt comfortable.
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” -John D. Rockefeller
I came across this quote from Rockefeller in a productivity journal I was using at the time. Looking at my situation from this perspective made me more willing to change–to cut back on what I was doing so I could try something new.
I started another productivity journal recently and came across the same quote. Seeing it again satisfied me because since I first saw it I’ve learned a new skill (personal training) and started a new job I’m enjoying.
I do miss what was good, but I’m grateful to have had the courage to pursue the great.
Sarah Zureick-Brown 