The Things that Matter Most

I recently listened to a speech given by a man who is a well known and highly prolific author. This man has been hugely and highly successful in his field. In large part, this has had to do with his ability to take on every project or idea ever thrown at him, which has—in turn—given him the opportunity to produce as many as four-six bestsellers EACH YEAR.

Wow, right?

But as I listened to this man speak, I found myself pondering my own abilities and what assignments like his could do to my private and personal life.

Truth=I wouldn’t have one.

As much as I want to write bestselling novels, or make a living as a writer, or, heck, even get another novel published—there are things I want even more. Things that are eternally more important to me.

My children. My husband. Other people who are an important part of my daily life. Even my writer friends.

The central theme here is people, which basically breaks down to relationships. And relationships with people take work. And time. And the ability to give back to others—something I don’t know how I would be able to do, were I to take on so much huge responsibility as the man I heard speaking.

Granted, I write a lot. Every day, I dedicate a certain amount of time to my career as an author. I’m good with deadlines, speed-writing, and knowing what to give up and when to get my stuff done. But I also know my limits.

As much as I’m happy for the success of the above mentioned speaker, I don’t envy him. Clearly, he’s really good at working with his hands full. Good for him that he can pull it off and still manage to have a wife and kids.

Unfortunately, I am not like that. I need my sleep. And my family. And at the end of the day, I will always choose to prioritize relationships. If that means I can only write one, or two, or three bestsellers a year, well. I’m okay with that.  

Because even though writing is an important part of my life—there are other things that matter more.

What about you? What are your priorities?