The birth of my son was a cannon event that resulted in intense focus on learning how to be a parent. When something this big happens there is no other option than to allocate resources towards the biggest need. Someone's life was literally at stake.
With no regret at all, spending more energy on my son and partner meant that many other areas of my life had less of my energy.
This included my health, my art, and my personal development, to name a few.
A younger me would've been critical of my inability to execute. However, with age I've also learned more grace. I've come to appreciate this reallocation of resources as "seasons" of life.
At a certain point, instead of struggling against the tides of my ever changing life with ever changing needs, I've come to lean into where I'm needed and where my energy is carrying the most momentum, understanding that just like the seasons of our planet, my life will also turn over to a new season.
Adopting player traits
If you've ever played FIFA and edited your starting lineup you've seen a visual of a players traits like this.
It's interesting to me to think about my self through this player trait lens.
Rather than, "pace" or "shooting" I migth evaluate my body and creative pursuits. My goal is to be a good, well rounded man. Leveraging this player trait framework, It's clear to see how I'm spending my time and what season I'm in.
I found this so helpful during my personal reviews that I built a small web app so others might take advantage of this framework too.
Life feels sweeter striving towards the ideal, than obtaining the ideal. The fact that I'm human, means I never expect to get all the way there. With something always to strive for, I know at least I'll have fun trying.
View your life in seasons at seasons.jacobs.blue.