Neglected “Personalities”

Its hit me recently that I’ve neglected one of my “personalities” for a few years now:

· The Student — The part of me that loves learning for learning’s sake.

As a writer, business owner, husband, and leader, my resources (i.e. time and attention) are stretched dangerously thin. That requires me to be discerning about what information I take in. Does it serve a purpose? Does it help me: write a book, improve my business, love my wife and family better, or bolster my leadership capacity?

For years, I’ve used usefulness as the gauge for whether or not something was worth my time. This has worked exceptionally well. It’s why the 100+ books I read per year nearly all get applied in a meaningful way in my life.

However, this can also lead to an undercurrent of dissatisfaction, exhaustion, and limited-thinking. I feel recharged when I am able to learn something purely for the sake of learning — with no clear usefulness for the information in sight. I have a monstrous list of books, documentaries, and podcasts, begging me to pay a visit. And now, I think I will.

What part of your personality have you set aside in order to achieve your more pressing goals? Has it worked? Could it possibly work better if you gave that area some of your attention?