MONOMANIAC WITH A MISSION
By James Ray
“Any time I have seen someone accomplishing something magnificent,
they have been a monomaniac with a mission. A single-minded individual
with a passion.”
Peter Drucker
You may recall my coverage of the idea of “monomania” in a
previous e-letter regarding, “The Curly Principle.” In the movie City
Slickers starring Billy Crystal, we observed the story of a man who
(going through mid-life crises), decides to go out with some buddies and
rustle cattle for a week.
The trail boss they report to is named Curly (played by Jack Palance).
Curly really seems to have his head together and Crystal’s
character keeps asking him what the secret to life is. Curly’s only
reply is to hold up his index finger and say, “Just One Thing.”
Finally, in frustration Crystal asks, “Well, what is that One Thing?”
To which Curly replies, “That is what YOU have to figure out - no one can do it for you.”
The Curly Principle teaches us the same lesson that the renowned
management consultant Peter Drucker has observed in highly successful
people.
Monomania - in other words, a single-minded focus and passion for that “one thing.”
Jesus taught us, “If your eye be single . . . your whole body shall be full of light.” (Light meaning truth and power).
What are you singularly focused on?
Frequently, I meet individuals who want to have their dreams and
yet are not willing to give up anything to achieve them. This is
self-deception.
Choosing to become great in any area means choosing to not be great
in something else. There will always be a price to pay - there will
always be a sacrifice.
You can only ride one horse really well at any one time. Yes, you
may be able to ride two, but nowhere NEAR as well as you can ride one.
Nowhere near as agile, responsive, quick. Understand difference?
The secret to success in life is making your vocation your vacation.”
Mark Twain
Last weekend I was in LA with some good friends attending an
Elton John concert. I was asked a frequent question, “What do you do for
fun and recreation?”
This is always a difficult question for me to answer, because I
know there is an expectation that I come up with a whole list of
activities I am involved in. Bottom line . . . I am a monomaniac. My
work is my passion as well as my recreation (notice the true meaning of
the word). When asked the question, “How is work?” I honestly answer,
“Work is play.”
The Master in the Art of Living simply pursues his vision of
excellence at whatever he does, Leaving others to decide whether he is
working or playing. To him, he's always doing both.
James Michener
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE what I do. I can think of nothing more
fulfilling and recreating than to meditate, study, read, learn, write,
create, help and coach others, talk with you and share insights.
Yes, I do hike, workout, ski form time to time, go to movies, and
play golf poorly once in awhile; but these are not the things that make
life meaningful for me. Many see their work as a “means to and end,”
for the monomaniac their work is an end unto itself. Not just a job . . .
a meaningful, passionate mission.
Your work is your passion, and your love made manifest through action.”
Is this the right approach for you? I am not qualified to answer
that question. What I am qualified to do is to check my own observations
and experiences and agree with Drucker and Curly.
To accomplish anything of consequence . . . anything magnificent
and great, you must be willing to literally trade your life for it. To
be so passionately focused and committed that nothing will divert you.
Nothing and no one can stop you.
My wish is that you find that “one thing” in your life. Your
white-hot-passion that brings you tremendous meaning and purpose.
