the main thing

I have this new mantra going through my head. I think it’s my phrase for the new year. It goes:

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Easy enough to remember. I know there’s a version of that phrase out there said by someone else, but I’m not sure who.

What it means to me is to remember to focus on what really matters in any moment in time.

An example is if you’re in sales, the main thing is to do sales. You make sales calls. You talk with potential customers. You learn about your product so you can sell it better.

Everything else—social media, lunch, projections, meetings—is not the main thing. It’s a rabbit hole.

If I’m writing, the main thing is to write words down and publish them. That’s it. Everything else, from designing a logo to following gossip, is not the main thing.

If I’m at home, the main thing might be eating dinner with my family. Or folding laundry. Or reading a book.

But the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Does this mean no distractions ever? Of course not. I think that long noodling time is actually important and that following your gut instincts and interests can lead you to fun places.

What it means is if I’m in writing mode, focus on the actual writing. If I’m working, do my work. And if I’m with my family, be with them.

Huh. This sounds an awful lot like being mindful. Funny.

What’s the main thing right now? Publishing my new book, Boy on a Train. The cover reveal is tomorrow. The final text is uploaded. Things are all set.

That’s the main thing tonight—besides this blog post. And writing my words for the day. And having dinner.

There’s the rub—focusing on one main thing at a time.

p.s. here’s the cover by the way. What do you think?