After college I realized that, all the times I should have studied but didn’t, never really mattered. I still somehow managed to pull off two degrees and land a sweet job in the tech industry.
A few years later, after telling a fellow engineer about the weekend’s wild escapades, he said he spent Sunday planning the week ahead. I said, “You’re kidding, right?” He wasn’t. I felt sorry for him. That guy is still an engineer at the same company.
Fast forward to today. I didn’t get done what I should have this past weekend, but I know it’ll all work out in the end. How do I know that? It always has. I’ll just work long hours during the week. And here I am, blogging while sipping a nice rosé and listening to The Doors at 8pm. It could be worse.
If that doesn’t sound like the story of someone who’s achieved everything he ever set out to do and more, I know what you mean. I can hardly believe it myself. But I’m living proof that results are all that matter. Not how you get there. We’re all different. As John Lennon said, “Whatever gets you through the night, it’s alright, it’s alright.”
Look at it this way. If you’re a slacker who procrastinates and does anything but work, this strategy will not work for you. But if you’re an overachiever like me who always gets the job done come hell or high water – even if it means working 24×7 when the pressure’s on – don’t worry or plan yourself to death. It’s not worth it.
I’m not saying you should be like me, but that, however you are, accept it. It’ll all work out in the end. As long as you kick ass when you have to, you never have to think about it when you don’t. More important, whatever works for you, own it. Don’t even think about what you’re supposed to do. That’s a good way to drive yourself crazy. Life is too short for that.
Image credit thelastminute flickr