Why being narrow minded can be a good thing

byColeMize

136 followers

Updated 10 years ago

Why being narrow minded can be a good thing

What is your biggest struggle?

I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Nate Fancher on the CMB Podcast. During the interview Nate asked me what was my biggest struggle with running my business. As I began to ponder and spend a moment in deep self reflection I became readily aware of what it was; staying focused! Over the past few years I have gradually began to overextend myself with tasks for my business. While it has been rewarding financially it has also caused me to start losing focus on what my primary objectives were in the first place. I have come to the realization that I need to be more narrow minded in order to stay focused and progress further.

What does it mean to be narrow minded?

Usually being narrow minded has negative connotations attached to it. We usually think of narrow minded people as dumb, unenlightened & stubborn. I used to think this same why but I have come to the realization that those attributes are characteristics in and of themselves and do not define what being narrow minded actually is. If you look at some of the people you consider to be the most talented, intelligent, or influential you will most likely realize that they became narrow minded in order to focus and grow in whatever it is that they set out to do. Being narrow minded isn’t a weakness it is a strength. It takes great discipline, determination & sacrifice.

How can one become narrow minded?

Whether you realize it or not, every day there is a war going on for your attention. As you ride down the street you are constantly greeted with billboards suggesting you to consider their offer. As you’re shopping in the store commercials are periodically ran over the speakers. Once you get home and try to unwind and watch some television you are yet again bombarded with commercial filled programming. Your smart phone is constantly making beeps and chirps from notifications on your phone pleading and begging for your attention. The only way you can become more narrow minded is that you have to learn how to filter this stuff out. You must sincerely ask yourself “what do I find purpose in? What makes me feel truly fulfilled & complete. What do I find joy in? What makes me feel like I’m not wasting my life?”. If you can figure that out then all you need to do is cut out anything that is distracting you from doing it. This may mean less time being entertained by watching television, playing video games, listening to music, hanging out with friends & socializing on the internet.

Some final thoughts

Ask yourself these few questions. What am I doing today that will benefit me or someone else tomorrow? Would my future self be appreciative of the present me? Would my true heart’s desire and my present lifestyle contradict one another? Am I managing my time well? Am I doing what I am passionate about? All of these questions will help you hold yourself accountable and clearly identify what you find purpose in. They key to being narrow minded is knowing what your purpose is and being dedicated and disciplined to fulfilling it.