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Apr 25, 2013

What You Focus on Grows, But Watch Out!

dozen eggs

I’m a big proponent of the saying, “What you focus on grows.” Meaning that whether it’s your business, your health or your family, where you put your time and attention will yield significant change and growth.

Then I thought of a vivid illustration that begs the question in a less than savory way…

During my egg decorating days I used to keep cartons of old eggs in the basement. They were usually the ones I’d worked on and wasn’t happy with. I stopped that practice after opening up one of the stored cartons and got an unwelcome surprise. I gasped when I saw what was inside–an infestation of maggots crawling all over my eggs.

The eggs that I was currently working on, those that I liked and thought had potential, were kept in my studio upstairs–open to the light of day. They were handled frequently, moved from carton to carton in preparation for being exhibited and sold at a craft show. These ‘good’ eggs were ultimately processed by being drained of their insides and dried out in the oven to prevent any goop from deterring a potential customer. flax cover minus type

The contrast of these two environments made me think about that reality as metaphor. What happens to the ideas, relationships and projects that I tuck away and ignore? Versus the ideas, relationships and projects that I give my full attention to, handle and visualize great things for?

The answer is obvious.

We need to decide where to focus our energies and resources and to stay mindful of the consequences of not paying attention.

Sometimes what you don’t focus on can grow too, only not in the way you’d like.

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3 Comments

  1. Stirling Design Associates, LLC

    Once again a thoughtful blog full of truth. What is scary is I have so many things grabbing my focus and it is so hard to choose.

    Reply
  2. Ronnie

    Hi Jane, this did make me think! Here’s what I started wondering – Is it that what you don’t think about can grow or is it a reminder not to hold onto to what no longer serves you? Those eggs that didn’t cut the mustard probably should have been tossed. But, I understand, as an artist, they were your babies too, even if not the prettiest. So it was hard to part with them. Holding them beyond their prime, they rotted – ugh! Either way, this is a good lesson!

    Reply
  3. janepollak

    @Julianne
    That seems to be the issue these days. Too much going on! I’ve heard that if you’re too busy to get to the things you value most, you’re too busy. Sobering, but true.

    @Ronnie
    I’ve learned to actually discard the losers and not try to salvage them anymore. Tough lesson, but incredibly freeing. Thanks for your comment.

    Reply

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