As I progressed through school “way back in the day,” I remember that my educators and other adults were saying the objective of my education was to be “well-rounded.” I think that I was, and by comparison to my friends, definitely was.

My parents provided books at home on different subjects. I played all the sports my school offered. I acted in the junior and senior class plays as well as the operetta. I was a solid student.

When I was 10 years old, I said I wanted to be a professional athlete and a coach when I grew up. I didn’t even know which sport. Baseball and basketball were the likely candidates and I loved playing both. Since I was the second-smallest boy in my class, basketball wasn’t really a great option except that I loved playing basketball.

I took piano lessons for eight years. I think I was an”okay” performer. My junior year my piano teacher told me that to go to the next level I needed to have more hours to practice. Knowing my athletic endeavors she said I would probably need to give up a number of the sports on my schedule. That was my last piano lesson.

I knew she was right and I knew I didn’t love the piano the way I loved sports. It was a simple decision for me but not an easy one given my Mom’s desires. I think kids today are exposed to so much that they have trouble figuring out what they love to do. And, our college curriculi are not designed, in so many cases, to allow them to create something they are passionate about.

I had the passion (before I knew what it was) for sports. By the time I completed high school I knew which ones to focus on. I didn’t need to start in the eighth grade. Playing all the sports helped me pick my best one. I think that being well-rounded is sometimes a distraction. Not a bad thing if it doesn’t get in the way of putting your heart and soul into something.

What is it that you want to be great at? Business owner, musician, artist, teacher, coach, nerd (I say with the greatest respect), writer, doctor, lawyer, movie star, auto racer, plumber, carpenter, mechanic, etc.? Pursue it with all you have. The Universe will let you know if you need to choose something else.

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