Often times when I go on vacation with my family they tell me that I think more about work than I do about vacation. There's certainly some truth to that and I will work on that just so that they know that I'm listening and believe that their opinion matters. On the other hand I've never met anyone who has experienced a certain amount of success in their life who is not somewhat compulsive about their work or their love. Simply they are passionate about whatever it is 24 hours a day and it's hard to shut it off even though it's important to do it sometime.



Listen closely. I'm not saying that you shouldn't take a break while on vacation or never pursue other interests other than work. What I am saying is that while you are doing whatever it is that you do, you should be fully focused and willing and able to give it your all and then some whether that something be work, play, or relaxing.

Some people treat life as if it is a buffet line. Always wanting to try new and different things and never committing the time or energy necessary to make one or two things their absolute best. It is good to be an expert at something and realize that being an expert requires commitment, drive, and a certain amount of fanatical behavior.

Would you want to have your heart surgery done by someone who is a part time heart specialist? Why would you want to have anything important done to you or for you by anyone who is not an expert at what they do? Certainly it may cost a bit more for their experience and expertise, but isn't it worth the peace of mind to know that it's getting done right?

Becoming an expert and a fanatic at anything takes time. At the same time I come back to my message and remind you that anyone who is an expert had to start at some point and keep consistently moving in the appropriate direction. Getting started and becoming a pro both have the movement theme in common. As you continue to move forward you will begin to get better and find that there is an incredible amount of joy, confidence, and meaning that develops along the way.

We need experts, we need starters, and we need movement in our everyday lives. It's a good combination and a great way to move towards a fulfilled life. Don't settle for just being there. Settle for being good at what you do and watch how it changes how you feel.

Full intensity, great effort, and a need to learn more are essential to learning and success as well as relaxing and deep breathing are. Give it a full go but then shut it down for a while to let that engine recoup. Experience the full range of the ying and the yang in your life and learn how do both at high levels.

Fred Nicklaus