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10+ years ago I started publishing books and was EVERYWHERE. I was relentless and worked on lots of things. In the beginning years it felt awesome. But I realized something at the midpoint of my journey. That I was sacrificing my family and my well-being on the alter of success.
My marriage was decaying due to me hoping that the next big break would "get us out" of crippling medical debt and school loans. I wasn't the most attentive father and I neglected my health and sleep. The perception of success was better than my reality.
But something changed. I made a radical switch. I began to see this journey as a long haul. I can't ever do everything NOW. But I can have my cake and eat it too. I can focus on nurturing my relationships and practice discipline with my craft.
Most of my time is spent were it matters most. The nurturing of my children and my relationship with my wife. And I dedicate a little time (not all my time) to my project. It's slow, but worth it in the long run. So I may not be as prolific as I want to be, but I'm much happier.
For transparency sake, cause we all have different lives and I want y'all to do what's best for you, publishing is my second job. I've always had a day job. But doing both supplements our income and fulfils my creative need. (Just wanted to put things in context.)
Also, some of my realization came after I could afford getting some therapy. I needed to talk this stuff out with an unbiased perspective. The narrative in our heads ain't always right y'all. We've got to keep working on it.
