Focus, not Circumstances
I received an important reminder over the weekend. I have recently been finding myself in an increasing level of frustration. This frustration has both been spurred on by and come from what I should be more grateful for, the example of incredible leaders and professionals around me.
For those of you who do not know, my love for the space industry and space law & policy is entirely self-made and self-motivated. Meaning, every one of the countless hours of study, degrees, written works, and presentations that I have dedicated to this field of passion has been outside of "normal working hours." Meaning my paltry 10-20 hours of work a week that I can dedicate to getting better in my chose field can only, and has only ever come after the 50-60 hours a week I spend at work.
There are days (particular recent ones) where I look at the amazing examples and accomplishments of other brilliant men and women around me and I find myself thinking "How can my measly 10-20 hours ever get me anywhere close to that!?" It at times becomes a bit of spiral.
But what I was reminded of this weekend was that it is not the circumstances that matter, it is the focus. It's not the circumstances, it's the focus that matters.
So why does that matter and what am I focused on? It matters because I don't have to be in a situation which is "easy" to be in a situation that matters. That 10-20 hours, together with the 50-60 hours of doing other types of work, can and should all combine towards the benefit of my development into the type of space professional I long to be.
And while I remain in need of a LOT more study, a LOT more development, a LOT more experience, and frankly a LOT more patience, it is the fact that I have an aim and a focus that can and should matter the most.
What is happening in the development of space law and policy now is more exciting than anything in the history of this young industry. I am so proud to be a part of it (in whatever way it turns out that part will be).