Today’s post is part 10 of a 10 part series: 10 Problems with Perfect

For the record, please do not confuse a very good thing, focus, with tunnel vision. Focus is fantastic and allows for maximum productivity. Focus eliminates distractions and holds concentration in the highest regard. Without focus, nothing would ever get done. Everyday would be filled with wild ideas and empty promises. Today’s post is not all directed at the faults associated with focus.

On the contrary, tunnel vision is precisely problem #10 with perfection. Why, you say? Tunnel vision is a lop-sided, unbalanced, extremely EXTREME take on efficiency. Tunnel vision is extraordinary for the one thing (yes, I said ONE) that rests within the cross-hairs. Tunnel vision has the capacity for ONLY one thing. Tunnel vision is a suicide mission to capture this one thing. If it works, success is the result but if it doesn’t, well……(you don’t want to know.)

On the other side of tunnel vision lies neglect. Due to the intensity of the pursuit, tunnel vision has no energy left over to give to anything else. Perfection is often the one thing that exists as the focal point of tunnel vision. What ares of your life are most important to you? If I were to follow you around for a week, what would I see? Think about that for a moment as you familiarize yourself with my definition of tunnel vision.

What at this precise moment is your one thing? Now remember, focus is not the same thing as tunnel vision. You might be focused on a major project at work. You may be focused on raising a certain amount of money for a local non-profit. You could even be focused on accomplishing a certain finishing time for your next endurance race. These are all great things with which to be focused on. The fine line between focus and tunnel vision is CAN YOU TURN IT OFF BEYOND A CERTAIN POINT?

If its the project at work that currently has your focus, can you turn it off and go home to your family at quittin’ time? If its the fundraising goal, can you accept the fact that some of your closest friends will tell you “no?” If its the specific performance on the race course that has your focus, can you limit your training and preparation to a pre-determined amount of hours per week?

I have (and still) suffer from periods of tunnel-vision. I have experienced the effects of my selfish behavior. I know that there does exist a thing in this life called “flexibility” but I’m still learning.

Flexibility is freedom and Tunnel-Vision is torture.

In case you have missed part of the series here is a summary of the posts in my 10 Problems with Perfection”.

1. Paralysis (opposite is taking action)
2. Impartiality (opposite is passion)
3. Anxiety (opposite is peace)
4. Identity crisis (opposite is purpose)
5. Depression (opposite is joy)
6. Self-Centeredness (opposite is generous)
7. Comparison (opposite is contentment)
8. Unforgiveness (opposite is grace)
9. Anger (opposite is joy)
10. Tunnel Vision (opposite is flexibility)