For a good portion of my life I've been a disorganized mess. I'm sure some can relate to this statement. But, thankfully I can say I've made great strides over the last year towards focusing on what I want and what especially brings me joy.

My problem for so long can very much be acquainted with what they call the "shiny object syndrome". And in my case, it was more along the lines of wanting to be able to do everything. That is, everything creative. Every new software that came along, every new thing being touted online...I wanted to try out and I wanted to be able to create the things I was seeing others create.

I've been fortunate to be in a position as a writer and reviewer to be able test out many different kinds of software over the years, and I've been able to objectively write about them. And there's nothing wrong with checking out the new, and report on my findings. But over time, I would find myself hopelessly lost in possibilities for my future as an artist...the many things I wanted to do and really hadn't the time for.

Now, there's nothing wrong with trying something out for a time, to see if it fits. But, with every facet of art that I've seen over the years, and the software I'd get excited about, I was never able to put in the time to really learn anything. There was just so much I thought I wanted. And it continued to grow.

I always joked that I had more interests than I had time for, but I found that isn't totally true. Having an interest doesn't always mean you have to follow it. Many find their passions and move forward with them successfully. I got stuck not knowing where to go...and being ever frustrated. Too much excitement, too many possibilities.

But, to get to my point, I started writing out my experiences, my goals, my dreams, etc. I began journaling. I subsequently narrowed my focus. And I found what makes me really happy.

I've always loved photography, but never made it a focus. I've always loved design, but never made it a focus. I've always loved writing music, and after the digital creation world opened to me, music fell by the wayside for the most part.

To my realisation, I'm not going to be the 3D artist I wanted to be. I'm not going to be the video editor I wanted to be. I'm not going to be the matte painter I wanted to be...and, I think you get the picture.

Today, I am happy with my interests, and I can still talk about them...and write about them. But, I know what makes me happy. I know what I want, and I know what I can achieve and put appropriate time to.

I love art in all forms, and I appreciate the great things that so many talented artists create every day. I enjoy the interviews I conduct with creatives all over the globe. It makes me happy to talk to them and learn from them. But, I no longer want to be them. I want to be me. And I found that out after a long time. I found my joy.

The shiny object syndrome is a very real thing. Don't let it distract you. Take a step back and find your true joy. And please, tell me about your true joy in the comments.