When I was 4 years old, I stepped out onto the soccer field for the very first time. My hair was freshly combed to the side with my mother’s spit, and my shorts – which looked more like pants – were pulled up to my chin to prevent a tripping hazard. I didn’t know what to expect; I didn’t know what to do or which direction to go. I just stood there and looked around. I looked at all the grass, I looked at the parents lined on both sides of the field, yelling and screaming and pointing and swearing. I looked at the ball and all the players swarmed around it, and I knew that I was hooked. This was my game. This was my field.

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I took a basic values inventory for class tonight and guess what? I am task oriented and achievement focused. Surprise, Surprise.

Or not.

It’s not a stretch to say that tasks have consumed my entire adult life. In my work and at home I will often lose myself in a task, so much so that I will avoid getting up for anything – even food – until I complete what’s in front of me. Last night I didn’t eat until 9pm. Why? I had to finish what I was doing. It’s 9 right now and I still haven’t eaten. It’s bad, and it’s been worse. Just ask my wife…if it weren’t for her I would go many nights without food.

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