Becoming efficient at something means you’re flowing like water. You’re delivering what needs to be delivered. You’re nailing it.

This requires an insane amount of focus and discipline.

But efficiency isn’t all-encompassing.

If you try to be efficient at one thing, you might become less efficient at other things.

It’s the truth.

When I became a father early this year, I kind of expected that I would be less effcient at other things — writing music, my role in the company I work for, household chores, and other creative projects.

That’s because I aim to be a responsible father. I want to be there (physically) for my newborn. I was right.

At first, I resented it. But over time I learned to accept that this is how it works. This is life. Either I resist or go with it. I have a choice.

This, also applies to any kind of change such as moving into a new house, getting married, starting a business or project, a new job, travelling, and so on.

These changes in our lives will test our character. Without them, we would never know how strong or weak we truly are.

I would agree that the most practical thing we can do is to prepare. To be proactive. That’s the obvious advice. Sure. Why not?

But even then, we still don’t have complete control over what might happen. We may think we’re prepared, but most of the time we just barely scratch the surface.

Reality is much more complicated than what we’ve imagined.

Acceptance is the way to go — accept that we will temporarily lose efficiency at other things. And that’s ok. Sooner or later we’ll bounce back — back to our normal pace.

But how long? I don’t know. Nobody knows.

Just do the best you can. Don’t expect too much.

Attack and flow.

Then let go.

Repeat.