On Isolation
Entry #5
What follows is the rambling thoughts of a 29-year-old on the subject of isolation. Consistent with the open ended and spontaneous future of this blog, this was the subject that came to mind after my morning workout.
It is my opinion that isolation is a key element to creative output. That in general, the more time I spend alone and in a productive manor, the more I am able to create and work towards my goals. Where I struggle; however, is finding the ideal balance between isolation and social interaction. I eventually want a family and find fulfillment in spending time around positive people, but if I’m not careful I can find myself working throughout the day and night without so much as a face to face conversation with another human being.
Having finished my 4.5 year stint in the military this past year, this issue of isolation is new for me. In the military, I was often required to work 40, 50, and sometimes 60+ hours a week; during which time I was always around and interacting with people. Now that I’ve finished my military commitment and am working for myself, I have more freedom to pursue the things that interest me, but have much more time to do so alone.
It’s a hard debate. My videos and photos aren’t going to edit themselves. The websites I make for clients aren’t going to magically link to hosting and organize themselves in a tasteful manner. This rambling isn’t going to formulate itself on this page, at least until some AI replaces me. All these things I’m able to do because I’m willing to put in extra work and grind. Luckily, I’m very self-motivated and am able, have always been able to do these things alone. Social interaction has always been a hard debate for me because I know that any time I spend away is time where these things aren’t getting done.
In addition to the importance of individual productivity, I have to remember the mental impacts of spending time with other people, which can be very positive, motivational and fun. Depending on who the social interaction is with, it can sometimes leave me inspired and at other times drained. That being said, I would say that I usually surround myself with good people and in general spending time with people at least for a reasonable amount of time is a net positive.
So, to my conclusion….
If you want to get ahead in anything related to art, photography, video, or writing, there is a good chance that you will be forced to spend a large amount of time alone. You are going to have to train yourself to say “no” and maximize the 168 hours that you have every week. That being said, if you do this entirely and forgo human interactions, I think this is going to certainly have a negative effect on you. My solution for this is to: (1) Join a public gym to gain a community there. (2) Intentionally plan things with the people who are important to you throughout the week. This doesn’t have to happen every day, but I’d say every few at least. Even if it’s just coffee. (3) Remember why you are using your time in the way that you are. At times doing the extra work will be difficult, but sometimes it’s necessary.
In an ideal world I’d work in a public office in pursuit of the things that are important to me. This isn’t the case currently, but hopefully will be soon. Hybrid work is understandable, but personally I don’t believe completely remote work is effective or ideal.
Go alone if you want to go fast, go with a group if you want to go far…I think this is often (not always) true…unless it’s a zombie apocalypse.
Onwards,
Ben
