Multiple Interests vs Single Focus – A Biblical Perspective

For years I’ve struggled with the common advice from successful people who say “focus on one thing.” You know, the “they” of the world who insist that success comes from picking a single path and sticking to it. But my mind has never worked that way.

I have been a wildlife photographer for most of my life, and I’ve been blessed capturing the beauty and habits of birds in their natural habitats that has taken me on countless adventures. Photography is just one facet of who I am. I have multiple interests and an unquenchable curiosity.

My personal website has sat relatively dormant since 2003, mainly because I was busy working on other people’s sites or pursuing various projects. But now, at 69, the timing feels right to transform this space into something more.

I’ve also decided to challenge this “single focus” mindset by investigating what the Bible says about having multiple interests. Why the Bible? For those that don’t know, I am huge believer in the Holy Book. It has been a big part of my life since a very early age. It is where I draw my strength and beliefs.

What I discovered was comforting, particularly in Proverbs 31, which describes a virtuous woman who successfully managed multiple ventures. She wasn’t limited to one pursuit – she engaged in manufacturing textiles, international trade, real estate investment, and agriculture. She purchased fields, planted vineyards, made and sold fine linen, and supplied merchandise to traders. Most importantly, she did all this while maintaining wisdom and godly principles.

This biblical example stands in stark contrast to today’s popular advice about focusing on just one thing. It shows that having multiple interests and income streams can be both profitable and virtuous when managed properly.

This discovery has given me the confidence to embrace my diverse interests. I’m now redeveloping my personal site to share my musings, birding adventures, essays and fictional writing.

I started writing a series of short stories, with the first eBook already available on Amazon Kindle. (The Last Keeper (The Lighthouse Chronicles Book 1). Six more books are in the pipeline.

“The Last Keeper“ is a story of duty, defiance, and the price of following one’s conscience, where a single beam of light can mean the difference between salvation and betrayal.

The key, I’ve learned, isn’t about limiting ourselves to a single focus but about managing our various interests wisely. We can pursue multiple passions while maintaining simplicity in our approach. For those that know me well, know that I chase after simplicity. A minimalist to the core. It’s about finding the right balance, just as the virtuous woman did thousands of years ago.

So to all my fellow multi-passionate individuals who’ve felt pressured to “stick to one thing” – take heart. There’s biblical precedent for pursuing multiple interests, as long as we do so with wisdom, diligence, and proper principles.

I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you – from wildlife encounters to short stories, and the various musings that come with a life well-lived.