On the Making of Videos

3 videos over 4 years. I'm not ecstatic about that rate of return, but I'll take it. My last was due last Sha'abaan, but I procrastinated so much I managed to only finish it this year. And that was close too.

Ahh well. Fee Sabeelillah. inshaAllah all three videos are of benefit to people who come across them.

I love making videos, but I have not the time I used to have anymore. And if I am to focus, I need to say no to some things. For the time being, making videos will be one of them. And this is this post in a nutshell.

I wanted to go on and on, and write how I decided what videos to make, or how I made them, or what my workflow was, or what software I used, or how long a typical video took. But that's ok. In these I recognise a need on my part to pontificate endlessly, though, in the grand scheme of things, what I would have had to say matters precious little. Ironic too that now I'm using words to describe what I don't want to use words for.

In an even smaller, yet more general nutshell: there is the doing of something. There is also the talking about doing of something. Pick.

My Third (And Last) Vid

I love this dua, and finally, after a whole year, I am done. Going by the recent Focus post, however, has led me to decide, for now, to not make any more videos for the time being. I will expand on this later, if I ever get time. For now, please remember me in your prayers on this most auspicious night.

On Focus

This is the Apple Keynote from WWDC in 1997, given by Steve Jobs


It's a wonderful video. He was ahead of the time, and the subsequent 14 years have proved him correct.

But one thing should be focused on, and taken from here, if nothing else. Focus itself. "Focus is about saying no". This resonated with me to a huge level. I know the solution, but am afraid to implement it. If you feel you are losing focus, then there is one solution that, although drastic, is guaranteed to work.

Cull.

*sigh*

where to begin?

...

My Lord…when the choice is between You and myself, please give me the strength to choose You every time. Far too many times have I made the wrong choice.