Focus and Priority - What we get wrong

Inspired by Joe Apfelbaum and his recent video post. My words are not copied from him, but inspired. Some of this was a comment to that post initially, but I wanted to expand and share it more widely.

There are a few things I have really learned about priorities and focus that have been sticking out to me lately.

#1 - I read an article a while back that said we have time to do what is a priority. This means instead of saying "I don't have time for that" we need to say "that is not a priority". For me that was eye opening. In work, I started evaluating the things I was not doing through this lens. It helped me realize my work priorities.

As a man of faith, it was an eye opener when I realized I would say "I don't have time to read the bible or pray " and instead said "Reading the bible and praying is not a priority".

Maybe for you it is a hobby, talking to a friend, watching a show or sport, or spending time with family, where you say "I dont' have time to". Remember - this is not to shame you or judge. This is a self awareness technique to be more honest and not just use time as an excuse.

Where do you find yourself saying "I don't have time to"?

#2 - I also read more recently that the real root of priority was singular. There was no way to make it plural. It mean the "first thing". You can't have multiple first things because by definition there can only be one. This was also a simple yet profound concept to me. We all too often say "I have too many priorities" or that something is "one of our priorities". That does not exist. It is not really a thing.

You can only have 1 first thing - so what is your real priority?

#3 - Focus. This goes along with priorities but we make focus into plural. We say we are focusing on these 3 things. Think about the literal idea of focusing. You cannot focus on this message, and 2 other items in the room. It is not possible. Nor is it possible in the idea of focusing on more than one area or task at the same time.

Joe Apfelbaum said in his video above "Where your focus is, energy flows". If you try to spread your focus, you spread your energy.

If you find that your priorities or your focus is not where you want it to be, that your energy is too split, know that you CAN change this! But you must first acknowledge what the reality is for you in your situation for you to move to where you want to go.