Focus
Sonia McDonald
#1 Leadership & Courage Global Speaker & Coach | Award Winning Leadership Programs | CEO LeadershipHQ, The Leadership Association, MenoRise and WorkSparks | Author of 3 Books | Changing the Leadership Landscape!
I remember going for an interview for a Senior Human Resources role here in Brisbane with a major government department.
I was really excited as well as being rather nervous.
I thought the interview went great. The CEO was really innovative and dynamic and we got along brilliantly. Then the search consultant called me to give me feedback.
Apparently the CEO also thought I was great (of course), however he didn’t think I was the right fit. I asked why? He said I was an entrepreneur. What?! I recall replying – what does that mean? What is an entrepreneur…?
“Someone who can define the business they want to create, see where it is going, and do the work to get there.” Mark Cuban – Owner of Dallas Mavericks, Blogger, Shark Tank Investor
That CEO did me a favour. Even though I think entrepreneurial thinking is an asset!
I didn’t realise it. I didn’t see it. Evidently I did.
The thing with being an entrepreneur; we can lose FOCUS.
Let me share why and how this is a great strength and a great weakness.
We can’t stop thinking - and our brains are always buzzing. With ideas, innovations and new solutions to problems. We love to take risks and we are all about action. Brilliant.
I am always looking and chasing the butterflies and saying to those around me -what about this idea! That one! Let’s do this! Let’s create that!
Well maybe not so brilliant at times. I lose focus. Sometimes it is difficult to really achieve something when your mind is focussing on several different things. You are confusing the market – and you are confusing the universe. You can also confuse your team, your clients - and ultimately this detracts from your purpose. Then we can get tired, lose our passion and energy - it can become a vicious circle!
Focus...
I am not saying we are all like this. Also it doesn’t just apply to the entrepreneurs out there.
What I am saying is be careful on what you focus on – and what you are manifesting.
One of my past mentors emailed me the other day and said to me; Sonia I know you love what you do, remember your focus. We need people like that in our lives to help and support us in bringing it back to why we do what we do. Life is way too short to be doing a million thing just okay. It is more empowering and powerful to focus on your rocks; those big things; your purpose; your why and do it brilliantly.
I am truly passionate about my purpose and wanting to make a difference. However even I have to take a step back and look at where I am focusing my energy and thinking.
Remember –
“Attention Goes; Energy Flows.”
Truly focus on what you really want, your dreams, your why and your purpose. Manifest it everyday. You only live once and believe me time is our greatest resource. If there is something you are passionate about, something you truly want to achieve or you have that great idea, focus on it. It is amazing to see what will come back to you...
I promise.
Remember to always celebrate those small successes along the way too, and don’t lose focus.
“The gull sees farthest who flies highest” Richard Bach, Jonathan Livingston Seagull
I still love chasing my butterflies; however my focus is always front of mind…and heart.
If you need help with focus, direction or purpose; contact me at [email protected] or at Leadership HQ for a FREE Consultation!
I would love to work with you!
About Sonia McDonald
Sonia McDonald, CEO and Founder of LeadershipHQ, is an Entrepreneur, Thought Leader, Dynamic Keynote Speaker, Leadership Coach, Advisor and Author of Leadership Attitude (now on BOOKTOPIA!). Reach her at LeadershipHQ or via www.soniamcdonald.com.au
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7 年"A focused leader is not the person concentrating on the three most important priorities of the year, or the most brilliant systems thinker, or the one most in tune with the corporate culture. Focused leaders can command the full range of their own attention: They are in touch with their inner feelings, they can control their impulses, they are aware of how others see them, they understand what others need from them, they can weed out distractions and also allow their minds to roam widely, free of preconceptions." HBR
Enabling individuals & teams to achieve peak performance through enhanced collaborative leadership.
7 年Interesting post. Sonia.
Author: Powers That Be, Indonesia Welcomes You!; Editor Gapura Bali; Co-Founder Seven Stones, Mindset Trainer and Brand Director
7 年Great post Sonia. Love this ... be careful on what you focus on – and what you are manifesting ... being conscious with our choices really does matter! Thanks for sharing Richard Ernster, Helping Hand
Global CTO Retail and Consumer Packaged Goods at Microsoft
7 年Great article Sonia. I must admit I am guilty of doing the same and letting myself go a million miles an hour with loads of great ideas to end up getting burnt out. Like you I have had some great mentors along the way who have provided the right feedback encouraging me to stop and focus. One thing I would add to your article is focus is certainly vital but quantity is linked to that focus. What I mean by quantity is the amount of energy/time available in our tanks is limited, so I try to narrow my focus on a few key items allowing me to build a solid foundation of experience and understanding through effectively completed projects. By actively focusing on key items we complete them to the best of our ability, learn more, and can apply this learning in the future.