The Power of Focus

You get what you focus on, so focus on what you want.

I learned the lesson of focus many years ago.

I'm manifesting generator in human design . I am multi-passionate and thrive on doing many different things. I crave variety and take a lot of pride in my work.

So when I started reporting to a new people leader and she told me, “Jenn, I only want you to focus on this ONE project." I nearly fell off my chair.

"You only want me to focus on ONE project?"???

I took a deep breath and agreed to try a new way of working even though I was angry and frustrated about it.?

“Does she not think I’m capable?”

“Why is everything else being taken away from me?”

I felt like I wasn’t being valued and like my world was closing in. Little did I know this was a gift in disguise.

It was a massive project. We had minimum resources and big dreams. I led a small team that integrated three systems globally in 12 months following an agile/scrum model. We didn’t know anyone else who had successfully done this, but we were going to.?And yet, as the overachiever I am, I still wanted more. It didn’t feel like it was enough.

I am so grateful to Salma Datenis for standing in her leadership and seeing what I didn’t; not having enough focus was holding me back. Through that project, I learned that focus really is a true gift. It gave me time to execute this project effectively and efficiently. I had space to think strategically, be proactive, and make good decisions.?

Had I been working on the other "busywork," I would have missed the bigger picture, and the project wouldn't have been as successful.

The lure of shiny object syndrome

Shiny object syndrome is a real thing. Every five seconds, new things demand your attention and completely derail your focus. It’s easy to get caught up in the “busy work”, the “fun” stuff or the urgent firefighting tasks.

This is where discipline matters.?

Know what you need to focus on and have the discipline to actually focus on it.?

This doesn't mean you should refuse new opportunities and information. Instead, tread with caution. Ask yourself: Is this something that needs to be taken action on right now, or can it wait??

TIP: Add new opportunities and information into your workflow backlog. Allow time and space between the “new exciting, urgent information” and see if it’s still as “urgent” in 1 or 2 days. Chances are it’s probably a shiny object. We'll talk more about this in next month's article about prioritization.

Check out my previous article, Digital Detox: Building Habits for Mindful Tech Use .

Focus is a radical act of leadership.

Choosing NOT to do it all is a radical act of leadership because it's hard. You have to stand in your conviction and authority as a leader, trusting in yourself and your team (if you have one). And you'll have to recover fast if you're wrong.

You're:

• choosing to say no to "distractions"
• making hard decisions
• choosing to slow down and be proactive instead of reactive

It’s harder to focus than to do “all the things.” Yet FOCUS will get your results.

So when you're not performing, working all the hours and still not getting the results you want...ask yourself...what am I focusing on?

If you're focusing on everything, you're focused on nothing. Read that again.

Working with your subconscious mind

If your subconscious mind isn’t on board with your goals, it’s going to be really hard to hit them. Here are two tips to integrate the subconscious mind into your focus:

1. Focus on what you want. The subconscious mind doesn’t process negatives, so if you focus on what you don’t want, you’ll attract and see more of those opportunities...even when you don't want them.
2. Repeat, repeat, repeat. The subconscious mind loves repetition, so keep coming back to what you’re focusing on.?

Examples of what to focus on:

• Attracting more of your ideal client
• Building a high-performing team
• The one big project that will move the needle

Putting it into practice

Try something radical: Choose ONLY 1 or 2 things to focus on. What will you commit to focusing on right now? Write it in the comments.

Join me for the next two operations-focused online Emerging Leaders Workshop Series:

• The Power of FOCUS on Tues May 28, 2024 at 1pm EST
• Prioritizing What Matters on Tues Jun 25, 2024 at 1pm EST

Investment: $37.50 + HST for each workshop

The Emerging Leader’s Workshop Series is a monthly virtual workshop with relevant, real issues to help you grow and develop as a leader. These workshops will be fun and experiential, leaving you with practical tools to take into your life and work. Sign up so you're the first to know about the next one!

The Emerging Leaders' Toolkit isn't just a newsletter; it's a compass for high achievers seeking happiness and balance in life, work, and health. Join me monthly as we explore new ideas, tools, and strategies to navigate success in healthy and sustainable ways and break free from chronic stress and burnout. Our journey towards health, antifragility, and balance is a continuous dialogue. Let’s keep the conversation alive.

About Jenn

Jenn coaches leaders to step into their authenticity and authority. She guides her clients as they expand in their lives and work. She supports her clients in exploring new paths that align with their values, purpose, and goals. She is committed to bringing about ongoing, high-impact, positive change with her clients.

She leverages her 10+ years of corporate experience in finance and business operations. She offers a perspective of strong business fundamentals, strategy and career growth while incorporating her coaching and wellness training to focus on sustainable growth.