The Secret to Success: FOCUS

I had an "aha" moment over the weekend while reviewing my goals for the first half of the year. (The topic of last week's Side of Bacon.)

During an honest, no B.S. assessment of where I am versus where I want to be, I realized something significant: I’ve lacked focus on some of the things that really matter. I have countless ideas and exciting projects that I'm working on, with new opportunities coming my way every day. While I thrive in this environment, the downside is that I often start many things without finishing them. I call these “open tops on the boxes.”??

Recently, I was talking to one of my mentors. He highlighted that one of my biggest strengths is my ability to focus intently on something and make miracles happen, reminding me of some significant accomplishments I've experienced. He also pointed out that I tend to work in streaks. While I appreciated the first acknowledgment, the "work in streaks" comment made me twitch a little. I viewed it as a negative. But after some reflection, I realized there's truth in it—and that I can leverage this pattern to my advantage.

This brings me to today’s topic: FOCUS.

When you give your undivided attention to something, amazing things happen. Results materialize. Where attention goes, energy flows. I’d much rather go an inch wide and a mile deep on something than a mile wide and an inch deep. I find this approach creates more mastery and meaningful results, but it also requires relentless focus. Lack of focus and distraction can be a wily form of resistance and avoidance, which, when recognized, give us tremendous insight into deeper issues. Perhaps it’s an action being avoided, a tough conversation that keeps getting put off, or not wanting to feel something uncomfortable or bothersome.

Focus is a superpower. Technology can turn us all into scatterbrains if we let it. I know this all too well. One minute I’m crafting an important plan, and the next, I’m responding to Slack messages, reading something on social media, clicking a link, and before I know it, I’m a million miles away from where I started. I’m like a hamster running its little heart out on a wheel, going nowhere fast. The hours turn into days, the days into weeks, and before you know it, a good chunk of time has passed where I've had little impact. That’s no way to live.

The good news is, I know what to do and how to do it. I just needed to recognize that what’s getting in my way isn’t external—it’s me. I have a love-hate relationship with this concept, but ultimately, I'm empowered by the notion that it’s all me, which means I have the power to change it. Watch out, world—it's time for one of my performance streaks where I make miracles happen.??

The Takeaway

If you’re not seeing the results you want, take a moment to observe what’s capturing your attention. A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post about the power of questions. In relation to today’s topic, this one seems relevant: “If someone observed my actions for a week, what would they say my priorities were?” Reflect on this. Imagine having a parrot on your shoulder all week, comparing your goal list to what you’re actually focusing on, and biting your ear every time the two misalign. Personally, I’d have a sore ear and most likely a dead parrot ?? if I played this game over the last couple of months.

Fortunately, now I’m aware and can direct my attention to what truly matters. It’s time to close the tops on those boxes?? and get the results I want.

Each of us has the ability to have massive impact and influence in our respective worlds if we focus on what matters. It’s time to get off the hamster wheel and hit the bullseye.???

What's the ONE thing you want to commit to focusing on that will generate the results you want?