The Value of Focus

One of the superpowers of entrepreneurs is the ability to look at a problem and see opportunities and as much as this is a distinguishing factor in the mindset of those on the entrepreneurial path, it is also the kryptonite to many.

I have adopted into the playbook of FutureProof the (origin sketchy) proverb that reads "chase two rabbits, catch none," to function as the trip switch when the participants in our programs are full of great ideas but with very little direction. And what I've seen happen over and over, is that effort and time get diluted by throwing a small amount in varying directions and never gaining a significant tailwind of momentum that drives growth in a sustainable manner.

How often are you stuck between chasing the next opportunity because it looks at face value to yield quick, easy reward? And yet, is mostly a distraction from your core focus. I like to call it ''novelty infatuation'' and like a new project or relationship holds all the upsides of novelty and at the same time, when the novelty wears off, leaves you with all the downsides too.

The challenge comes with knowing what to focus on and when to identify an opportunity as a distraction. These are some of the critical questions I ask myself, and advise our budding superheroes to ask themselves:

1. Does it fit my personal purpose?
2. Does it fit the purpose of the business?
3. What is the opportunity cost to my business if I move my focus? What am I prepared to lose?
4. Do I have skills/talents/network/capital resources I can leverage or do I need to learn new lessons and pay new school fees?
5. Can I speak to someone who has done this before and figure out the blind spots?

It's not easy to switch off that thing in your brain that goes off every time the lights of a new opportunity catch your eye, but with learning the discipline of being able to say no and having your own personal compass fixed on a path and a destination- this will enable you to turn down what doesn't fit into your master plan.