What You Focus on Expands: The Power of Perspective in Work and Life

Have you ever noticed that when you focus on problems, more problems seem to appear? The more we talk about what's not working, the more evidence we find to reinforce that belief. But the opposite is also true—when we focus on progress, even small wins, we start to see more opportunities and solutions.

This isn't about ignoring challenges or pretending things are perfect.

Acknowledging obstacles is necessary for learning and growth. But if all of our energy is spent dissecting what's wrong, we risk getting stuck in a cycle of frustration and negativity.

The Science Behind Focus

Our brains are wired to find what we're looking for—a phenomenon known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). Think about the last time you shopped for a new car; after careful consideration you decide on the make and model and then suddenly you start seeing that same model everywhere. Nothing changed except your focus. This same principle applies to how we perceive our work and life circumstances.

Research in positive psychology suggests that maintaining a growth-oriented focus doesn't just feel better—it actually enhances problem-solving capabilities and creativity. When teams operate from a possibility-focused mindset rather than a deficit-focused one, innovation and collaboration naturally increase.

Practical Strategies for Shifting Focus

1. Recognizing Small Wins

Did a team member go above and beyond? Did you complete a task that's been lingering? Celebrating progress fuels momentum. Start each day or team meeting by acknowledging what's working. Create a "wins journal" or dedicated Slack channel for sharing successes, no matter how small.

2. Reframing Challenges

Rather than saying, "This project is a mess," try, "What's one step we can take to move forward?" The shift in language invites solutions.

When faced with obstacles, ask:

• What can we learn from this?
• What opportunities might this challenge present?
• What resources or strengths can we leverage?

3. Redirecting Conversations

When meetings or discussions spiral into what's broken and who is to blame, bring attention to strengths, possibilities, and next steps. Become known as someone who asks, "What might work?" instead of dwelling on what doesn't.

The Ripple Effect of Focused Attention

Your focus doesn't just affect you—it influences your entire team and organization. Leaders who consistently direct attention to possibilities create cultures of innovation and resilience. Team members feel more empowered to bring solutions rather than just problems to the table.

Consider these scenarios:

A project falls behind schedule

• Default focus: "We're going to miss our deadline. Everything's falling apart."
• Expanded focus: "What can we deliver that provides the most value? How can we realign our resources?"

A key client expresses dissatisfaction

• Default focus: "We're going to lose the account. Our process is broken."
• Expanded focus: "This feedback gives us a chance to strengthen our relationship and improve our service."

Making the Shift Sustainable

Focusing on solutions doesn't mean ignoring problems—it means approaching them with a mindset that expands possibilities instead of reinforcing limitations. Here's how to make this shift lasting:

• Start Small: Choose one area where you'll consciously redirect your focus this week.
• Create Reminders: Set up visual cues in your workspace about where you want to direct your attention.
• Build Support: Share your intention with colleagues who can help maintain this perspective.
• Track Impact: Notice how shifts in focus influence outcomes and team dynamics.

The Choice Is Yours

What you focus on expands. The question is, are you expanding frustration or progress? Your perspective shapes not just how you see challenges, but how you and your team respond to them.

The power lies in recognizing that at any moment, you can choose where to direct your attention. This choice shapes your experience, influences those around you, and ultimately determines what expands in your professional and personal life.