We are still in the very early stages of the new year and I’ve already experienced attempted robbery a few times this year. Last year it wasn’t just attempted, it was actual theft. Something I greatly needed was taken from me over and over again, many times with my being a willing participant in the act. The problem was that I didn’t realize I was in such need of protecting and preserving what was taken. As you may have guessed, I am not referring to something physical that is threatened, but something more important – my focus.
The crazy thing is that many of the distractions that stole my focus last year, or attempted it so far this year, are good things. It’s not like I’m being drawn away from my business efforts to go watch TV or play video games. The usual source of distraction comes in the form of an actual “business opportunity.” Trust me, I am a firm believer in the idea that opportunities are everywhere, especially in the economic climate that we are blessed by God to have here in America. However, choosing to pursue too many opportunities can effectively give you the same results as doing nothing.
Somewhere along the line last year, through reading and meditating on limits to success, my eyes were opened and I now have the realization that focus is something that I need to be thinking a lot about. To keep it in the forefront of my mind, I will be writing about it, thinking about it, reminding myself of it, preaching it, practicing it and in essence, focusing on focus. I want it to become a core value of my character and of my business.
You will hear more from me on this subject. We will tackle the Pareto principle, sources of distraction, why having focus is important, macro and micro focus, how focus affects your business, and more. For now, I will leave you with some sources of ancient wisdom on the subject of focus:
“The man who chases two rabbits, catches neither.” ~ Confucius
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” ~ James 1:8 KJV
FYI…I was just robbed by my children while writing this post. They didn’t come to me with a business opportunity though (which would have been awesome if they had.) Instead, they stole my focus by needing some daddy time, so I gave in for a bit 🙂 Worth every minute.