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Focus is an interesting word. I know I have written about it before, but it is important to attaining what we really, really want. The Webster’s Dictionary definition says it is a central point, or a point of concentration. It looks different to each of us based on a variety of factors. When we believe we’re focused, we may not actually be. Let’s explore a little.

I was in a meeting the other day and we got onto the topic of focus, specifically as it related to revenue goals. The question was raised as to why one should set revenue goals. As I listened to a couple of the answers, a couple of things became apparent to me. First, there are times and subjects that I believe I want to focus on that I just don’t. Second, there are times and subjects where I haven’t set clear goals to focus on. I think the first issue is about priorities, and the second is about priorities. I’ll explain.

Things I mistakenly believe I need to focus on but don’t seem to be able to are likely not that important. When that is the case, it doesn’t make a bit of difference as to how hard I try, I just am not able to focus and move the results needle. I’m much more aware of when this situation occurs now, and take a look at where that issue really falls in the order of importance. If you’re familiar with Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, he has the following graphic in his book.

Those tasks fall into one of the not important boxes, but for some reason I feel they are. Likely because I haven’t taken the time to really determine what the most important task actually is. Many times, we aren’t comfortable doing what rally is the most important task, so we apply our energies elsewhere and believe we’re focused. Not very productive.

Likewise, when we haven’t set clear goals to focus on, it could very well be an issue of priorities. One of the gentlemen in the group the other day is a retired pastor, and noted that in the past, focusing on a revenue goal wasn’t something he did for himself. Churches have operating budgets like any other business and establish goals annually, if not more frequently. Yet, if you have the servant approach, as did this person, that wouldn’t be a priority. He admitted he’s training himself to adjust his thinking in this area.

Both fear and faith are powered by focus. When I have trouble focusing, I have gotten to a point where I look internally and see if there is any fear that I am experiencing. Take for example sales and cold calling. Many a sales person fears rejection when cold calling, so they put them off or just don’t do them. The other side of that coin is where faith triumphs over fear, being focused and motivated isn’t a problem. Those sales people that are able to overcome any fear they might have with a greater belief in their capabilities and opportunities are the highest achievers.

Prioritization takes focus and focus takes prioritization. We need to know what it is we truly want in order to set our priorities. Then, once we’re comfortable they have been vetted adequately, executing takes concentration. This seems very elementary, but I guarantee many people get tripped by overlooking one or both of these.

There are times where the world moves at a blur and our ability to focus on our tasks is compromised. That will to the best of us, many times more frequently than we ever admit to. When it does, look for ways to slow things down. Times where this seems to be happening to me is when I haven’t divided my most important task into enough steps. When I break it down into more manageable steps, the world moves slower for me. This could also be an issue of prioritization. Comments on that aspect are welcomed.

When we have established the right elements to focus on and have them prioritized, our efforts become more productive. The work might still be as hard, but we move the results needle faster and more efficiently. I’ll use our dog Sebastian as the example. He’s a Bernese Mountain dog – not about to win very many races. Yet, he gets to the same place as other dogs who run faster. In business, there are times where that is a pretty big deal. Yet, I’ve found that slow and steady isn’t necessarily a negative. You’ll know which rate works best for you, and communicating that to your clients is important.

The dirty little secret is we can all build our level of confidence and focus. Through coaching, we identify and overcome the beliefs that hold us back from attaining the greatness we’re all capable of. Contact me for an assessment and to discuss how we can work together.