Focus is Power

Focus is Power.


I often interview candidates for new jobs and a question that often comes up from the candidate is: What defines the most successful person on your current team? Without hesitation my reply is FOCUS. Knowing what result you want to achieve and having a relentless pursuit toward its attainment is what makes people successful.

• Know WHAT you want to achieve - each day. If you arise each day with a set of goals that you WILL achieve before the end of the day you are ahead of most. This is not a list of "ought to" but rather a list of "WILL DO".
• Then, attach a meaning to each result. What will achieving the result mean to you? This will help you maintain your focus throughout the day. Give the meaning some sizzle. Because the boss wants me to is motivating to some degree but that can keep you in fear or distracted by the potential outcome of failing to achieve. Make the meaning personal and something that can get you fired up!
• Create a system for success. In basketball, players are coached during practice to shoot a free throw the exact same way each time. Whatever it is - bounce the ball three times, spin it in your hands, deep breath, shoot. It doesn't matter but you have to do it the dame way every time. Why? Because when you get in a game with pressure coming at you from fans you can settle down, go into your rhythm and shoot the easy shot. The same is true for you at work. Know how you work best and how you want your day to unfold. Then plan it out ahead of time and execute.
• Say NO. Or at least set expectations. Everyone in today's busy workplace has tons of tasks to complete and demands from all around. If you are to be focused you either need to say "no" to new demands or set expectations that allow you to under promise and over deliver. The expectation should be set that allows you to first achieve the goals you are focused on and then take on the new items. You will obviously need to prioritize when there is a critical and urgent situation but don't let everything be critical and urgent.

FOCUS. I believe that if you have no other trait than focus you will find success in your life. With focus, you create the tools and gain the knowledge you need to achieve the results you desire.

Take The Ross Leadership Academy "Will I Get Ahead?" Quiz:

http://therossnetwork.blogspot.com/2008/02/will-i-get-ahead.html