Focus. Those who make it big have an ability to focus on one key aspect of their work. Many authors and leaders have written about this ability—the capability to identify and make oneself lasered-focused on one thing—including Gary W. Keller and Jay Papasan, authors of The One Thing.
As a strategist, I have always found this sort of singular focus to be difficult to achieve. How can I ignore my whole strategic thinking in favor of a single goal or project? After all, as leaders, many important tasks and people tug at our hearts and at our sleeves, pulling our focus away from a singular purpose or project. People need to meet with us. Deadlines loom and responsibilities knock.
I’ll paraphrase a known military doctrine: “In a battle, there is usually a critical point. If you put your maximum force into it, you will win the battle.”
What is “the one thing” that if you were to achieve, it would lead you to win the battle? Identify it and make it happen. I find that this is one of the hardest tasks to complete in leadership, but when I do it, success awaits on the other side. I encourage you to incorporate this practice into your leadership journey and grow in this area.
