No-vember – The Essence of Focus

 “People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I'm actually as proud of the things we haven't done as the things I have done. Innovation is saying no to 1,000 things.”

– Steve Jobs

No-vember – The Essence of Focus

When you take on too many commitments, you short-circuit your effectiveness. You juggle priorities in various states of completion. Balls get dropped. Deadlines appear in the rearview mirror. Actually doing something well feels like a luxury reserved for others. The solution, of course, is focus. But that is easier said than done. That’s why this year we’re putting the “No” in November. All month, the TwentyPercenter will feature articles on how you can devote more time and energy to the things that matter.

The first step is understanding how focus works.

For most of my life, I thought focus was a spotlight. The object of my attention standing on a dark stage in the bright halo of my concentration. The reality is quite the opposite. Focus is a filter. Our brains are constantly bombarded with stimuli – sounds, sensations, odors, sights, and stray thoughts. Focus sieves out the extraneous and, like a blackout poem, blots out everything in the background until only our intention is illuminated. The essence of focus is saying “no.”

It’s also saying “yes” to something in a wholly uncommon way. Truly saying “yes” is a lot like saying “I do.” We understand this commitment comes to the exclusion of all others. We remove ourselves from the crowd. We bunker into a quiet, temptation-free setting. In fact, the easiest way to commit to our “yes” is to eliminate the necessity of actively saying “no.”

So now you know. Focus isn’t a spotlight, it’s a filter. When we over-commit, we dilute our effectiveness. A “yes” should be precious. And when we pledge ourselves to a task, our environment should support our promise. The fewer distractions we allow, the more empowered we are. Welcome to No-vember.

Ready to get started? Kicking those leftover Halloween KitKats to the curb is a great way to dip your toe in saying no! Next week, we’ll explore why we don’t say “no” and how to say it more effortlessly.

One question to ponder in your thinking time: How can I become a person with fewer, more powerful commitments?

Make an Impact!

7 Must-Avoid Traits If You Want to Lead By Example

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1. Complaining:

Negativity from a leader can be demoralizing for employees. As a leader, it's important to inspire and provide guidance. Instead of criticizing and complaining, focus on understanding and forgiveness. Dale Carnegie aptly stated, "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do."

2‍. Failing to learn the art of criticism:

Mistakes are inevitable, but how leaders handle them determines their maturity as leaders. Destructive criticism can demotivate the team, while constructive criticism offers an opportunity for growth. Acknowledge strengths and provide feedback that is helpful and transformative, fostering a positive work environment.

3‍. Failure to listen:

Listening is a valuable skill that leaders must cultivate. Henry Ford recognized the importance of having people who challenged his thinking on his board. Leaders who overlook the power of listening are likely to face obstacles in their leadership journey.

4‍. Lack of vision:

Leaders must stay attuned to the changing landscape of business. Failing to anticipate shifts in the industry can have detrimental consequences. Companies like Blockbuster, Yahoo, and Kodak fell victim to their inability to adapt. Leaders should keep their eyes and ears open, taking decisive action when they sense changes on the horizon.

‍5. Indecisiveness:

In a fast-paced business environment, indecisiveness can hinder productivity. Leaders should develop the ability to make timely decisions, even if they turn out to be incorrect. Taking action allows for course correction and prevents paralysis within the team.

‍6. Failure to study:

Successful leaders recognize the value of continuous learning. They prioritize personal growth by reading books, articles, and gaining knowledge from various sources. Walt Disney once said, "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate's loot on Treasure Island." By feeding their minds with ideas and inspiration, leaders foster a mindset conducive to success.

‍7. Dodging accountability:

Leaders must embrace accountability. When mistakes occur within the organization, the leader should take responsibility. Avoiding accountability sets a dangerous precedent and erodes trust. By owning up to mistakes and working to rectify them, leaders demonstrate integrity and encourage a culture of responsibility.

How to Get Your Own Growth Mindset

 

How to Get Your Own Growth Mindset

1. First, we should acknowledge our setbacks or unfavorable circumstances. We don’t want to call them failures, though. Instead, think of them as learning opportunities. Marvel at the process more than the results. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a track and field athlete and Olympic gold medalist, once said, “I derive just as much happiness from the process as from the results. I don't mind losing as long as I see improvement...If I lose, I just go back to the track and work some more.” Learn to think more like Joyner-Kersee and enjoy the process instead of simply focusing on the outcomes.
2. Second, we want to acknowledge any shame that might accompany those learning opportunities. This is a key step because it alleviates lingering embarrassment.
3. Next, laugh it off! You can either laugh it off by yourself, or with others. We recommend finding others who are non-judgmental and supportive who you can laugh with. This helps normalize laughing at your setbacks and helps give you perspective.
4. Reflect. Reflect. Reflect. If your setback took place in a business setting, make sure to take note of it so you can avoid it in the future.

Lastly, and most importantly, stay curious. If you are reading this, you’re doing a great job of that already!