Change is coming at us all in different directions all at once. There are new market
dynamics, the latest news clip about government policy changes that could affect my business as well as new technology we need to explore. Then there are the major issues happening in our personal lives, our businesses and with those around us. On top of all that there is social media, what is happening in our community, city and country.
And don’t get me started on the frustrations over rising prices, the jump in car prices and payments, getting less value for money or simply pushing that decision about the house thing that needs to get done until ‘sometime’ later.
As a business owner or manager, it is hard to know what to focus on. Is it the price sensitive buyer emerging yet again seeking cheaper alternatives, the shift in buying patterns like American made, environmentally friendly products, AI, new payment systems, diminishing loyalty or something else?
Should I be concerned about the job market – will there be less employable people for my open positions this year or more? Should I hire locally, remotely or internationally? And what kind of wages and benefits are people expecting in this changing era?
Take a deep Breath…
Take a deep breath as a business owner or manager and breathe deeply. There really are maybe 1, 2 or even 3 things you need to focus on at this point in the life of your business.
If you FOCUS on the most important stuff, the 20/80 rule, the rest will probably fall into place. If you allow yourself to get distracted by all the noise, you can be sure that things will continue to move at the speed of someone stuck in a 5-hour traffic jam going nowhere.
This principle applies even if you have a lot to focus on. Just focus on the top 2-3 things for today, things you can genuinely impact right now. Do these well and let tomorrow’s problems stay in Tomorrowland.
Focus Matters
Focus is an antidote to overwhelm. In today’s fast-moving world, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of distractions—emails, meetings, notifications, and endless tasks. But when you spread your attention too thin, everything suffers. Instead of making meaningful progress, you end up spinning your wheels, much like being stuck in the aforementioned traffic jam, inching forward but never really getting anywhere.
Since you can’t do everything at once, choosing the right things to focus on is key. This means identifying the highest-impact activities each day and each week — initiatives or tasks that drive progress, create momentum, and solve real problems.
This approach is:
Practical – Instead of worrying about everything, you concentrate on what truly matters.
Empowering – You shift from reactive mode to proactive decision-making.
Sustainable – Small, consistent progress compounds over time.
Let Tomorrow’s Problems Stay in Tomorrowland
A common source of stress is trying to solve future problems today. But often, those problems either resolve themselves or become more manageable when you tackle what’s in front of you first. This is why effective leaders and business owners stay present—they focus on controlling today’s controllables, knowing that tomorrow will bring its own set of challenges and opportunities.
How to Implement Focus
Identify Your 20/80 Activities – What are the small number of actions that create the biggest impact in your business or role?
Eliminate or Delegate the Rest – Not everything needs your personal attention. Offload distractions, automate where possible, and free up mental space.
Plan Your Day with Intent – Each morning, list 2-3 must-do tasks that will move the needle the most and remind yourself of the primary goal for the week or month.
Create Boundaries to Maintain Focus – Avoid reactive tasks like constantly checking emails or responding to non-urgent issues.
Review and Adjust – At the end of the day, reflect on what worked and refine your focus strategy.
The Magic of Compound Effort
By consistently focusing on high-impact actions, your progress compounds over time. Small wins stack up, and before you know it, you’ve built momentum, reduced stress, and gained clarity.
So, focus today on what matters most. Do it well. Let tomorrow take care of itself. Because if you consistently do the right things, the right results will follow.
The future belongs to those who embrace it. Are you ready? If you want another perspective, let’s talk! Email me at sw@newviewinnovation.com. Alternatively, we can jump on a call for a few minutes to discuss the questions more relevant to your business sector. Simply book a free session with me here: https://calendly.com/stephen_e_wright/25min