How to Narrow Your Focus to Maximize Impact
What stresses you out?
The chatter in your mind? The unrelenting “to-do” list? The noise of request and busy work?
We all face a daily battle. Where do I put my time and energy?
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, perhaps dozens of times, narrow your focus! I’d like to provide a sure-fire way to narrow your focus for maximum impact.
First, on a sheet of paper, brain dump everything on your mind and on your master list. Get it out, write it down!
Second, create three buckets:
Bucket one: Write what you must do today.
Bucket two: MVP (most valuable and profitable) use of time and your MVP clients.
Bucket three: Write your lower value tasks that drain your time and energy.
Now, focus on your three MVP activities— your high-value tasks.
Once you’ve decided what to focus on, focus as if your entire business depends on it because your business does depend on it!
Push yourself to focus 80% of your energies on your time allotted to your three high-value tasks. Yes, 80%!!!
What do I do with the other tasks?
Batch up small tasks for later in the day. Also, learn to outsource, eliminate, and delegate.
Here’s several reminder tips that have helped me stay focused:
1. Check email three times per day for higher performance (early morning, mid-day, and evening).
2. Turn off instant messenger.
3. Work disconnected (my personal favorite)
I shut off… YES, shut off… my mobile connection for up to 90-minutes each day to focus and rock results.
4. Every “yes” to a request or calendar appointment/event better be an MVP (most valuable and profitable).
NOTE: Just yesterday, I respectfully said, “no thank you,” to a request that was not an MVP. Thank you to my Executive Assistant, Jamie, for these reminders.
5. Limit length of phone appointments
On the front end of each call, I identify my “hard stop” for the call.
6. Remove junk mail and limit time on social media.
As an Executive Leadership Coach and Keynote Speaker on high performance leadership, I often remind personal leaders of two powerful truths:
1. There is a 24/7 battlefield for your mind — your thoughts. Be intentional, control your thoughts, and what you put in mind.
Proverbs 23:7, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
2. There is a 24/7 battlefield for your time. Focus your energies on your desired outcomes and MVP activities. Time is short— don’t waste opportunities you’ve been given.
Final challenge: What steps are you taking (or going to take) towards narrowing your focus and having the greatest impact?
— Steve
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
Bring Steve’s customized and personalized programs to your next event!
Contact Michelle Joyce or call 704-965-2339.
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a Seattle-based leadership development company. Steve is a dynamic, highly-sought-after speaker who has delivered more than 2,500 presentations to a list of clients including Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Pandora Radio, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Corporation, the Ritz Carlton group, and the U.S. Social Security Administration. He recently was voted #1 by the readership of Huffington Post as the Most Inspirational Leader on Social Media.
A published author on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve resides near Seattle with his wife Julie where they enjoy time with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
