The Power of Focus

“You don’t get results by focusing on results. You get results by focusing on the actions that produce results.” – Mike Hawkins

I want you to be ridiculously successful in whatever you plan to do. This means that you’ll probably need to learn some new skills along the way. You definitely need to learn how to be a better speaker and business person if you run your own business. You will want to be a better leader and an influencer if you plan to do big things in life or in your career. Anytime is a great time to learn tips or proven strategies on how to become a bigger or better Influencer or more profitable entrepreneur.

So, what does it take?

It takes FOCUS.

When I first started my business back in 2002, I focused on attending as many local networking events in person as I could every month as I knew that it would take dozens and dozens of connections to find enough clients to support the income that I wanted to make.

Then I had a kick-butt, proven follow up system that I used to book appointments and get clients, I was very assertive and consistent and I got results.

That all worked to a certain extent to build a reasonably successful business, but I wanted more.

I sought out workshops and mentors to share with me what they knew that could help me grow and attain a more consistently profitable business doing what I loved. I learned a lot and kept learning, year after year.  I grew my business to 6-figures and beyond and I’m so grateful and thankful for everyone who played a part in teaching me what I didn’t know I didn’t know.

Looking back on it now, almost 19 years from that first day, I know now what it was that allowed me the success, income, clients and happiness that I have since achieved on a relatively consistent basis.

It was my confident sense of awareness, and commitment to the end result along with the unwavering, persistent actions I took that got me to where I am today. In a round-about way, I call this FOCUS.

Entrepreneurs especially need to focus more or we tend to get distracted with our own creative mind or numerous distractions outside of ourselves. I know this first hand as I’m constantly coming up with creative ideas to grow and scale my business or my clients’ businesses. I’ve learned to prioritize my ideas and not act on them right when they come. That can definitely take you OFF focus.

I call this your “Order of Importance”. Depending on where you are in your business, you could have a different “Order of Importance” than another entrepreneur, do definitely don’t compare yourself to others. For example, if you’re newer in business or still focusing on building consistent revenue, then you will be focusing more on Revenue Generating Activities on a daily basis. If you’re a more seasoned entrepreneur then you are most likely focusing on scaling, leveraging and outsourcing. Wherever you are in your business, the Power of Focus is critical to your success.

Being extremely productive, organized and efficient is how I get so much done. It’s how I have multiple projects going at any given time. It’s how I manage 20-35 clients on a monthly basis, all with full access to me. It’s how I don’t lose sight of what’s really important also which is my family and myself. And, it’s how my family and I can take 2 or more longer vacations every year and multiple 3-4-day getaways.

Being organized with your:

• To Dos
• Inboxes
• Computer Documents and Files
• Paper
• Home
• Office
• Household
• Finances
• Marketing
• Systems

… can lead to more success in your life as well!

Setting boundaries is another part of being more focused. For many, it’s not easy saying “NO” to someone, especially a client or referral partner. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way but now I pace myself throughout the year with joint ventures, promotions and projects. I have boundaries of when I’m available and when I’m not and I put MY TIME on my calendar first so I know I have enough time to complete the things I need to get done DURING business hours. I don’t do things after hours for myself anymore while serving them during the day, I make it all fit in the allotted time in which I choose to work.

Another aspect of getting and staying more focused is the ability to move through tasks and make decisions swiftly. The longer it takes you to make decisions, the more stagnant you can become.

“Money Follows Speed” I heard once at a conference and I’ve lived by that motto ever since.

So, if you’re still thinking; “I don’t feel like any of what you’re saying here Katrina, comes natural to me? I know I need to focus more so I can maximize my time but it really comes hard to me.”

I would say, that there are certain personality characteristics that make it easier for some than others, but this can also be a learned skill. You can practice and have accountability partners to help you stay focused, it doesn’t all have to rely on you.

In an article by the US Chamber of Commerce, published December 8, 2020, it revealed the Top 6 Personality Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs, which are:

1. Persuasiveness – oh yes, that helps with the marketing and sales aspects of the job!
2. Flexibility – but of course! We certainly have no control whether our technology will work or not, right? Or if something like Covid-19 hits… we just have to pivot!
3. Creativity – that’s what keeps us up at night with the next big idea!
4. Self-Motivation – this is where the ability to stay focused comes in really handy so we can get more done in less time or with less effort.
5. Tenacity – another trait to help you hold yourself accountable, become more driven and unstoppable.
6. Passion – sure, if you’re not passionate about what you’re doing, you’re doing the wrong thing.

Where do you lie with those 6 traits? They pretty much describe me to a T.

If they don’t automatically describe you, never fear. You’ll find your way to get and stay more focused while staying creative, flexible and fulfilled.

I wasn’t always this focused. I think I had short-term focus back in school. I was really good at taking and passing tests with flying colors but then not remembering much of what I studied. I would cram for my tests the night before, focusing of course on the most important aspects of what I thought I needed to know, then I’d take the test and not a day later I couldn’t remember hardly any of the information taught. Cramming isn’t the best solution mind you, especially if you need to retain a lot of information for your profession such as a Doctor or Attorney would.

Here’s my take on what you need to become more focused.

FOCUS stands for Fearless, Observant, Committed, Unwavering and Strong-Minded.

Fearless – You are fearless when you lean into your biggest fear and act towards it — you make fear your friend, not your enemy. Once you do, once you overcome that resistance, once you face that fear and embrace it, every other fear in your world becomes irrelevant.

Fearless = Bold, Brave, Courageous, Daring and Confident

Becoming more fearless will allow you to keep an open mind more to what else is possible. It will help you continue on when doubts creep in. It will help you stay focused on what matters most and in the entrepreneurial world, that means revenue generating activities almost 100% of the time.

Observant – You are observant when you have a heightened sense of awareness, you notice everything very quickly and keep a sharp-eye on your surroundings and what’s going on.

Becoming more observant will allow you to stay mindful of what’s important, attentive to what needs to get done (or done first) and it will keep you from getting steered away with bright shiny objects or “squirrels”!

Committed – A committed person is simply one who regularly keeps their commitments, what he or she has signed up to do or not do. They are dedicated to doing whatever it takes to see the end result. They are passionate and zealous towards their beliefs and desires.

Becoming more committed will allow you to let your passion shine through and keep taking forward steps towards your goals whether big or small.

Unwavering – An unwavering person is one who continues in a strong and steady way. They have unwavering faith and determination. They are steady, unshakable and will stay on point.

Becoming more unwavering will allow you to stay more consistent with your actions and less waffling towards decision making.

Strong-minded – You are strong-minded when you are more purposeful, sure and self-disciplined. Strong-minded is not necessarily opinionated or dominant although it can sound as such.

Becoming more strong-minded will help you become more determined, strong-willed, and persistent which is the key to getting what you want.

Hopefully you have more ideas on how you can use the Power of Focus more in your life and business so that you can fully express and achieve your true goals in life.

When you BUY the BOOK, you get access to a page where I’m giving away a lot of my trainings and resources to support you in your growth and connect on a deeper level. Inside my chapter it will take you to the special hidden page!