If anyone is qualified to talk about focus, it’s the guy who has struggled with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) for several decades while launching, growing, and selling multiple businesses. And yes, that someone is me. For those who don’t know (which is most of you) I have one of the worst cases of ADD; it actually measures near the top of the spectrum. I have come to learn that many successful people have also struggled with ADD, so I know I am in good company. I used to wonder why such a large percentage of business owners seem to have ADD, then I realized it’s probably the fact that not much else can keep their attention, give all of the various hats one has to wear as a business owner.
You don’t have to have ADD to have a lack of focus. Sadly, I have seen many business owners fail to thrive, or totally fail because they were sidetracked by another (seemingly greater) business opportunity. I have even done it myself, but thankfully, I have seen what focus can do for a business, so it helps keep me on track. Trust me, I get lots of offers for lots of seemingly great opportunities (and of course, many that are simply garbage) but now that I manage my schedule according to what will serve my business, I simply don’t have time for other things.
If you are not meeting the goals you desire for your business, take a look at where you are spending your time. It’s not normal to pursue building multiple businesses all at once; you simply can’t divert the energy required without burning out or getting close. Some of my greatest moments of peace have come from letting go of opportunities and projects that I thought I could not live without.
If you are involved in multiple projects of ventures that you can’t walk away from, them find a trusted partner to carry on your role. I happen to be involved in a few business ventures, but thankfully, I have aligned myself with great team members who can help keep the projects going without them being a burden so I don’t get distracted from serving my clients which is my primary focus. In the end it’s about achieving success, not striving and getting burned out. And if you are married, your spouse will appreciate not having to compete with your business for your time.
Regardless of whether or not you have a diagnosed case of ADD or not, lack of focus can kill a business. Often times, it just takes having good people in your life and some humility to keep you on track. If you don’t have that person in your life to keep you on track, perhaps you should consider hiring a business coach to help keep you focused.
If you find yourself buried in projects; just take inventory of what is paying your bills and put everything else on the back burner. Trust me, you won’t regret it. And even good things (like volunteering and church involvement) can detract from your success, so make sure that whatever you do, you are living a balanced life with regard to your time.
You only get one chance to enjoy this life and being a workaholic is not conducive to living a fulfilled life.
I hope that speaks to someone.
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