Some of the principles of success have eternal significance. As we research and delve deeper to gain insights into the secrets of success, we realize that the greatest management tool for individual or organizational success is focus on the key goals in life.
During historic times, Arjun from Mahabharata became one of the greatest archers in the world due to his single-minded focus towards his goals. He had trained his mind to channelize his mental and physical energy towards the task at hand. It was his ability to maintain his focus which contributed to his success as a warrior.
Similarly, in the current modern era when Bill Gates’ father asked both Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, what the secret of their success was, both had the same reply – that ‘Focus’ has been the key factor for the stupendous success in their individual lives.
In today’s world of technology with so many notifications and distractions around, we are consistently struggling to maintain focus on key priorities. Taking three deep breaths or a quick 10-minute walk has worked for me to regain the sense of focus during these anxious and stressful moments.
Organizations continue to innovate and stay ahead of their competitors only when they continue to maintain focus on enhancing their existing services/products for their target customers. When Steve Jobs rejoined as CEO of Apple, he made the bold move of abandoning more than 300 products which Apple was producing to focus only on 10 major products against different segments. What happened since then, is history. Focusing to develop and launch some path-breaking products such as iPOD, iPhones has been the mantra behind Apple’s success.
The reason we are often unable to accomplish many of our goals in life is because we lose sight of them amid daily challenges. As individuals, it is equally important for us to identify at least three goals to be accomplished in a week or month which are tied to our long-term goals. Connecting with these goals at least once a week will enable us to stay on track and achieve them. Even time blocking every week/month to review and work on these identified goals will enable to stay focused on them. As we continue to master the art of managing our focus, easier it becomes for us to accomplish anything we choose to.
As Tony Robbins said, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” So, let us be careful about directing our focus on the most important areas and the rest will take care of itself.