Spring is definitely springing here in the UK, and it feels like there’s a shift in me, and likewise, in the people I’m talking to.
After months of relentless rain and dark mornings, everything feels lighter. And with that, my focus is starting to feel sharper too.
Over the last few articles, I’ve asked you to think about:
- Where you want to be in 12 months
- What you are actually in control of
- The specific things you can control
But knowing what you can control isn’t the same as directing your energy towards it.
And that’s where focus comes in.
If you read my last newsletter (or number 3 on the list), you might remember I talked about a small change in how I work (spending time on a Friday afternoon planning the following week). Did you give that a go?
Typically, my Fridays since then have been busy, but I’ve made a start each week and then picked it up over the weekend. I’ve created lists and, more importantly, I’ve been blocking time out in my diary and then sticking to them. There’s something satisfying about ticking things off! But more than that, it’s the clarity that’s helping.
So back to focus.
This past couple of weeks, focus seems to be a topic that is coming up everywhere for me.
- In my weekly content writing session with Jill, she talked about a client who decided to go “all in” on their nutrition goals. The shift has been remarkable. Same circumstances, same plan, but this time they’ve focused on every little detail.
- I ran a half marathon last week and came surprisingly close to a personal best I set 17 years ago. That didn’t happen by accident. It was a result of consistent, focused effort over time.
- And tomorrow in supervision with the amazing Alyson, we’re reflecting on this question: “Where are you currently investing time and emotional energy, and what is that costing you in your effectiveness, presence, or wellbeing as a coach?”
I’ve spent a couple of days thinking about the question, and the link to focusing on what’s in your control.
Because focus isn’t just about getting things done.
It’s about choosing where your energy goes.
A 10-Minute Energy Exercise
If you want to build on the work you’ve already done around control (from the exercises in my previous articles) try this simple exercise.
Take a blank page and draw two columns:
Gives me energy
Drains my energy
Now think about a time period. Let’s say the last 7 days. List:
- Tasks
- Conversations
- Habits
- People
- Thoughts you keep revisiting
- Worries
Don’t overthink it. Just notice.
Then ask yourself:
- Which of the drains are actually within my control?
- What am I choosing that costs me more than I realised?
- Where am I investing emotional energy in things I can’t influence?
We often lose focus not because we lack discipline, but because our energy is tied up in things outside our control.
When you redirect your energy back towards what you can influence, focus should become much easier.
Pick one of the things that you’ve said drain you. Is there anything you can do about it?
If yes, then what are you going to do about it? If no, it’s outside of your control, put it to one side for now and pick something else.
That’s focus.
How did we get here?
If you’re new here, or need a reminder, here are the previous editions in this series:
Each one subtly builds on the last.
Clarity about where you want to go is powerful.
Understanding what you can control is incredibly useful.
But consciously investing your energy in those things is where change can happen.
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