Narrow YOUR Focus, Increase YOUR Impact

I do not know about you, but every once in a while when I think about all of the different causes I could join I start feeling overwhelmed. We have so much to do for our planet, our creatures and our people. Where do I start? Where do I place my focus? How can I make a difference? Then I remember this quote, a quote I love and use:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

And it hits me. If we all chip in, if we all focus on the cause that matters the most to us and we do whatever we can to further that cause, it will work out. Together we are members of a very large and very important program, the program that takes care of our planet, our creatures and our people. We each join the project (or the cause) that allows us to contribute. It does not matter that we personally cannot give all of our time or money to every important issue we face, we need to step back and trust that others will. Our job is to find where we want to focus our attention and give what we can give. If this is true on our global program, this is certainly true for us at work too. There is no way that you can solve every problem that you and your team face. I know some of you try and I know you are wearing yourselves out. Stop it. If you wear yourself out trying to take on all of the problems of the world (or your project team, or your company), you will eventually have nothing left to give. You need to narrow your focus. The key is for you to understand where you can best contribute. What do you feel the most strongly about? What do you have to contribute? Everyone has something; it could be money or time or expertise, perhaps it is enthusiasm or a special talent. If you have ever had a chance to be part of a high performing team you have seen this in action. Each member of the team brought their talents and expertise to the table. Each member had an area of focus and respected the strengths their team members brought to the effort. No one person carried the burden of success. You trusted and supported one another and together you shared joint custody of your successful outcome. When you narrow your focus, when you truly concentrate on where you can make your best contribution you really will increase your impact.