Over the last 12 months, I have experienced a dramatic increase of demand on my time. One of my mantras is “Focus expands.” Eight years ago I decided to focus my ministry on helping other leaders with vision and clarity. That work has expanded more than I ever planned or anticipated. Ironically, my own vision is being tested like never before. This challenge leads to a second mantra:“New levels bring new devils.” At each level of expansion, managing clarity and keeping focus is not just demanding, but ruthlessly so. Like an expedition up Everest, the air is thinner with every step you take.
I thought I would share some current learnings as I attempt to live out for myself what I do with clients. The next few posts will drill down on my recent fumbles and touchdown in the game of focus. Here is a summary of posts to come from my 2009 playbook:
#1: Apply the "Positive No"- this practice will lead to waves of return with a few drops of practice.
#2: Prioritize Values Even in the Core- most ministries never define their core. But when you do, there will be some level where you need to further hone how you think about the core.
#3: Get Outside Eyes on your Situation- Blind spots keep this basic practice out of reach for most leaders. Yet without outside eyes you will never leave "good" to get to "great."
#4: Push "Combined Efforts"- Sometimes a leader is a near step away from a radically simpler solution. But you have got to think differently to find it.
#5: Map Attention Management- I can't wait to share a 2 hour exercise that may dramatically change your life
#6: Find the Focus behind Greatness- By looking in the right place, you will find stories that increase your resolve for focus.