What Are You Paying Attention To?
Most people think time is their most precious resource, but I don’t buy into that assumption.
Sure, it’s up there, and time is limited.
We only have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year, and yes, we have too much to do with too little time.
But time is a level playing field, and great leaders understand this.
Other factors have a larger impact on our success, and attention is one of the big ones.
Here’s the thing: where you put your attention, you make an impact. Yet, too often, our attention is spread thin, scattered across so many competing demands, notifications, and shiny distractions that we barely notice how divided it’s become. And that constant pull dilutes our effectiveness as leaders.
This week, I’ve been reflecting on attention as the single biggest factor in determining our impact—not just in our work but in our lives.
When our attention is fractured, our leadership suffers. We’re left spinning our wheels on things that don’t truly matter, which leaves us feeling stretched and unfulfilled. As leaders, that energy trickles down; others feel it, too. But a subtle shift in how we focus can change everything. It’s about redirecting attention to what actually matters.
Imagine your attention as a spotlight. When you narrow its beam, your impact strengthens. You can’t light up everything, but you can illuminate what counts.
As we roll through another nail-biter of an election that will undoubtedly capture our attention, I challenge you to reclaim your attention. Here are five simple ways to begin:
Be present in conversations: It’s easy to be physically in a meeting but mentally elsewhere. Instead, practice being fully present with others. Listen without planning your response. You will hear more, and people will feel your focus, which builds trust.
Set priorities before starting your day: Define what matters most today before diving into emails or social feeds. By naming three top priorities, you give your attention clear direction. It’s a small habit, but it can anchor your focus, especially when distractions crop up.
Notice your self-talk: We tend to focus on where we feel inadequate, repeating stories that keep us stuck. If you focus on limitations, redirect that attention to your strengths or what you’re learning. Self-awareness here is a huge lever for growth.
Focus on actions, not outcomes: We often obsess over results we can’t control, which fractures our attention and saps our energy. Instead, focus on what you can do right now. This shift helps you stay effective and calm, no matter how high the stakes feel.
Reflect at the end of each day: Ask, “Did I focus on what mattered today?” Reflection isn’t about judging yourself but fine-tuning your attention. Over time, this small practice helps you refine where you spend your energy.
None of these shifts are radical, but each one helps you reclaim control over your attention—and, by extension, your impact.
Next week, we’ll explore how managing your energy, not just your time, can further deepen your leadership. This subtle but powerful shift can help you avoid burnout and find real fulfillment.
I’d love to hear from you. What is one area where you want to focus your attention more intentionally? Please reply to this email and share it with me, and let’s keep this conversation going. Your insights might spark ideas for others in our community.
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