Brutal Truth: If You Focus On Everything, Nothing Moves

Published 2 months ago • 3 min read

Reader,

1. A quick word from Zach

Ever look up and realize the quarter is already one-third over and you haven’t started the work that actually matters? This week I’m talking about why trying to focus on everything guarantees you move nothing meaningful forward.

2. Something worth reading

If this idea of constraining your focus resonates, Michael Hyatt’s body of work on focus and life design (including books like Free to Focus) is a great companion. He does a fantastic job showing how intentional constraints on your time actually expand your capacity for what matters most.

3. Something worth thinking about

“

You win at work and succeed at life by being intentional about both.

~ Michael Hyatt

4. Something worth trying

If that “the quarter is already a third over” line landed a little too close to home, here’s a simple way to respond this week.

Take five quiet minutes and jot down 2 or 3 things that, if they got done, would make this week a win. Not nice-to-haves. The few things that actually matter.

Then open your calendar and give each one a real spot on your schedule. Name the block after the thing you’re going to work on.

And for just this week, treat everything else as optional. Email, random ideas, “quick favors” – they can wait.

Pay attention to how it feels to move the right things forward on purpose.

That's enough for this time. Remember, the drift of life rarely takes you where you'd choose to go. Go somewhere on purpose!

To thriving,

Zach Wise

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What is "Dear Sam", anyway? This column started with a real person — a friend and client named Sam. I write each issue with him in mind, and with you in mind, too.

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