About 12 years ago, focus became a huge part of my life when I claimed it as my annual theme. Through decluttering my home, clarifying my mission, and a host of other actions, this theme of focus really tuned me in to what matters most and allowed me to more easily clear away the unnecessary and excess.
This month 3 years ago, I received an abrupt and, to be honest, very unwelcome reminder of the importance of focusing on what matters most.
My Mom died.
My Mom was an amazing person, bubbly and energetic and filled with a colorful zest for life. She was also very clear on her priorities and taught me, not through lecture but rather her actions, what mattered most to her. Just one of many gifts she gave me, our family, and this world.
For many reasons, my thoughts shift to focus this time of year. What truly matters most? Where do I want to invest my time and energy? What legacy do I want to create? On what do I need to focus?
For me, the answer always comes back to meaning and purpose. How can I create and give the most meaning from my work, and how can I live my most purposeful life? And I continually return to the same 3 focal points. Similar to Mary Kay Ash, a business mentor-from-afar of mine, the top of my list includes Faith, Family, and Meaningful Work.
While I could write another Ph.D. dissertation on each of these areas, here is what they mean to me in a nutshell, and I encourage you to reflect on what these areas mean for you, too:
FAITH. In three words: Meaning And Purpose. It’s what I’ve built my business around and what I constantly strive for in life. The main point here? It’s not about me. I am here to serve, to help others grow, to make a positive difference. I am not perfect, but I am trying my darndest to be a role model and servant leader to all who cross my path.
FAMILY. Whenever I do anything, one of my first thoughts is, how will this impact my husband and kiddos? And family extends beyond that: friends, long-distance relatives, your furry family members, your community, your people. Life and work are about relationships, and they are worth every ounce of time, energy, and care we can offer.
MEANINGFUL WORK. Folks, let’s be honest here: You likely work more than the average 2,000 hours each year. That’s a lot of your time – a lot of your life. Do what’s necessary to engage your strengths, make your difference, and bring meaning to your work. Know, with 100% certainty, that what you do matters.
Despite my best efforts, I lose focus from time to time. When that happens, I always come back to these 3 core life dimensions. Yes, I focus on my annual Bold Goals, my projects, and of course my ongoing attempt to be present in the moment. But I have created a life and career where, for the most part, all of those goals and projects and activities connect to my purpose, and to these 3 categories.
So, what needs your focus in 2015? Goals, projects, deadlines – yes. But underneath it all, at the core of who you are and everything you do, what do you need to focus on? What matters most?
May we all leave that kind of legacy and make that kind of impact. Live and work so that when others focus on the joys and highlights of their lives, YOU come to mind. I will strive to do the same.
Focus on what matters, my dear friends.
Live, work, and lead with no regrets.