Focus

I have been thinking a lot about energy and focus recently. Well, I always think about it, just more so these past few days because I am off work for a bit. So, I have more time to ponder.

I think about focus a lot when it comes to starting new things. Because it’s choosing whether to stick with what’s already working or shift energy to something new. A tension I’m sure everyone faces.

My current Big Hairy Audacious Goal is to own my time. And there are infinite ways to do this. The “route”, if you can call it that, that I’ve chosen is the “content / consulting route”. Where I create content to promote my work (and because it’s fun) and let that content lead to consulting projects, where I think I bring the most value.

The problem with content, though, is the endless choice of platforms and formats. I’ve stuck to LinkedIn because that’s where my audience is, and Substack because I love to write. But lately, making YouTube videos looks enticing.

I am really proud of the work I have done on my current platforms but it always feels like I could be doing more. Like maybe the reason I am not doing as well is because I don’t have a YouTube channel. I don’t think that’s true but maybe it is ?

Well starting a YouTube channel is something I would do but it cost a lot of time. Which leads to my other fear of spreading myself too thinly. With a 9-5 job, maintaining an active LinkedIn account, a weekly newsletter, and trying to live a normal life, there’s not much space for another long-term commitment. And these things are long term. It takes months, sometimes years, before results show up.

But what I am learning to understand is that it all doesn’t have to happen at once. Even though it always feels like time is running out. It’s maybe about picking what comes first and letting the rest wait their turn. The real question though then becomes how do you know the next thing you choose is the right one?