Where’s Your Focus?

I like to believe that I know what’s most important to concentrate on.  After all, the reason people hire me as their business coach is to help them get focused, set priorities and keep them motivated and productive, so that their projects get done and their business grows.

So why have I felt so unfocused lately?  Why has it seemed that no matter what I do I just can’t accomplish the things that I want?  Why is it that despite trying new things business is doing okay but not booming the way it’s “supposed” to be?  And here’s the big one…why have I been beating myself up about it day after day?

I had a conversation with someone from my mastermind group who has become a good friend.  When I told her how I’ve been feeling she said, “Oh Carrie, you are extremely focused.  You are focused 100% on your top priority.” What’s more, she went on to say, “You have stayed motivated and productive and have tirelessly moved that priority forward.”

Ahhh, this is why I have a support network.  She helped me realize that my priority has not been my business.  My priority has been my family and the enormous changes and growth that come with high school graduation, sending my first born to college and my son to a high school program in Israel.  These shifts have been going on since January and while it’s all normal and good, they are, as I’m sure you realize, also bittersweet.

When I decided to go into business for myself and start CarrieThru, my one driving goal was to have the flexibility to focus on my family when I wanted to.

Wow…it seems that I did stay true to my priority after all, but let’s be honest, focusing on family does not pay the bills.  

Over the past ten years I’ve built my business to keep on running even if I don’t give it the love and focus it needs to really thrive.  I have a few core programs that I continually run.  I have systems in place to keep me honest and force me to produce.  I have a team around me including an incredible coach and the support of friends and colleagues to remind me that I’m doing really well.   I have teammates who help me get the work done.  And I have over the past eight years finally developed the habit of exercising.

I realize that none of these things would exist if I hadn’t put a considerable amount of effort into each and every piece.  I may not have built my business in record time.  I may not have the most profitable business in existence, but my business is accomplishing exactly what I need it to right now.  The best part is that now that things are settling down those same systems that have kept my business running “okay” are going to be the foundation for all the focus and attention that’s coming its way.

So where has your focus been? Are you being true to your real priorities?