True Focus

When the word “focus” is used as a verb, it means “to concentrate attention or effort,” according to the definition in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

When used as a noun, focus means “the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition,” according to The Oxford Dictionary.

Whether verb or noun, focus is something you need plenty of as an entrepreneur. When you are an inventor or business owner, you need to concentrate your attention and effort on the tasks that will help you achieve your goals. You also need to see clearly the necessary steps for each task as well as the obstacles that could prevent you from achieving your goals.

For me, there’s a difference between “basic” and “true” focus. Basic focus is all about how you spend your day. How you go about your job and get it done. True focus is how you spend your time. If your invention or business is important to you, you’ll spend every moment contemplating, figuring out, and focusing on what needs to be done to fix any given problem. Productive folks—the essence of being an entrepreneur is the quality of being productive—need and want to fix the problem. No matter how small or seemingly stupid a problem is, you are determined to fix it! NOW! Or at least within a few hours. That mindset is the essence of true FOCUS.

I was once told I was thinking too much. “Bruce, you need to focus.” were the words I heard more than once. I assumed then that focus meant simply getting the job done. And that getting the job done could be accomplished in the time-zone of “eventually,” or “maybe.”

It wasn’t until I had my back against the wall—with a wife threatening to divorce me, very little income as a small manufacturer, and more than $200,000 in debt—that I finally got it. I finally understood serious focus. I spent the next month in absolute focus. During that time, moment by moment, every minute, every hour and each day from nine in the morning to five in the afternoon, I had no choice: FIX THE PROBLEM. What letter can I write, what fax can I send, what phone call can I make, what can I do right now that is a step forward toward fixing the problem?

During that period, I arranged a licensing deal. Royalties for 20 years and no hassles. With a pending divorce, and two businesses to run, I was trying to look at the big picture. I’m not saying my decision was right or wrong. But damn, I got the problem solved.

Don’t wait—like I did—and experience desperation; be wise and focus on what must get completed ASAP! Focus now. When you practice true focus, your problems get resolved quicker than you think possible.

The beauty of learning to focus is it can save you law-suits, interpersonal relationship issues, and allow for your business to enjoy smooth sailing—for the most part.

And that my friends, is the essence of FOCUS!

Godspeed!

Your fellow-dreamer and doer,

Bruce D. Clark

If I can do it, anyone can!