The Power of Focus: Why Doing Less Helps You Achieve More
Chris McChesney, Sean Covey, and Jim Huling laid out a hard truth in The 4 Disciplines of Execution:
"The more you try to do, the less you actually accomplish."
This idea isn’t just relevant in business—it applies to every area of life. In the software industry, we call it work in progress—the more tasks you juggle, the less progress you actually make. In sports, it’s the same principle. I used to tell athletes:
"If you have 20 post moves, you have no post moves."
In other words, if you’re spreading your focus too thin, you’re never truly great at anything. Success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with discipline, precision, and relentless focus.
So, the question is: Are you prioritizing what matters, or are you diluting your effectiveness by chasing too many things at once?
Why Overcommitting Kills Effectiveness
You know what? We all want to do more. More projects, more goals, more strategies. It feels productive, but in reality, it slows us down.
When we spread ourselves too thin:
Quality suffers. We’re doing everything at a mediocre level instead of mastering key priorities.
Progress stalls. Constantly shifting attention prevents real momentum.
Burnout creeps in. Too many commitments drain energy, leading to frustration and disengagement.
This is why elite performers—whether in business, sports, or personal growth—focus on one or two core areas at a time. They master those before moving on.
Because here’s the truth: If everything is important, nothing is important.
The Key to Progress: Intentional and Disciplined Focus
Imagine a basketball player who spends hours practicing two unstoppable post moves instead of trying to master twenty. When game time comes, those two moves are polished, reliable, and nearly impossible to stop. That’s the power of deliberate practice and focus.
The same applies to business and leadership. The best teams don’t chase every opportunity—they identify their most important objectives and execute with precision.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a step back and ask yourself:
What are the one or two things that will create the biggest impact?
Where can I eliminate distractions and unnecessary tasks?
Am I executing with discipline, or just staying busy?
Because busyness isn’t progress. Focused execution is.
Three Actions to Sharpen Your Focus Today
✅ Identify the top priority that will drive the most impact—and commit to it.
✅ Eliminate or delegate distractions that are pulling you in too many directions.
✅ Master one or two key skills, strategies, or processes before adding more to your plate.
Are You Doing Too Much or Doing What Matters?
At the end of the day, success isn’t about how much you’re juggling—it’s about how effectively you execute on what truly matters.
Chris McChesney and his co-authors remind us: Overcommitting dilutes effectiveness. The best teams, leaders, and athletes know that less is more—focusing on the right things is what leads to breakthrough success.
So, what will you eliminate today to sharpen your focus?
Join a Community of Leaders Focused on Execution
If you’re ready to stop being busy and start executing with clarity, join our community of high performers. Let’s prioritize what matters—together.