Benjamin Franklin—businessman, writer, inventor, and founding father—was known for many things, but one of his most powerful habits was how he approached his personal growth. Each week, Franklin would focus all his energy on one specific area of his life. One week it might be writing, the next it might be a relationship he wanted to nurture. By dedicating himself fully to each pursuit, he attributed much of his success to this method, achieving a vast array of accomplishments while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
His theory holds just as much truth today as it did in the 1700s. You can’t be all things to all people, nor can you give equal energy to everything all at once. Trying to spread yourself too thin leads to scattered, inconsistent results. Instead, the key to success is intentional focus.
To maintain balance in your life and business, it’s important to fully focus on what’s in front of you. Shift your attention to one primary task per day, week, or even month, and allow your energy to flow into that area. For instance, if you’re feeling disconnected from your family, make them your priority for the week. This doesn’t mean abandoning other commitments like work or personal hobbies, but it does mean being mentally present when you’re with your family. Don’t let other tasks distract you from family time, and when you’re spending time with them—whether it’s during dinner or playtime—truly be in the moment.
As the saying goes, "Where attention goes, energy flows." When you direct your focus to an area of your life that may be neglected, it often lights up, much like a Christmas tree. This is the essence of balance—shifting your attention each week to a new focus, much like Franklin did, ensuring no one part of your life grows too big or dominates the rest.
Action Step:
This week, pick an area of your life where you want to put your energy. Write it down in your planner and block off time for it—just as you would for any other important meeting. When distractions or opportunities to stray from your focus come up, say "no." Remember, it's only for one week!
As you move through the week, track your progress in a journal. Notice how focusing your energy makes you more present and productive. At first, it may take some effort to break the habit of multitasking, but over time, you’ll see how powerful focused energy can be.
Need help getting more focused or want more self-coaching exercises like this one? Give me a call! For new clients, the first session is always complimentary.
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