Control Module: Unlocking Your Full Potential. The Magnetic Effect of Focus

Knowing what you can control is half the battle.

How do you handle setbacks?

Are you responding to or reacting to these situations when they arise?

Let’s take that question a step further: 

What are you focused on when setbacks or failures occur?

The reason I am asking you these questions is that what you focus on grows. Your internal focus plays a significant role in overcoming setbacks. Through my article, I will improve your understanding of the power of focus so that you can perform at your fullest potential.

Here is a brief preview of what we will be breaking down and why your focus plays a role in your potential.

Where is your focus?

You will notice that there are three different rings:

• The things you can’t control or influence (outer ring)

• The things you can influence (middle ring)

• And the things you can control and are responsible for (centre ring).

The pictures are the same; the focus is different. Internally focused vs Externally focused. 

When a setback occurs, a person focused on external factors will concentrate on things beyond their control, resulting in excuses and poor performance. 

Meanwhile, an internally focused person would view a setback as an opportunity. 

Looking at the picture above, you can see that achieving your fullest potential is more realistic when your internal focus is stronger than your external focus. When your influence is directed toward what you can control, everything falls into place and works harmoniously (just like the circles working with each other). 

However, when your influence is directed at areas outside of your control, progress isn’t made because you lack belief in your ability to perform (just like the picture where the circle is disconnected).

I will use one of my more recent assignments as an example of the magnetic effect of focus. 

Unfortunately, our new hire walked out and quit. A few minutes later, we received a text message from another teammate informing us that an unexpected event had occurred and he wouldn’t be able to come to work for a week. I was scheduled to fly to my next assignment the following Friday, leaving the property manager alone in a four-person office for several days with 26 scheduled move-ins for the month. Additionally, it was the first of the month when rent is typically due. 

This situation is frustrating and obviously involves many factors beyond our control. It represents the outer ring in the picture above (the things you can’t control or influence). We do not have control over our teammates' actions, and we cannot change the timing of this circumstance to occur at a different time of the month. The damage is done.

This is where it’s essential to unleash our full potential to overcome this obstacle, which will require focus. My teammate and I are naturally internally focused and see this as an opportunity. With opportunity comes influence.

Transitioning into the middle ring. Things you can influence.

This area serves as the glue that unites your focus. 

What you focus on grows, what you focus on seems real, and what you focus on, you become.

 In this context, I view it as an opportunity to improve my personal growth, team influence, and work performance. To achieve this influence and merge it with my internal focus, I don’t concentrate on external factors.

Things you can control and are responsible for

Motivated to perform and overcome our circumstances, our influence led us to the center ring. We focus on our responsibilities and prioritize our tasks to accomplish the most important areas. By maintaining a positive attitude, we keep ourselves motivated and push forward. I did my part to leave everything complete and organized on the leasing end so that my teammate would be in the best possible position when I left, making the move-ins a smoother transition under these unique circumstances. 

With this example, you should be able to see how powerful focus can be in bringing out your fullest potential. Even in the most frustrating circumstances, there is a way to overcome setbacks and make the most of what you’ve got with the right focus. 

This recent assignment has reinforced the invaluable power of focus in overcoming challenging situations. Faced with unexpected setbacks, such as:

• The sudden departure of a team member

• An unforeseen absence due to personal circumstances

  
  

And the timing of these events, it would have been easy to succumb to frustration. 

However, by shifting our mindset towards what we could influence and control, my teammate and I found an opportunity for personal and professional growth. We embraced our responsibilities, maintained a positive attitude, and prioritized our tasks effectively. This experience has taught me that while we cannot change external factors, our focus and determination can significantly impact our outcomes. 

By focusing on the right aspects, we not only navigated the challenges of being short-staffed but also ensured a smooth transition for our colleagues. Ultimately, it is a reminder that in times of adversity, the strength to push forward lies in how we choose to direct our focus.

Share an example in the comments below of how you took your influence and control during a setback! Would love to hear your experiences.

The Magnetic Effect of Focus