They want your focus. Are you giving it to them?
Here's how not to.
If you try to work on everything you see that’s wrong in the world you will end up with a million things you care about that aren’t getting the time and effort they deserve.
Time, money & energy are finite resources. Every time you use them on something you’re taking them from somewhere else.
People think focus means saying yes to the thing you've got to focus on. But that's not what it means at all. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. Do not try to do everything. Do one thing well. - Steve Jobs
Our focus is what the administration is fighting most fiercely for right now. If they can get you to use your time and energy on being outraged at their actions, you will have little left for stopping them, little left for helping anybody.
Earlier this week we had a wonderful workshop and discussion about focusing on what matters, how to, and why. We are so grateful for all who were able to attend. For those of you who weren’t, we’ve got you! We’ll be continuing our free focus series on March 24 and April 28. More info to come soon, but mark your calendars now.
Here’s a brief recap of February’s workshop.
Their path forward depends on the resistance being too distracted, too overwhelmed, too exhausted to fight back. Taking care of ourselves is as imperative as anything in this fight. It is an act of resistance. Focusing on the right actions, our values, and our joy are the keys.
No activist thinks they can fix everything, yet we tend to guilt ourselves for, or worry about, all we can’t do. We must drop the well-meaning grandiosity, find what’s ours to do, give that our focus, and let go of the rest. We know that’s easier said than done, but practice does help. The alternative is letting them overwhelm us and doing even less. Saying no to something allows us to say wholeheartedly yes to something else.
Using our Activist Focus Finder worksheet can help determine what is yours to do, and help you stick to it. Click on the link for a copy of the worksheet and brief instructions.
Focus doesn’t require a permanent no, but a present no. You are not turning your back on issues or those in need. You are focusing on where you can most help right now.
We must remember time, money, and energy are finite resources. Using them on one thing means we can’t use them on another. The administration is using shock and awe against us and counting on our desire to want to fix everything. They’re attempting to use our compassion as a weapon against us. Hold dearly to your heart and don’t let them.
In closing, consider this question. What do you see when you look at this picture?
Weeds?
Or wishes?
They’re both there. It’s what we choose to focus on.
Focus matters. What water do you want to swim in? The choice is yours.