The Intensity of a Laser

Karen and Jay share the excitement of optimism – creating a positive future with an optimistic spirit!

When we strive to achieve, we need focus. However, life is full of distractions – things that other people are asking you to do; interruptions; meaningless tasks; shiny objects that grab your attention; and more. Yet, if you really want to accomplish something important – the key to success is ‘concentration of effort.’ Marshalling all your energy and resources to do the one critical thing that will enable you to succeed.

For instance, this is what we are attempting to do with our efforts on the Sunshine Initiative. Focusing on the few core elements in revitalizing a small town or community that will be the decisive factors in achieving success. Finding the key to pushing past the ‘tipping point,’ gathering momentum, and from there, being put on a positive path towards success. And, to do this well, requires the concentration of effort – where that effort can achieve the greatest impact.

This approach involves prioritizing tasks, minimizing distractions, and cultivating an unwavering focus reminiscent of a laser beam. When you concentrate your energy on specific goals, you avoid the pitfalls of multitasking and aimlessness. This focused mindset allows for deeper engagement and more productive use of time and resources, ultimately leading to greater accomplishments.

One compelling example of this principle is Thomas Edison, the prolific inventor. Edison's relentless focus on his inventions, particularly the development of the electric light bulb, highlights the importance of concentration in achieving success. Rather than spreading himself thin across multiple projects, he concentrated his efforts on creating a working light bulb, conducting thousands of experiments. His dedication and laser-like focus eventually culminated in the successful invention that transformed the way the world uses light. Edison's philosophy of perseverance and concentrated effort has inspired generations of inventors and entrepreneurs. Think Elon Musk!

Another notable example is one of my personal favorites - Steve Jobs. After being ousted from Apple, Jobs returned with a vision to streamline the company’s product lineup and concentrate on innovation. He famously remarked that "deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do." By focusing on a few key products, such as the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, he was able to revolutionize the technology industry. His ability to center his efforts on specific projects, while discarding many other potential distractions, allowed Apple to dominate the market and establish a loyal customer base.

Finally, consider J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. After experiencing numerous rejections (literally hundreds), she concentrated her efforts on completing the first book in the series while juggling personal challenges. Rowling’s focus on her story, her characters, and her world-building paid off when “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” was published, ultimately leading to one of the best-selling book series in history. Her tenacity and concentrated dedication to her craft exemplify how focusing on a clear objective can yield transformative results despite setbacks and challenges.

I urge you to try to apply these lessons in your own life. By adopting a laser-focused approach, I think you’ll find a new excitement – and achieve results beyond your imagination, navigating through and past distractions and challenges along the way.

Read The Report

Focused Campaigning – Concentration of Effort in the Political Game

"Strategic Success: Harnessing the Power of Concentration of Effort and Focus"

Positive Profile of the Week: "The Power of Focus: How Steve Labbe Turned Determination into Success"

This week we are delighted to highlight a great entrepreneur who truly understands the power of focus – Steve Labbe!

When thinking about someone who has consistently embodied success by concentrating his focus on a goal, Steve is one of the first people who comes to mind. Many years ago, I first met Steve at a personal growth workshop called Humans Being More. I could immediately tell that he was already more than the average person, with a genuine personality, a warm smile you will never forget, and clear goals.

Starting out in the plumbing trade in 1985, Steve bought another business in 2006 and named it Paradigm Plumbing and Heating. The idea behind the name was that he and his team would provide a paradigm shift—replacing the current way of thinking about customer service with a radically different view. Over the years, he and his company have certainly achieved that, making many friends and loyal customers along the way.

He brought this same level of laser focus on improvement to a local chapter of a business networking group called BNI (Business Networking International). BNI, which also started in 1985—on the day that would have been Elvis’s 50th birthday—has chapters throughout the world where business professionals refer potential clients to one another. The average chapter size is around 20–30 members, with some a bit smaller, and a few boasting 50 or more.

Here are some insights by someone who observed:

When I first visited Steve’s group, nicknamed the Wolf Pack, I was amazed to see they had 72 members and an incredible energy throughout the meeting. I even forgot Steve’s name when it was my turn to talk and explain how I came to visit. The whole experience was overwhelming.

I do recall that there was a table set up outside the meeting room, adorned with success-focused books such as Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and other titles by authors like Oprah, Tony Robbins, and the like. Here is a guy involved in personal development, growing a great business, networking with other business professionals, and absolutely crushing it in everything he’s involved in. How much more can you like this man?

“Ring, ring, ring.” Ah, look… there is Buddy the Elf ringing the bell for the Salvation Army and raising money for a great cause. Oh, let me look closer. No, it’s not Buddy—it’s Steve. Not only has he done this humble deed, but he has also encouraged others to do so as well. In fact, whether it’s during the Christmas season or at one of several golf tournaments each year, you’re more likely to meet Steve super-sizing someone’s fundraising efforts than because you have leaky pipes.

Speaking of that, he even wrote a book about his wellness journey in order to help inspire others, titled How I Fixed My Own Plumbing. In it, he discusses how he lost 25 lbs. and 8 inches overall. You can see in the YouTube video where he talks about this that he’s really in great shape. Whatever Steve has set out to do, he has concentrated his efforts on his goal with definiteness of purpose. Anyone can be inspired and learn from his example.

In this modern world, where so many of us are distracted by notifications on our phones or computers, endless texts, emails, and many other things vying for our attention, there is something to be said about focusing your efforts on a goal and not letting distractions get in your way. If you want to get involved in business or non-profits with someone who has succeeded in both, reach out to Steve. Here is his website: https://paradigmph.com/.

Quote of the Week

"The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus." - Bruce Lee

Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us

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