~4-minute read

The Mistake That Kept Me Stuck

In 2014, I was fresh out of university, fed up with being a poor student, and determined to improve my life.

I consumed every self-development book I could find. Before I knew it, I was meditating, working out, online trading—even taking cold showers.

I figured, “If I pursue all the good habits at once, I’ll be on the fast track to success!”

Six months later, my routine was flawless—yet nothing meaningful had changed.

How Could Optimizing Everything Lead to Nothing?

Each habit I’d picked up was beneficial in its own right. But spreading my energy thin meant I wasn’t excelling at anything.

I was doing everything—but getting nowhere.

Think of it like trying to burn a hole through a piece of paper using sunlight. There’s more than enough energy from the sun to do it. But unless you focus that energy through a magnifying glass, there will be no breakthrough.

The result? No progress. Just a pile of books and ideas collecting dust because I had no time to act on them.

This pattern continued for years. I was making progress—but not the breakthrough I was looking for.

I wouldn’t learn the power of focus until circumstances forced it upon me.

The Moment It All Changed

In 2022, I joined a dragon boat racing team three months out from the world championships.

Dragon boating is a bit like rowing—but more chaotic.

I wasn’t ready and had almost no shot of making the team—until the coach gave me a glimmer of hope.

She said if I gave everything I had for the next two months, I’d have a chance.

For two months, training became my entire world.
• I pushed myself harder than ever before.
• I ditched party invites.
• I dropped every unnecessary habit.
• I focused entirely on my ONE goal.

The result?

I made the team, competed at the world championships, and found myself in the best shape of my life.

By focusing on one clear goal and aligning every action toward it, I unlocked the power of focus.

You too can unlock this power in your life with three simple steps.

Step 1: Clarify Your Dream Outcomes

Start by identifying the dream outcomes you’d love to achieve.

Your outcomes should be clear, specific, and measurable. The more precise you are, the easier it will be to focus your energy.

Examples:
• Instead of “Start a business” → “Launch my first digital product”
• Instead of “Get a pay rise” → “Increase my income by 25%”
• Instead of “Get fit” → “Run a 5k without stopping”

Step 2: Commit to ONE

You probably have a few outcomes that excite you. Now you need to choose one.

I know that sounds difficult, but it’s necessary.

Use these questions to narrow it down:
• Which outcome would you choose if you could accomplish only one?
• Which outcome will make others easier or unnecessary?
• Which outcome feels most pressing right now?

Step 3: Condense the Timeline

Now it’s time to make your outcome achievable.

Can you accomplish this in the next 90 days?
• If yes, you’re ready to go.
• If not, break it down into a smaller milestone.

Example:
• Dream Outcome: Increase my income by 25%
• 3-Month Focus: Launch my first digital product in 90 days

Final Thoughts: Are You Ready to Take Action?

Try these steps yourself and see how much progress you can make in the next 90 days.
• Clarify your goal
• Commit to ONE priority
• Condense the timeline

Narrow your focus. Unlock your potential.