G’day, Today i want to share my personal experience from the Be More Social Social Daily Challenge, particularly my journey on the theme of sharpening focus, This challenge, which asked us to reflect on where we should put our energy and how to cut through distractions, Truly shifted the way i see my daily habits, language, purpose. I hope my story inspires you to think about where your own focus lies and how you can live more intentionally.
The Power of Sharpening Focus
For many of us, especially on a Friday when we’re wrapping up for work or school, staying focused feels like climbing a mountain. As I went through this challenge, I realized how often I let distractions take over — from endless social media scrolling to overthinking unfinished tasks. The challenge nudged me to ask: Where should I put my energy, and what truly deserves my attention
Reflecting On Awareness: The First Step
Before diving into sharpening my focus, I revisited what I had learned during the cultivate awareness phase of the challenge. Our team had spent time understanding individual strengths, especially with guidance from Dr. Donna Rose, or Dr. D as we call her. Her expertise in relationship building showed me how much of our focus can be positively directed towards building connections.
We had also taken steps in our charity journey — conversations with a lawyer about gaining official status, brainstorming ideas for fundraising, and sorting through paperwork (which often felt like solving the classic chicken-or-egg dilemma). All of this taught me that focus isn’t just about zoning in on one task; It’s about balancing priorities without getting overwhelmed.
Where My Focus Needed Sharpening
Going into Friday’s sessions, I asked myself: Where am I putting myself right now, and is it helping me grow?
I realized that I was caught in the whirlwind of doing — taking on more work, managing new team members, and trying to be everywhere at once. Instead of streamlining, I was stretching myself thin. But here’s what I learned: by sharpening my focus, I could help others take ownership, too. For example, our team began crafting their own employee agreements — not contracts dictated by me, but agreements shaped by what they were willing to give and receive. It became less about control and more about shared accountability.
Distraction That Pulled Me Away from Sharpening Focus
During this process, I became keenly aware of the distractions that tugged at my energy :
- Social media and emails: I found myself mindlessly checking notifications instead of focusing on what mattered.
- Overcommitting: Taking on too many responsibilities in the name of “helping out” actually diluted my effectiveness.
- Perfectionism: Wanting everything to be just right before moving forward caused delays and stress.
Recognizing these patterns was humbling, but it was the key to regaining control over my attention.
My Environment, Routine, and Strengths
Sharpening focus isn’t just about saying no to distractions — it’s also building an environment that supports your intentions.
- Morning check-ins: I started each day by reviewing my main goal. Just one goal — not ten! This kept me anchored.
- Empowering language: I shifted how I spoke to myself and my team. Instead of saying, “Don’t forget,” I said, “Remember to…” It’s a small change that made a big impact on our mindset.
- Body language and presence: I even practiced turning the volume down during video calls and just watching, noticing how people moved, where their attention was, and how i could better engage.
These small adjustments helped me sharpen my focus and live more intentionally.
The Gift of Shared Focus
One of the most powerful moments of the week was introducing the idea of shared agreements. Instead of me dictating terms, I asked the team to define what they were willing to give and what they hoped to receive. This practice not only clarified individual roles but also helped everyone align their focus with our collective purpose. It transformed our dynamic from ” I tell, you do” to “we create together.”
This taught me that focus isn’t a solo endeavor. When we bring others along and invite shared purpose, we sharpen our focus as a community.
Be, Do, Have — Flipping the Model
Throughout the week, I reflected a lot on the Be, Do, Have model. Too often, we chase after the having part — wanting the new car, the perfect body, or extra ice cream (guilty!). But I realized that true focus starts with being — being the kind of person who prioritizes what matters, who speaks with purpose, and who acts with intention. When we are first, the do and have naturally follow.
A Call to Action
If you’re feeling scattered, here’s what I encourage you to try:
- Start your day by naming one thing that deserves your focus.
- Write down distractions that keep showing up.
- Invite others — colleagues, friends, family — to create shared agreements around how you’ll support each other’s focus.
- Elevate your language: choose words that move you towards your goals, not away from them.
- Remember to pause and check in with yourself — are you being who you want to be?
By doing these small but powerful practices, you can sharpen your focus and live each day with more purpose.
Final Thoughts
This journey of self-reflection reminded me that sharpening focus isn’t about doing more — It’s about doing what matters, with intention. Whether you’re leading a team, growing a charity, or simply trying to manage your day, focus is the key that unlocks clarity and progress. And remember — it’s not just about you. When you sharpen your focus, you inspire those around you to do the same.
So go ahead. Sharpen your focus. Be more social. And simply say, G’day.
