Mastering Focus: Why You Should Stop Saying Yes to Everything
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to find yourself overwhelmed with commitments, constantly spinning plates, and feeling like you’re getting nowhere. One of the biggest mistakes people make is saying yes to everything without truly understanding the cost involved. Every decision you make, every new project you take on, requires something from you — your time, energy, focus, and resources.
If you’re not careful, you'll quickly find yourself drained, unproductive, and frustrated, wondering why others seem to be achieving so much while you feel stuck. But there’s a way to break free from this cycle and start seeing real progress.
Everything You Do Takes Something from You
Here’s the reality: everything you do takes something from you. Whether you’re starting a business, taking on a new project, or helping a friend in need, each action demands your time, energy, or even your mental well-being. And if you’re constantly engaging in too many things at once, it’s inevitable that something will fall apart.
Think about starting a business, for example. It’s going to take your money, your time, your sleep, and your effort. Yes, you’ll gain something long-term if you do it right, but the immediate toll is undeniable. The same goes for anything else in life — relationships, personal development, health — all of these require something from you.
The Danger of Saying Yes to Everything
One of the biggest challenges people face is underestimating what their commitments take from them.
How many times have you agreed to help someone, started a new project, or said yes to something exciting, only to realize later that you don’t have the energy or resources to follow through? You end up with spinning plates, unfinished tasks, and a sense of failure. And that sense of failure impacts your mindset, ultimately causing you to lose confidence and give up.
So, before jumping into something new, ask yourself: What is this going to take from me? Is it time? Is it energy? Is it your mental well-being? And more importantly, do you have it to give?
Prioritise Your Focus
If you’re constantly chasing shiny objects or committing to too many things at once, you’re spreading yourself too thin. Focus is key to achieving success in anything you do. It’s about choosing one course and following it until you achieve the result you want.
When I first got into public speaking back in 2014-2015, I knew that if I wanted to be great at it, I had to give it my all. It wasn’t just about practicing a few times and hoping for the best. I had to commit time, energy, and resources into mastering the craft. I understood that it was going to take a lot from me, but because I had the capacity to give, I was able to become successful in it.
Weigh Up the Costs Before You Commit
Whether it’s learning a new skill, starting a business, or helping a friend, always weigh up what it’s
going to take from you. Do you have the time, energy, or resources to give right now? If the answer is no, then don’t do it. Spreading yourself thin will lead to burnout, frustration, and ultimately, failure.
Success isn’t about doing everything at once; it’s about doing the right things at the right time, with the resources you have available. Be aware of what you’re committing to, and make sure you’re not overextending yourself.
Final Thoughts
Every action you take requires something from you, and if you don’t have it to give, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Instead, focus on one thing at a time, dedicate the resources you need to succeed, and you’ll see far better results in the long run. It’s not about how many things you can juggle at once — it’s about mastering what’s important and making real progress.
Ready to stop spreading yourself thin and start focusing on what really matters? Join the 7-Day Speaker, designed to help you master your skills and focus on what’s truly important for your growth and success. Sign up today and take the first step towards a more productive and focused life!
Don’t wait—sign up today and start your journey to becoming an unstoppable!
– Jessen James