Less Is More: Mastering Goals Through Focus

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The balloons were ready. Our youth leadership team members all had four balloons in their grasp. Occasionally, some balloons would fall to the ground, and a team member would quickly pick them up. That did not stop their enthusiasm. They knew that they could do it. They were about to bounce four balloons in the air simultaneously. The goal was that none of the balloons would hit the ground. I could see in their eyes — they knew this was their opportunity to shine as the greatest balloon juggler ever.

Prior to the activity, we discussed big goals. Each team member identified major goals they planned to accomplish soon. By setting goals, they realized what the outcome would look like. Most of the goals developed were opportunities to improve at a personal level. Other goals were significant accomplishments, such as being promoted.

The number of goals varied. One of the participants had four, which was a suitable number for us to experiment with.

It was time for each team member to try to bounce balloons simultaneously, keeping them all in the air. Ready, go! They quickly found out it was impossible. None of them had success with four balloons. Even though the challenge was tremendous, none of them appeared ready to give up — they kept trying.

In my book Mentor Them or They Will: Expert Advice for Youth Mentors Who Teach Self-Discipline Life Skills, I share information about young people who demonstrate determination: "People with determination anticipate enduring hardships and challenges. They maintain their focus when the challenges come." I was working with a determined team, and giving up was not part of their work ethic.

When we stopped to discuss the experience, one participant recommended that they try bouncing only two balloons. All agreed. The suggestion made a difference, and all were successful. Each team member successfully kept two balloons in the air, bouncing them for a considerable time. It was much different from trying to manage four balloons.

When we returned to the discussion tables, the team members quickly shared that they could see how someone dealing with too many goals would be like the balloon juggler with four or five balloons. It just does not work well.

Most highly effective leaders know it's important to have two or three very big goals and focus on them. This does not mean other activities and day-to-day things won't take place — they will. Instead, it's an opportunity for a person to get results by focusing on just a few goals.

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., is credited with saying, “It's only by saying ‘No’ that you can concentrate on the things that are really important.” Too many projects and goals can reduce effectiveness.

Whether you're trying to bounce balloons or focusing on projects, keep things manageable. Identify two or three major projects and take action to achieve positive results. You will see how "less" results in "more."

Mentoring perspective:

Mentors with leadership experience usually understand the importance of setting and completing goals. Big projects can be overwhelming if there are too many. While mentoring, ensure your mentee understands that focusing on a few significant opportunities is a winning strategy.

Questions:

What happens to leaders who take on too many goals or projects? Share an example of a situation relating to this topic.

Consider your current projects. How would you prioritize your goals to ensure you are not taking on too much?

Why is it important for leaders to identify big projects and goals?

After identifying a few big goals or projects, how will you ensure that you get the results you're looking for?