Finding Focus: Attention Is A Resource

If there’s one thing that I’ve been having a difficult time with since joining Inc. Arabia, I’d have to say that it is the not-so-simple act of focus.

For those who have built businesses from the ground up, you’ll likely understand my predicament. As my team and I work to build Inc. Arabia into the brand we believe it can be, we find ourselves practically bombarded with a plethora of propositions and possibilities.

The temptation – and pressure – to do it all can be overwhelming. After all, the instinct is to chase every potential opportunity that comes our way.

However, one of the things that I’ve learned over the course of my career is that chasing everything often translates into chasing nothing of true significance. Plus, as the axiom goes, the one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd.

Indeed, I believe that success often comes not so much from how many opportunities we seize, but rather from how many of them we do well – and with intention. It’s become way too easy to get sidelined by distractions, from get-rich-quick schemes to the latest “unmissable” trend. In reality, true impact is often realized by crafting your own route.

SQUATWOLF co-founder and CEO Wajdan Gul validated this belief of mine when I got to interview him for this month’s edition of Inc. Arabia. Having built a global brand out of Dubai, Gul’s advice for entrepreneurs wanting to follow his lead was this: “Growth isn’t about racing forward; it’s about building a foundation strong enough to hold up your ambition. Ultimately, challenge everything – don’t just follow trends, or replicate what’s working for others. Find your own way, and lean into it fully. That’s what will set you apart.”

Gul’s perspective reinforces my conviction that success isn’t about doing it all – it’s about doing what matters well. Attention, time, and energy; these are all finite resources.

And that’s where focus comes into play – being intentional about every one of our actions is key to achieving our goals. Of course, I can tell you firsthand that this is easier said than done – but at Inc. Arabia, we’re daring to step away from the noise, focusing on what matters, and charting our own course.

This article first appeared in the November issue of Inc. Arabia. To read the full issue online, click here.