I remember going for an interview for a Senior Human Resources role here in Brisbane with a major government department.
I was really excited as well as being rather nervous.
I thought the interview went great. The CEO was really innovative and dynamic and we got along brilliantly. Then the search consultant called me to give me feedback.
Apparently the CEO also thought I was great (of course), however, he didn’t think I was the right fit. I asked why? He said I was an entrepreneur. What?! I recall replying – what does that mean? What is an entrepreneur…?
“Someone who can define the business they want to create, see where it is going, and do the work to get there.”
Mark Cuban – Owner of Dallas Mavericks, Blogger, Shark Tank Investor
That CEO did me a favour. Even though I think entrepreneurial thinking is an asset!
I didn’t realise it. I didn’t see it. Evidently, I did.
The thing with being an entrepreneur; we can lose FOCUS.
Let me share why and how this is a great strength and a great weakness.
We can’t stop thinking – and our brains are always buzzing. With ideas, innovations and new solutions to problems. We love to take risks and we are all about action. Brilliant.
I am always looking and chasing the butterflies and saying to those around me -what about this idea! That one! Let’s do this! Let’s create that!
Well maybe not so brilliant at times. I lose focus. Sometimes it is difficult to really achieve something when your mind is focussing on several different things. You are confusing the market – and you are confusing the universe. You can also confuse your team, your clients – and ultimately this detracts from your purpose. Then we can get tired, lose our passion and energy – it can become a vicious circle!
Focus…
I am not saying we are all like this. Also it doesn’t just apply to the entrepreneurs out there.
What I am saying is be careful on what you focus on – and what you are manifesting.
One of my past mentors emailed me the other day and said to me; Sonia I know you love what you do, remember your focus. We need people like that in our lives to help and support us in bringing it back to why we do what we do. Life is way too short to be doing a million thing just okay. It is more empowering and powerful to focus on your rocks; those big things; your purpose; your why and do it brilliantly.
I am truly passionate about my purpose and wanting to make a difference. However even I have to take a step back and look at where I am focusing my energy and thinking.
Remember –
“Attention Goes; Energy Flows.”
Truly focus on what you really want, your dreams, your why and your purpose. Manifest it everyday. You only live once and believe me time is our greatest resource. If there is something you are passionate about, something you truly want to achieve or you have that great idea, focus on it. It is amazing to see what will come back to you…
I promise.
Remember to always celebrate those small successes along the way too, and don’t lose focus.
I still love chasing my butterflies; however my focus is always front of mind…and heart.
Author – Sonia McDonald, Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach and CEO of LeadershipHQ
Sonia McDonald is one of Globe’s leading leadership executive coaches and keynote speakers, as well as an advisor, thought leader, and author. She’s also CEO and founder of LeadershipHQ, and through this, she empowers people to discover their own innate talent and strengths.
Named as one of the Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs and Top 250 Influential Women in the world, Sonia is shaking up the traditional view of leadership, and along the way she has uncovered some outstanding leadership talent which had previously gone unnoticed.
Sonia is internationally recognised as an expert in leadership and strategy, organisational development, workplace diversity and the neuroscience of leadership.
Sonia has also coached people around the world, encouraging them to succeed by reaching their full potential. She has helped hundreds of people build their brands, grow their leadership and business strategies, increase their confidence, build awareness, increase their business revenue, connect to the right people, build exceptional skills and achieve brilliant businesses and careers.
Sonia has written several books on leadership: Leadership Attitude, Just Rock IT! and Neuroscience of Leadership, and she writes regularly for publications such as The Australian, HRD Magazine, Smart Healthy Women and Women’s Business Media. She has been published in BBC Capital, The Australian, HRD Magazine, Business Insider and Richtopia
Her academic achievements include:
- Bachelor of Business (HRM)
- Diploma of Neuroscience of Leadership
- Certified in Prism Brain Mapping Assessment
- Certified Leadership Architect
- Certified in The Extraordinary Coach program.
Phone 1300 719 665 www.soniamcdonald.com.au
