Self- Focus

Developing a Clear Vision: Self- Focus
(This post is part of a continuing series focusing on home-based business startups.)

So what exactly is Self-Focus? Maybe it's best to start off by describing what it's not.

Being self-focused is NOT the same as being selfish- To be selfish is to care only for oneself. A selfish person might also be described as self-interested, self-centered, even narcissisitic. When we meet a selfish or self-centered person, we can feel it seeping out of their pores. It's not attractive, and it's not at all the same thing as being self-focused.

And that's because a self-focused individual is totally fixated on their VISION, not themselves. And this is an important distinction, because here's the deal. Everyone you know is NOT going to support you in your endeavor. There's going to be MANY people, even some friends and family (sad to say), that are going to feel it's their obligation, even their duty to 'help you' by telling you about their fears, and pointing out every devastating possibility that could occur if you continue down this path toward starting a home-based business. They'll remind you about the tough economy... the stiff competition...the unlikelihood of success... the many distractions. Let's call them the nay-sayers. You know the folks I'm talking about. They start their sentences with phrases like "Can I tell you something as a friend?  or  "Can I play devil's advocate for a minute?"  or  "I'm concerned for you because...."  When you hear these opening lines, RUN!... or least develop hearing loss, because there's a little lecture coming, and it's not going to be positive or uplifting. 

The self-focused individual doesn't expect or seek the support of everyone. Rather, she knows that there will be certain people who will never be supportive of her vision.  Let's face it- the nay-sayers are draining & their negativity is contagious. If you allow yourself to be side-tracked by their doubts & fears, you will lose your focus in no time and be off track.

So what's the remedy? 
1) Spend as little time as possible with those who would undermine your confidence and/or progress. If this means sharing very few details about  your business with certain individuals, then so be it. (If these happen to be close friends or relatives, this is tough, but not impossible.)
2) Seek out like-minded people to support you in the challenges you will face along the way. If would be optimum to seek out the help of a mentor, someone who has trod a similar path as the one you are walking on (but more on this in our next post).

So in closing, guard your vision. Keep the blinders handy. Remember, self-focus is vital to your eventual success and it is totally within YOUR control!