How to Choose Your Next Focus by Breaking the Trend
Why Following Everyone Else Can Lead You Astray
When it comes to how to choose your next focus, most people gravitate toward what's popular or trending. It feels safe - like riding a well-marked trail rather than blazing through unknown terrain. But just like off-roading in the desert, sticking to popular paths can limit your experience and growth.
The reality is that chasing every shiny new trend often distracts you from what really matters: focusing on what aligns with your strengths and long-term goals.
A Contrarian View: Break the Trend to Find Your True Path
Contrary to common advice, I believe the best way to choose your next focus is by deliberately stepping off the beaten path. Instead of hopping on bandwagons, take time to evaluate areas where you can uniquely add value-even if nobody else is looking there yet. This fresh direction fuels genuine growth and avoids burnout caused by overcrowded fields.
Think of it as finding a hidden trail in the mountains that few know about but offers exhilarating views and space to grow-rather than crowded bike paths cluttered with others rushing for the same finish line.
Real-World Examples and Swipe-Worthy Takeaways
- A mountain biker who shifted from popular cross-country routes to technical downhill trails discovered not just improved skills but renewed passion.
- A sales leader moved away from aggressive cold-calling trends and focused on relationship-building metrics, boosting loyalty and closing rates.
- Instead of jumping on every new gear fad, carefully choosing equipment based on personal fit yielded greater performance gains.
These examples highlight how choosing focus through thoughtful differentiation beats copying trends blindly.
My Own Story: From Sales Targets to Off-Road Trails
Starting out in sales, I chased every headline strategy-funnels, scripts, hard closes-you name it. It felt like sprinting uphill without rest. Eventually, I stepped back and reevaluated my approach towards relationship-building over fast wins. This shift aligned perfectly with my personality and allowed me to close deals that lasted.
Outside work, this mirrored my love for mountain biking. Instead of busy trails packed with riders trying shortcuts, I sought rugged desert rides that demanded patience and skill-offering rewards far beyond speed alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing Your Next Focus
Q: How do I know if I'm following a trend blindly?
A: If you find yourself jumping into something mainly because everyone else is doing it without considering how it suits your goals or strengths, you're likely following blindly.
Q: What if the trend actually works for me?
A: Good point! Trends aren’t bad inherently; just ensure they align authentically with what you want long term instead of adopting them out of pressure or hype.
Q: How do I discover less crowded areas to focus on?
A: Reflect on your unique skills, interests, and unmet market needs. Sometimes talking with mentors or exploring adjacent fields sparks ideas for original directions.
Your Next Step Toward Clearer Focus
The journey of how to choose your next focus isn’t about following every bright light but knowing which dark paths might hold hidden treasures worth uncovering. By challenging conventional wisdom and tuning into what truly resonates with you-whether professionally or personally-you set yourself up for sustainable success.
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One quick next step
If you want the context behind the ideas in this post, take 60 seconds and scan LiveGood - Membership Savings Club. You are looking for one thing: what they prioritize and what they ignore.
- Skim the homepage: What problem do they lead with?
- Check the about page: What is their point of view?
- Look for proof of focus: Do they repeat the same message everywhere?
Bookmark this post, then come back and compare what you noticed to the framework above.
Take 60 seconds and scan the focus link for one thing: what they clearly prioritize, and what they ignore.
- Headline test: what promise do they lead with?
- Mechanism test: what do they say “works” (without hype)?
- Proof of focus: do they repeat one message everywhere?
Then come back and compare what you noticed to the framework in the post.