Focus on One Thing: A Mindset Shift for Introverted Leaders

Have you ever been in a season where everything feels like a priority?

Multiple projects running in parallel. Tight deadlines. Endless meetings. And just as you’re catching your breath—another idea, another opportunity you can’t let go of. You want to say yes to all of it. You care deeply. You want to make an impact. But by the end of the day, especially as an introvert, you’re completely drained.

I’ve been there.

That’s why today, I want to talk about a quiet but powerful concept: Focus on one thing.

As you might have noticed, I’ve shifted the cadence of this newsletter to every two weeks. That was not an easy decision—there’s always something I want to share, and I truly enjoy connecting with you through these stories.

But this summer, I made a conscious choice to focus on one thing: writing Volume 2 of my BallSlayer book.

I believe deeply in the impact this story has had on young athletes—the messages of mindset, grit, and quiet confidence—and I want to keep making that difference. To do that, I had to say no to something else, even something I love.

At first, it felt like a loss. Saying no always does. But then I remembered something I read a while back that reframed everything for me:

“Extraordinary results are directly determined by how narrow you can make your focus.” — The ONE Thing by Gary Keller

The book talks about a simple yet powerful idea: when you focus on one thing, you not only make progress—you unlock your best thinking. You give yourself the space to go deeper, not just faster. You stop reacting and start leading.

For introverts, this principle is even more powerful.

We often thrive in depth, not breadth. But the pressure to do more, say yes, and chase every opportunity can lead us to overload. We spread ourselves too thin. And when everything is urgent, nothing feels purposeful.

Why “one thing” matters in leadership and in life

In the workplace, focusing on one thing means you prioritize the most strategic initiative instead of getting lost in busywork. It means you’re showing up fully—not half-present across 10 priorities. It allows you to be more intentional, thoughtful, and impactful—traits that introverted leaders are known for, but can easily get buried under the weight of too many tasks.

In life, it means giving yourself permission to pursue one goal without guilt. To choose depth over distraction.

And no, it doesn’t mean you ignore everything else. It means you decide what matters now. And trust that focused effort compounds over time.

Final thought

Next time you find yourself pulled in too many directions—whether in your personal life or in a high-pressure project—try this:

1. Pause and reflect: What’s the one thing that matters most right now?
2. Say it out loud. Write it down. Reclaim your intention.
3. De-prioritize the rest—even just for a short time.

You’ll be amazed what clarity and impact come from doing less, better.

Key takeaway: Focus sharpens your thinking and lets introverted leaders leverage their natural strength in depth, not breadth. Saying no is part of saying yes to what truly matters.

If you found this article helpful, here are more resources you might enjoy:

• Subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter
• 🎧 Tune in to the podcast on YouTube
• 📘 Download the Introvert Leaders Toolkit: 5 Strategies to Lead with Confidence at projectscenarios.com
• 📚 For help making decisions with clarity, check out the Introvert Leaders 4C Decision-Making Framework on Kindle
• 💬 And if this resonates with you—DM me. I’d love to hear your story.