One Big Goal

How to Achieve More by Focusing on Less

Rabbi Ezra Max

As you leap into the new calendar year, it’s natural to feel a rush of energy to set goals and make plans. But here’s a question to ask yourself: how many goals can you truly focus on and achieve in one year?

The Power of Singular Focus

When you have too many goals, your attention becomes scattered, and the results often fall short. The key to success is simplicity and focus. By honing in on one or two (maximum 3) major goals, you ensure that your energy is directed toward what matters most.

Having a singular focus does not just help you accomplish more, it ensures that the actions you take are in alignment with your broader vision. You’re not just working harder; you’re working smarter.

Set Aligned Goals for Yourself
and Your Team

For your goals to succeed, they must be aligned with the people who matter most to you–whether that’s your family, your team, or other key relationships. If a work goal is going to consume all your time, is your spouse and family on board? Will they feel neglected, or will they be supporting you along the way?

Similarly, if you have a significant professional goal, is your team aligned and motivated to help you get there? A well-aligned team knows exactly how they fit into your vision and how their efforts contribute to the goal. Without this clarity, progress can feel fragmented, and energy gets lost in distractions.

Reflecting on Alignment and Success

Last December, I was invited to guest on the Excelsior Journeys podcast and speak about goal setting. The timing was tricky, as it was on a Saturday night when I usually don’t work, so I had to communicate with my family and adjust my schedule. Everyone at home was aligned and supported me in making it happen.

Fast forward to last week, when I saw two LinkedIn posts highlighting this episode as being the most listened-to episode of the year. This reminded me how much alignment and support can amplify success. When the key people in your life are on board with your goals, it makes everything easier to achieve.

Measuring Progress: Small Wins Matter

The key to hitting ambitious goals is to consistently measure your progress. It’s easy to lose sight of where you’re headed if you’re not tracking results. That’s why I encourage clients to break their goals down into smaller, actionable steps with trackable metrics. By evaluating progress quarterly, monthly, and even weekly, you can stay on course. This process keeps you and your team accountable, helps adjust your strategies as needed before emergencies happen, and gives you the opportunity to celebrate the small wins along the way.

Applying Singular Focus to Your Personal and Professional Growth

Taking time to reflect on your leadership journey is crucial. You can get caught up in the rush of daily tasks, but stepping back to evaluate your progress ensures that you’re on track. Ask yourself: what’s the one focus, action, relationship, that will have the biggest impact on your future?

Last December’s podcast appearance was a clear example of how focus, communication, and alignment made all the difference. With the support of my family and the alignment of my goals, I was able to leverage the opportunity for the benefit of my audience and my work.

Planning and Evaluating:
Strengthening Your Leadership

“Eizehu Chacham, HaRoeh Et HaNolad” – “Who is wise? The one who foresees the consequences of their actions.” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). This wisdom underscores the importance of good planning and understanding the impact of your decisions. Leaders who take the time to plan strategically and also constantly reflect to adjust their approach in real-time, will lead their teams to greater success, even in the face of obstacles.

Conclusion: Focused Growth and Alignment Lead to Success

As we move into the new calendar year, it’s essential to simplify your goals. Focus on one big goal and make sure it aligns with the key people in your life. Track your progress regularly, and take action every day, week, and month to stay on course.

When we work with business owners and leadership teams, we always offer and strongly encourage a facilitated goal-setting experience. This helps ensure you and your team are aligned, focused, and ready to achieve your goals faster.

Remember, Hashem loves you and has unlimited abundance available for you. Together, with the right focus, you can reach higher, move further, get there faster, and achieve more than you ever thought possible. q

Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.