Tweet

Lesson #5: Stay Focused

Article Overview: “I am a very focused person,” says Combs. “Right now I'm in a real, real strong creative zone. You know, musically I'm in that zone. Fashion, designer-wise, I'm in that zone. I'm in a zone right now. I'm like Jordan in the fourth right now, ladies and gentlemen.” Between all his business ventures, court battles, marathon runs and his family, if it weren’t for Combs’ ability to focus on one important thing at a time, he would have succumbed to the pressure long ago.

Lesson #5: Stay Focused

“I am a very focused person,” says Combs. “Right now I'm in a real, real strong creative zone. You know, musically I'm in that zone. Fashion, designer-wise, I'm in that zone. I'm in a zone right now. I'm like Jordan in the fourth right now, ladies and gentlemen.” Between all his business ventures, court battles, marathon runs and his family, if it weren’t for Combs’ ability to focus on one important thing at a time, he would have succumbed to the pressure long ago.

In 2003, Combs made up his mind that he was going to run in the New York City Marathon, one of the top annual long-distance running events in the U.S, comprised of a 26.2-mile course through the five boroughs of the city. A first for Combs, his goal was to raise $1 million for the New York City school system. For eight street weeks, Combs trained around the clock to be ready for the race. Most people train for months or even years before this marathon, but Combs dedicated himself completely to training during those eight weeks. At mile 12 of the race, Combs’ leg seized and his physician was unsure if he could continue.

But, Combs remained focused on his goal. He had managed to raise $2 million in donations – double his initial goal – and he was not about to let his supporters, or the children of New York City down. He made the mental decision to commit to his goal and finish the race – no matter what the cost. Four hours after he began running, Combs crossed the finish line. He didn’t achieve the fastest time in the race, but he had accomplished what he first set out to do – complete the marathon. Despite injuries and fatigue, Combs remained focused on his end goal.

It is this same focus that Combs applies to all other aspects of his life. During one of the most difficult times of his life – his trial for weapons charges that stemmed from a 1999 shooting at a Manhattan nightclub in which three people were injured – he continued to focus on his music and his clothing line. With the world looking in on his life and scrutinizing its every detail, many others would have crumbled. But, Combs looked to the future and focused on life after the trial. In the end, his focus paid off. He was acquitted of all charges of weapon possession and bribing a witness. Unfazed, Combs went right back to work after the trial.

Part of Combs’ ability to stay focused on what’s important to him in the future lies in the time he takes to reflect on where he has already been. “You can’t really know where you’re going in life as a person, let alone a culture or community, if you don’t take the time to sit back, evaluate and analyze the successes and the mistakes,” he says. “Try to figure out how to learn from them and move forward by setting goals and agendas for yourself.”

Indeed, Combs has never been one to lack goals, and with his fierce determination and focus, he set out to achieve those goals, willing to settle for nothing less.

Related Articles
  The 3-Most Powerful Words in Sales
  Who Is Your Proud Family?
  Workout Wisdom For The Workplace
  Actions speak louder than words
  Sales Digging In Progress: Get Prospects to Listen to You

Article Tags: 1 million, business ventures, clothing line, court battles, creative zone, difficult times, donations, fashion designer, fastest time, fatigue, finish line, five boroughs, initial goal, ladies and gentlemen, long distance, manhattan nightclub, mental decision, new york city, new york city marathon, york city marathon



Related Forum Posts
Essential Leadership skills - Delegate Serve Creativity optimistic smart Focused Reliable honest Good sense of judgment consistent... It all comes from the confidence from within
Promoting something you cant try - How about a series of Showcase events where you invite target prospect to a DEMO type event Focused on the benefits. you could also go back to direct sales, telemarketing and communication follow up Without knowing more, I would have to say that really understanding the target and how the product would be used, would generate better ideas from me. J
Re: My first video in over a year - Thanks guys - I appreciate the feedback! I'm just working my next video and I like it even better! Stay tuned!
Re: FREE Toronto Referral Workshop - Kevin, I'll try to get a copy of the slides and summarize the 14 Strategies. Stay tuned!
Re: WorkfmHomeDiva is in the House! - Hi, name is Melissa Burns. Stay home working mom, and loving this site!


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Four Secrets to Earning Income as an Author

How to Ask for a Flexible Work Arrangement

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.