But, as startups, we need to ensure that we are not spreading ourselves too thin in our businesses by trying to do all the things we could do or all the things we are uber passionate about and love.

A question to ponder: might it be helpful to spread myself a bit thicker just in a couple of places rather than a thousand?

We are often full of energy and enthusiasm, driven by a million ideas that fuel our passion. But, what if all those amazing ideas aren’t always what’s best for your business? Sometimes, we need to rein them in, focus, and streamline our efforts.

Decide which one is working well (or which one might work best) and hone in on that.

In my experience, one of the hardest things to do as a startup founder is to focus on just one thing.

It's clear that many of us – especially those with ADHD or “shiny object syndrome” – thrive on being constantly busy and coming up with new ideas. But here's the truth: sometimes we need to focus on one idea, one project, and give it the energy and attention it deserves.

5 ways to hone in on your ideas

1. Hone in on one idea: how often do we start with a brilliant business idea, only to have 10 more come to mind by the end of the week? This scattered approach might feel exciting, but it can dilute your efforts and make it harder to gain traction. When you’re spread too thin, you end up not giving enough attention to any one thing. Ask yourself: which idea has the most potential right now? Where can I make the most impact? Focus your energy there and give it your full attention. Remember, where attention goes, energy flows
2. Quality over quantity: as startup founders, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the flood of ideas and opportunities that come our way. But often, the most powerful strategy is to narrow your focus and concentrate on what truly moves the needle. By honing in on the most impactful aspects of your business, rather than trying to do everything, you’ll not only increase your chances of success, but also preserve your energy and wellbeing
3. Share your idea with others: we often hear advice about keeping our ideas close to our chest, but sometimes, sharing that idea can help you hone it, develop it, ensure it’s right for your audience… and it can also open doors in ways you never imagined. As a startup founder, talking about your vision and plans with others can be incredibly powerful. When you share your idea with others, you allow yourself to gain fresh perspectives that might highlight blind spots or reveal aspects you hadn’t considered.
4. Come back to your why: one of the best ways for startups to hone in on their ideas is by reconnecting with their why. When countless ideas compete for your attention, it’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed about what to prioritise. To gain clarity, ask yourself: What is the one thing I need to focus on right now to move my business forward, aligned with my goals and my mission? Create a “decision filter” that helps you assess which ideas resonate most with your core purpose, resources and objectives. Once you've identified your top priorities, set firm boundaries around your time and energy. This might mean saying “no” to new opportunities or ideas that don’t align with your current focus, or even blocking out specific time slots to work solely on those key priorities. By staying rooted in your why, you’ll have the clarity to make intentional, strategic decisions that propel your business forward
5. Continually take time to be reflective: as startup founders, we’re often moving at lightning speed, chasing the next opportunity, solving the next problem, and juggling multiple hats. But in the rush to "do", we often neglect the power of reflection. Taking the time to pause and assess what’s working (and what’s not) can provide invaluable insights. Reflection doesn’t mean slowing down or giving up. It means carving out time to step back, analyse your progress, and adjust your approach. Ask yourself questions like: What have I learned over the past month? Are my actions aligned with my goals? What’s draining my energy, and what’s lighting me up? By incorporating regular reflection into your routine, you can avoid burnout, stay aligned with your vision, and make smarter decisions moving forward. It’s not about perfection – it’s about making sure you’re growing in the right direction

As startup founders, we are naturally full of passion and energy, constantly inspired by new ideas and opportunities. But the key to sustainable success lies not in doing more, but in doing less – but doing it better. By honing in on one idea at a time, reflecting on our progress, and aligning our efforts with our core values and goals, we give ourselves the best chance to thrive both professionally and personally.

Ultimately, the most successful startup founders are those who learn to prioritise, set boundaries, and embrace the power of focus. So, let’s rein in those amazing ideas, focus on what truly moves the needle, and give our businesses the best chance to flourish.

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