It’s surprising how often real change comes not from massive overhauls, but from addressing one or two bottlenecks with focus and intensity. In fact, studies suggest that removing just one critical constraint in a business can increase productivity by up to 20–50%, without adding new staff, equipment, or long hours.And here’s the challenge…
When you’re in the thick of running a business, those constraints are easy to miss. You see the same problems every day, from the same angle, so the most transformative opportunities can stay hidden.
That’s why pausing to refocus, even briefly, can make all the difference. By identifying and concentrating on only one or two key issues, leaders often find clarity and headspace to tackle bigger challenges more effectively, and get things moving in a better direction.
Why focusing on one thing works
Trying to solve everything at once can stretch your time, energy, and attention. While it may feel like you’re across everything, what’s really happening is you’re attention hopping from one issue to the next, and each switch quietly drains momentum, making it harder to keep everything in play.
Focusing deliberately allows you to:
- make a clear decision or implement a solution that actually sticks
- free up time and energy for other priorities, and
- approach complex challenges with confidence once small constraints are removed.
How to make focus work for you
A practical approach starts with identifying a single challenge that matters most right now. It might be a decision that’s been lingering, a process consuming more effort than it should, or a leadership issue subtly affecting your team.
Once your focus is clear, creating space through allocating time and enlisting the right people to support and hold you accountable ensures you address the issue effectively. Many leaders discover that working one-on-one with an experienced advisor or coach speeds up the process. Having someone to ask the right questions and provide perspective can turn a lingering issue into a clear, actionable solution.
Turning focus into results
Even a small, concentrated effort can create noticeable improvements. The difference isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing the right thing at the right time. Leaders often discover that clearing one bottleneck opens the door to solving others more easily, building confidence and control across their business.
A structured way to focus
For those seeking additional support, programs like Rapport Leadership’s Business Breakthrough Sprint are designed to help leaders step back, clarify the key issue, and take action with expert guidance — without long-term commitment or unnecessary complexity.
The takeaway
Focusing on one or two high-impact priorities can unlock progress, clarity, and energy across your business. Sometimes, the smartest move is to pause, refocus and take that single step that makes everything else easier.
If you’d like to explore this approach in your own business, you can book a confidential chat with a senior team member , or consider a focused Sprint to tackle a priority with greater confidence.
