Are you focused?

Focus is the central point of attention and activity. You could also say that to be focused is to be centered, or at the heart of the situation.

A trip can be fun and exciting - the thrill of being on the road, of seeing new places, meeting new people. However, in the business world, starting a trip can be fraught with peril. A company's competition is racing along the same track, each trying to outdo the other. As we all know, a journey often involves places to pull over and take a break, as well as possible detours that can take you miles out of your way. It is vital to have a goal in mind before beginning a trip. A goal will help to keep the company focused on what is most important, and thus avoid the many detours that crop up. While at times detours are vital to align the company with environment and business factors, constant detours will cause the company to become lost amid the landscape of growth and success. It is vital for a company to remain focused on its goals - keep those enticing detours on the back burner as possible future trips. Nothing motivates a company and its employees as the satisfaction of accomplishment and goals reached.

Without a defined goal at the beginning of a trip, then how will you know when you've gotten off track, or even when you've reached your destination?