[MTM] Clarity vs. Focus—what’s the difference?

September 16, 2025 | Issue Archive

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Clarity vs. Focus: The Choice That Changes Everything

We’ve all been told to focus.

Focus harder. Focus longer. Focus until you get it done.

And sure — focus has its place. It’s what helps you check 200 emails off your list, hammer out that report, or push through a workout.

But here’s the truth: focus without clarity will burn you out.

I learned this the hard way.

A few years ago, I picked “focus” as my word for the year. I even hired a coach with a guaranteed plan. I thought I had it all figured out.

Then life happened — a family medical crisis that slashed my work hours to just a few hours a day. Suddenly, focus wasn’t enough. In fact, the harder I focused, the more frustrated I became.

That’s when I realized: focus gets you through today, but clarity gets you through change.

Focus says, “Clear the inbox.”

Clarity asks, “Is this the best use of my time?”

Focus says, “Stick to the plan.”

Clarity asks, “What matters most now?”

in a world moving this fast, you must be clear on where you’re going, but flexible in how you get there.


This Ends Now

Where in your life or work are you relying on focus when what you really need is clarity?

  • Maybe you’re focused on the wrong metric.
  • Maybe you’re focused on keeping a legacy program alive.
  • Maybe you’re focused on doing it all yourself instead of asking: what’s most important?

End the myth that more focus is the answer. Focus without clarity is just spinning wheels.


This Moment Matters

What’s one area where you can trade focus for clarity today?

  • Instead of grinding harder, step back and ask: What business am I really in?
  • Instead of adding another task, pause and ask: Where is the joy?
  • Instead of doing it all, ask: What matters most right now?

Remember: Focus narrows. Clarity expands.

That’s the choice that changes everything.


If this message struck a chord, I’d love to hear from you. Hit reply and tell me one area where you’re ready to trade focus for clarity. I’ll cheer you on—and who knows, your story might spark clarity for someone else next week.

Up we go—


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Mastering the Moments: Helping You Reclaim Peace and Power Through Intentional Endings

I’m Shawn Ellis—Resilience Strategist, keynote speaker, and creator of the Choose Your Ending™ method and the 5 C’s of Radical Adaptability. My newsletter, Mastering the Moments, delivers bold, heartfelt insights to help you let go of what’s no longer working—so you can lead with clarity, courage, and purpose in a world that won’t slow down.