F is for Focus

Welcome to Notio News, a regular round up for creative industry leaders who want to stay on top of the stories and data that drive our business.

Why This Idea Matters

In order to compete, we must focus. The CBC’s Schitt’s Creek exploded internationally because it focused on tight, character-driven writing instead of chasing trends. And that cast - amazing! Another about-to-be-global hit "North of North" focuses on a very specific experience and perspective, life in Canada's far North.

Ryan Reynolds didn’t become a global brand by taking every script that came his way (although he'll do a bit on the questionable choices). Instead, over time (after leaving his job at my local grocery store - true story) he focused on building a distinct voice of charm and irreverence which is now an empire. Focus is so very important in a crowded and competitive world.

And... those tools and platforms that have given us that crowded and competitive world and its resplendent opportunities are also compromising one of our most critical skills: focus.

TL;DR

Focused projects and businesses win. Spend the time to really consider your audience, project, and the goals that surround what you are trying to do. There are very few shortcuts to success.

So here’s the question: are you creating for the audience you want, or scattering your efforts trying to reach everyone? Focus isn’t about closing doors—it’s about knowing which ones to walk through.

When it comes to how you engage with information, the same rule applies. And I'm addressing myself just as much as you, dear reader. Maybe we can reduce those inputs so we aren't half-listening while scrolling on our phones? Or consider reading an article from start to finish without opening another tab? Attention isn’t just valuable—it’s rare. After all, the creative industries start with ideas, and we need a functioning mind for those ideas to spring forth from.

Binge-watching isn’t research. Half-listening isn’t learning. Read the whole article. Watch the whole documentary. Let ideas breathe.

Handy links and resources

• "Deep Work" by Cal Newport – Why depth beats shallowness in a distracted world.
• "Essentialism" by Greg McKeown – How to cut through noise and focus on what matters.
• Freedom (app) – Block distractions and reclaim your attention.
• "Stolen Focus" by Johann Hari – How modern life erodes attention and how to fight back.

Final Thought

“I leave you to your own devices. I mean that: your phone is the best relationship you all have now, the first thing you pick up in the morning and the last thing you touch at night.”

―Kara Swisher, Burn Book: A Tech Love Story

The views and opinions expressed in this news item are those of its author and not the official policy or position of the report authors and organizations profiled here.