The Power of Focus: A Simple Framework for When You’re Pulled in Too Many Directions

VEST Focus Guide for When You’re Pulled in Too Many Directions

Have you ever noticed how opportunities sometimes show up all at once? A business idea, a new project at work, an invitation to serve on a board, or a creative passion like becoming a content creator or writing a book. Each feels exciting and meaningful, and the thought of passing one by can leave us wondering, am I settling?, am I not being ambitious enough?, or what if I don’t get this chance again?

So instead of choosing, we try to do it all or we sit in indecision, dwelling on which path to take. The result isn’t progress. It’s overwhelm, and often a sense that nothing is getting our full attention. This is especially common for women professionals, who often carry multiple roles at once: leader, caregiver, volunteer, entrepreneur, partner, friend.

Deciding what deserves focus right now can be a real challenge, but with the right framework, it’s possible to step out of the cycle of “what ifs” and start making clear choices that bring both peace of mind and momentum.

Introducing The VEST Focus Guide

At VEST, we know how easy it is to feel pulled in many directions at once. That’s why we created the VEST Focus Guide a simple, practical tool you can use anytime you’re weighing new activities or opportunities. It helps cut through the noise, honor your priorities, and move forward with clarity (and without guilt).

Step 1: Get It All Out

Start by writing down every opportunity, responsibility, or idea currently competing for your attention. Big or small, personal or professional put it all on paper. Getting it out of your head is the first step toward clarity.

Step 2: Define What Matters Most in This Season

For so long, women have been given the message that we can “do it all” and all at the same time. The reality is, while we are capable of incredible things, trying to pursue everything at once often leaves us spread thin and feeling unfulfilled. The truth is not about whether we can do it all, it’s about choosing what matters most in this particular season of life.

By pausing to identify your current priorities, you give yourself permission to focus on what truly deserves your energy. This doesn’t mean letting go of your other ambitions forever, it simply means creating space to do fewer things more fully, with intention and impact.

Start with defining what matters to you right now. Possible priorities might include:

• Financial stability

• Personal fulfillment

• Flexibility or time freedom

• Family balance

• Long-term impact or legacy

• Alignment with values or purpose

• Growth and learning

• Fun / Traveling

Choose 3–5 that feel right for this season of life.

Step 3: Score Each Opportunity

Create a simple table and rate each opportunity on a scale of 1–5 against your chosen priorities (1=low, 5=high).

Opportunity	Financial	Fulfillment	Flexibility	Impact	Relationships	Total
Write a Book	2	4	3	5	4	18
Start a Business	5	3	3	4	2	17
Volunteer Project	1	5	4	5	3	18

VEST-Tip: Don’t overthink the numbers, learn to trust your instincts.

Step 4: Map Effort vs. Reward

Now, create a quick visual 2x2 grid and place each opportunity where you feel it. This step gives you a clear picture of where your energy is best spent.

VEST Effort vs. Reward Map

Step 5: Pause for a Reality Check

Reflect on results

• Which things rise clearly to the top?

• Given my current bandwidth, what’s truly realistic?

• What can I delay, delegate, or decline?

• If I only accomplished one thing this year and felt proud of it, what would it be?

Why This Works

The VEST Focus Guide takes the pressure off “having to do it all.” Instead of running on emotion or guilt, it helps you make thoughtful choices rooted in your values and in what’s actually possible. And here’s the most important part: saying not now to certain opportunities doesn’t mean closing the door forever. It means giving yourself permission to focus, so the commitments you do take on receive your best energy.

A Gentle Reminder

Indecision isn’t a weakness, it’s often a reflection of how much you care. The VEST Focus Guide is designed to help you honor that care while still moving forward with confidence and clarity. When we stop scattering our attention and start aligning our energy, we not only create progress, we create peace of mind.

If you've yet to join our community of powerful women eager to help you rise with clarity, courage, and confidence, apply today. Learn more at www.VESTHer.co