Deep focus is a photography technique that can be metaphorically applied to consciousness. It means working on the details (which is what all work consists of), while keeping the larger purpose or perspective in mind. It means being zoomed in and zoomed out at the same time.
With deep focus, we’re more effective, and less anxious.
We’re more effective if we can compose the notes while also paying attention to the groove.
We’re more effective if we use a tool correctly, while also considering if we’re using the right tool for the job (and switching if needed).
We’re more effective if we serve not only one person, but also their organization, and the mission that is meant to guide their organization.
Don’t pigeonhole yourself as either a “details” person or a “big picture” person. To be effective (at anything), you need to be both. You need to have the capacity to deal with the immediate minutiae as well as the ability to see the larger, broader, slower forces at play.
I’m naturally a details person, and my tendency is to jump right in and start working before carefully evaluating the situation or problem. After wasting probably thousands of hours of work, I now try to ask myself a few questions before I get in too deep, including: