Focus, Ruthlessly—Let Go of What’s Holding You Back

Organizations—and individuals—are often tempted to do too much at once, afraid to lose a single customer or miss a nostalgic ritual. But as the Canada Principle at Netflix showed, spreading yourself thin just burns fuel for little gain. Ruthless focus means saying no to good things so you can deliver great things. This sometimes feels like loss, but it’s really a trade: every resource spent on the past is one less devoted to a bigger opportunity for the future. This discipline is echoed in research on effective decision making: top performers regularly cut distractions and declutter their commitments. It’s a principle that stings—yet when you see compound results, you realize it’s worth it.

Begin by taking stock of everything vying for your attention or resources. Rank each commitment honestly, not just by legacy or due date, but by whether it will matter most in the next stage. Have the courage to let go—even if it stings—and reinvest what you save into the thing you believe could become your next big leap. The clarity that follows will sharpen your sense of control and accelerate breakthroughs across the board.