How Experts Figure Out What to Focus On

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. We are constantly bombarded by information, notifications, and demands on our attention. Yet, there are individuals who seem to be able to block out the noise, remain laser-focused, and accomplish remarkable feats. These are the experts—people who’ve mastered the art of focus and know exactly where to direct their attention. But how do they do it? How do experts figure out what to focus on, and more importantly, how can we apply this principle to our own lives?

The answer lies in a combination of deep knowledge, experience, and strategic prioritization. Experts don’t just guess what is important—they understand how to identify and focus on the most impactful tasks that drive results. In this article, we’ll dive into the principles and strategies that experts use to focus their energy on what matters most.

1. Clarity of Purpose: Know Your Why

At the heart of expert-level focus is clarity. Experts know exactly what they are working toward and why it matters. This clarity of purpose acts as a compass, guiding their decisions and actions.

For example, a scientist working on cancer research is driven by the desire to find treatments that will save lives. They know that their research may take years to bear fruit, but their focus remains steadfast because they understand the profound importance of their work. In contrast, someone who lacks clarity about their goals might get easily sidetracked, spending time on tasks that don’t align with their true objectives.

The Expert Strategy: To focus like an expert, ask yourself, “What am I trying to achieve, and why is it important?” When you have a strong sense of purpose, your goals become the filter through which you evaluate opportunities and make decisions about where to invest your time.

2. Prioritize High-Impact Activities

One of the key distinctions between novices and experts is their ability to identify high-impact activities. Experts don’t simply work hard—they work smart. They focus on tasks that move them closer to their goals and bring the highest return on investment (ROI).

Take a professional athlete, for example. An expert basketball player doesn’t waste time practicing every single move in the game. Instead, they focus on the areas that will give them the greatest advantage—whether it’s improving their shooting accuracy, strengthening their defense, or working on specific skills that make them stand out. They constantly evaluate and adjust their training to prioritize what will have the most significant impact on their performance.

The Expert Strategy: Experts use frameworks like the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle), which suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of efforts. Identify the 20% of activities that will give you the greatest return and prioritize those. By focusing on the most important tasks, you ensure that your energy is spent on what truly matters.

3. Leverage Experience and Intuition

Experience plays a huge role in expert decision-making. Over time, experts accumulate knowledge and insights that help them discern what is worth focusing on. This experience also helps them develop intuition—the ability to make judgments and decisions quickly, without needing to analyze every single detail.

A seasoned business leader, for example, can often “sense” a market trend long before it becomes obvious to others. Their intuition is based on years of exposure to industry patterns, consumer behavior, and historical data. While intuition may seem like a mysterious skill, it’s actually a byproduct of deep experience.

The Expert Strategy: To build your own intuition, focus on gaining experience in your field. The more you practice, the better you will become at recognizing patterns and understanding what’s worth your attention. Combine your intuition with data and analysis to make informed decisions about where to focus.

4. Embrace the Art of Saying No

One of the hallmarks of an expert is the ability to say no. In a world full of opportunities and distractions, experts are highly selective about what they take on. They know that every “yes” to something is also a “no” to something else, and that’s a trade-off they don’t make lightly.

A famous example of this is Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Jobs was known for his laser-like focus on only a handful of products that had the potential to change the world. He famously pared down Apple’s product line, cutting out anything that wasn’t absolutely essential to the company’s mission. By saying “no” to many things, he was able to devote all of Apple’s resources to the few things that mattered most.

The Expert Strategy: To prioritize effectively, learn the art of saying no. When presented with new tasks, projects, or opportunities, evaluate them based on your goals and current priorities. If they don’t align with what’s most important, don’t be afraid to decline. Saying no to less important things allows you to say yes to what truly matters.

5. Break Goals into Manageable Steps

While experts know what to focus on, they also understand the importance of breaking large, long-term goals into smaller, manageable steps. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of a project, experts divide it into specific, achievable tasks.

For instance, a novelist might feel daunted by the idea of writing a 300-page book. But instead of fixating on the end result, they break the goal down into daily word count targets or chapter milestones. By focusing on the next small step, the expert makes the larger goal feel more achievable.

The Expert Strategy: Take your big goals and break them down into smaller, bite-sized tasks. Focus on one step at a time, and celebrate small victories along the way. This approach not only helps you maintain focus but also builds momentum as you make progress.

6. Manage Distractions with Discipline

Distractions are the enemy of focus. Whether it’s social media notifications, office chatter, or the lure of procrastination, distractions are constantly vying for our attention. Experts, however, are masters of managing distractions and staying disciplined in their pursuit of goals.

Take a writer, for example, who might spend hours crafting the perfect sentence. They could easily get sidetracked by emails or news updates, but they actively work to minimize distractions. Many successful writers create “distraction-free” environments—whether it’s turning off their phone or working in a quiet space—so they can remain fully immersed in their work.

The Expert Strategy: Develop routines and systems that help you eliminate distractions. This could involve setting specific times for focused work, using apps that block distracting websites, or physically separating yourself from potential interruptions. By creating a dedicated space for deep work, you allow your focus to remain sharp and undivided.

7. Regularly Reevaluate and Adjust

Experts know that focusing on the right things requires ongoing reflection and adjustment. They don’t just set goals and forget about them—they continuously reassess their priorities and make adjustments based on new information, changing circumstances, or evolving objectives.

In the business world, successful entrepreneurs are constantly tweaking their strategies to stay ahead of the competition. They might revise their marketing plans based on customer feedback, adjust their product offerings based on market trends, or shift their focus based on new technological advancements.

The Expert Strategy: Build time for regular reflection into your routine. Periodically review your goals, priorities, and progress to ensure you are still on the right path. If something no longer serves your purpose, be willing to pivot and adjust your focus accordingly.

8. Balance Focus with Flexibility

While focus is essential, experts also recognize the importance of staying flexible. Rigidly sticking to one course of action can lead to missed opportunities or inefficiencies. Instead, experts balance focus with the ability to adapt when necessary.

For example, a skilled investor might have a clear strategy for their portfolio, but they are also open to shifting their approach based on new trends, market shifts, or emerging technologies. Their focus allows them to stick to the fundamentals, but their flexibility enables them to capitalize on new opportunities when they arise.

The Expert Strategy: Stay focused on your overarching goals, but be willing to adapt your tactics and approach when new information or circumstances require it. Flexibility allows you to respond to changes without losing sight of your long-term vision.

Conclusion: Mastering Focus, Mastering Success

Experts are not born with the ability to focus—they develop it over time through intentional practice, strategic prioritization, and a deep understanding of their goals. By clarifying your purpose, prioritizing high-impact tasks, leveraging experience, and managing distractions, you can adopt expert-level focus in your own life. Remember, the key to success lies not in doing everything, but in doing the right things. As you refine your ability to figure out what to focus on, you’ll discover that success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter.