In 2015 Will Smith starred in a
film called Focus. In Focus, Will Smith plays a con man who recruits
a woman (played by Margot Robbie) to join in on his con lifestyle. Upon
teaching her the trade, he explains the importance of focus to her. Growing to learn the con game, she is able to grab the focus of others, just as
Will Smith’s character does throughout the film. And she’s able to
successfully obtain what she wants from different people she meets. One scene
in the film highlights an example of focus (see link below) and it made me
think about the importance of focus and paying attention in life. I wonder how
much further along many of us could be in life if we had more focus on what
really matters? Almost all of us are challenged with daily
distractions and demands that can easily deter our focus from tasks that
require our attention, and get us further and further away from different goals
and dreams we’d like to accomplish. But what if more people actively decided to
embrace discipline and eliminate as many distractions as possible from their own lives? I imagine that things would be significantly different in the best kinds
of ways. Where’s your focus these days? Scene from Focus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aO3hD5PHQdQ
As you embark on your career, I want you to know some things and stay woke about what you’ll be up against. Please understand that no matter what, you have value, and you matter. Always remember that. As progressive as this world and different workplaces may seem, every workplace has a culture. You’ll be in different places where a lot of people who don’t look like you will be in the room. But know that you belong in those rooms too. Spend some time observing and studying those spaces and learn as much as you can. There will be people you work with who will make presumptions about your competence, education, and ability to fulfill your job duties. There will be more who will think less of you because of the color of your skin and try to disqualify you the moment you make an error, mistake, or ask questions about things you may not understand. This will all feel uncomfortable and you may get insecure, feel like you’re all by yourself, and think you don’t belong there, but ride it out...