The ROI of Attention: Why Where You Focus Shapes Everything

In business—and in life—what you focus on multiplies. Amy Krouse Rosenthal nailed it when she said, “Pay attention to what you pay attention to.”

We live in an age where attention is currency. Algorithms, ads, and endless to-do lists compete for our focus like auctioneers on caffeine. But here’s the hard truth: if you’re not actively choosing where your attention goes, someone else is choosing for you.

In leadership, this manifests as reactive decision-making, distraction-driven priorities, and teams confused by shifting targets. In personal life? It shows up as burnout, shallow relationships, and a creeping sense of dissatisfaction.

Start treating your attention like a budget. Audit it. Track it. Invest it wisely. Are you focused on long-term strategy or putting out today’s fires? Are you noticing team wins or just their missteps? Are you watching your competitors, or your own progress?

What you consistently give your attention to—whether that’s problems or possibilities—becomes your reality. Choose wisely.

Michael Shenher