"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."

The central idea here is about focus. It’s all about identifying what truly matters and then maintaining that as your primary focus amidst everything else. Think about it like this: life throws a million distractions your way every day, but if you’re clear on your main goal, you won't get sidetracked.

Imagine you’re trying to juggle a bunch of tasks—emails, meetings, errands. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. Stephen R. Covey, the author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," often emphasized this concept. He wanted people to prioritize what’s most important and not let minor tasks derail their progress. In a world where multitasking is the norm, Covey's advice is a wake-up call. It reminds us that not everything on our to-do list is of equal importance.

Let's take a real-life example. Picture a startup founder. She has vision—she knows where she wants her company to go. But every day, she’s bogged down by investor meetings, employee issues, and countless emails. Yet, her main thing is product development. Without a solid product, her startup won’t survive. So, she blocks out time each day specifically for this. Despite the chaos around her, she dedicates her peak hours to refining her product, making it the best it can be. Fast forward, her product catches on, her startup grows, and she credits her success to keeping her main thing—the product—the main thing.

How can you apply this wisdom? First, identify what your "main thing" is. This could be a work project, a personal goal, or even a relationship. Write it down. Next, structure your day around it. It’s not about completely ignoring other tasks, but rather, ensuring they don’t overshadow your primary focus. For instance, set specific times during the day when you’ll work on your main goal without interruptions. Turn off notifications, close irrelevant tabs, and let people know you’re not to be disturbed.

Here's a relatable scenario: Think about a student preparing for exams. She knows her main thing is to study and understand the material deeply. But there’s social media, friends inviting her out, and clubs she’s a part of. If she succumbs to these distractions, she won’t perform well. So, she decides to make a timetable. She studies for a couple of hours early in the morning when it’s quiet, then takes breaks, and perhaps spends a little time on social activities in the evenings. By prioritizing her studies, she ensures she’s well-prepared for her exams while still maintaining a balanced life.

In essence, life is full of distractions. But when you keep the main thing the main thing, you streamline your efforts towards what truly matters. It’s like being on a road trip with a set destination. You might enjoy the scenery, make a few stops, but you always know where you’re headed. So, figure out your main thing, focus on it, and let other stuff fall into place around it. After all, it’s your journey—make sure you’re steering it in the right direction.