From Fog to Focus to Freedom
This past week served as a powerful reminder that life is rarely simple. While I am building Fog to Focus, many don't realize that I also work full-time at a homeless shelter. Every day, I am on the front lines helping men rebuild their lives—guiding them to find employment, develop healthier mindsets, set meaningful goals, and create systems that actually move them forward.
At the same time, I am coaching leaders and helping case managers improve their own systems, all while striving to keep everyone focused on what truly matters. This week, things got particularly intense.
We underwent training for active shooter and violent situations. It might sound extreme, but when people are hurting, angry, triggered, or desperate, situations can escalate in an instant.
One vital lesson I have learned from my work at the mission is that people need both grace and truth. It isn't just about rules, and it isn't just about relationships—it's the intersection of both. Living in that tension every day requires a high level of preparation.
The Power of Preparation
Years ago, I learned a simple yet profound time management tip from a coach for the Kansas City Chiefs:
“Proper preparation prevents poor performance.”
It sounds simple, but it is transformative. Preparation doesn’t necessarily make life easier, but it keeps you steady when things get hard. This week was a testament to that. Between long hours at the shelter, working on my business, developing new Fog to Focus offers, and building out my website, my schedule was packed.
Protecting What Matters Most
Despite the business milestones, the moments I am most grateful for had nothing to do with work. I had the joy of celebrating my daughter Meg’s 30th birthday.
I watched my granddaughter, Nora, graduate from preschool.
I maintained my weekly check-ins with my dad and my daughters, helped my stepdaughter Bella prepare for her high school graduation, and even welcomed a new cat into the family.
I spent time in church, stayed connected with God daily, and prepared for my sisters and their husbands to visit this weekend. In the midst of the hustle, I realized something: Preparation is not just about productivity; it is about protecting what matters most. If you do not prepare your calendar, your priorities, and your spirit, the world will gladly fill your life with noise.
The Rule of Five
This brings me to a second principle I live by: The Rule of Five. I first heard this from Jack Canfield. When he and Mark Victor Hansen were struggling to get Chicken Soup for the Soul noticed, they were overwhelmed by endless marketing strategies. Their mentor, Dr. Ron Scolastico, gave them this analogy:
“If you would just go every day to a very large tree and take five swings at it with a very sharp axe, eventually, no matter how large the tree, it would have to come down.”
That is the Rule of Five. Take five focused swings every single day. Not random swings—focused, consistent actions. I shared this recently with my friend Drew Ashwell, who is currently writing a book. Like many of us, he has great ideas but occasionally feels overwhelmed by the mountain ahead of him.
Just Keep Swinging
I will be honest: I have wanted to quit building Fog to Focus multiple times over the last four months. Building a business is difficult. Creating systems is exhausting. Staying focused is a battle, especially when you are trying to serve others, work full-time, love your family, and grow spiritually.
But the Rule of Five keeps me grounded. Just keep swinging. Write for five minutes. Walk outside for five minutes. Pray for five minutes. Often, once you start, momentum takes over. Five minutes with God becomes thirty. A short walk turns into a full workout. One small task completed creates the energy for the next.
What’s Coming Next
Fog to Focus is not about perfection or hustle culture. It is about learning to focus on what matters most long enough to create true freedom. I am still in the thick of it myself—learning, growing, and taking my five swings every day. Here is what is coming soon to help you on your journey:
Coach Clarity AI
A digital companion designed to help you stay focused and ask the right questions to keep your progress on track.
Accountability Pods
Live sessions where you show up to clarify your goals, stay accountable, and receive direct coaching and support.
I am not at the finish line yet, but I am still swinging. Let this be your reminder today: do not underestimate what consistent, focused action can do over time. Prepare well, focus clearly, and take the next swing.
One day at a time,
Chad Earhart
FogtoFocusQuiz.com
If you want more Focus tips, check out my Focus! book. If you are ready to get serious about focusing on your important goals, check out our Accountability Pods.
