Focus on Rigour

Rigour isn’t a word you’d usually connect with purpose, impact or wellbeing. It often suggests rules, discipline or even restriction. Yet when I recorded Focus on WHY Reflections with Actions episode 489, I discovered a different truth: rigour is the steady thread running through every story of transformation, empowerment and meaningful change my guests shared.

You probably talk about philanthropy, entrepreneurship, leadership, health or money in emotional terms — instinct, inspiration, good intentions. My recent podcast conversations with Barnaby Wiener, Gary Parsons, Linda Stevens, Lucy McCarraher and Rebecca Robertson, showed me that real progress comes when you pair care with careful thinking. Rigour doesn’t take the heart out of compassion; it gives it shape. It’s the habit of asking yourself: ‘Is this the best way to help? Am I using my resources wisely? What can I learn from what worked and what didn’t?’

For Barnaby, rigour in philanthropy and investment means balancing evidence with empathy, analysis with feeling. Gary reframed what some call ‘selfishness’ by using rigour to set boundaries and identify what genuinely fuels contribution rather than burnout. Rebecca talks about financial rigour not as austerity but as clarity; taking deliberate steps to own your money with confidence. Linda’s ‘little and often’ approach isn’t casual; it’s designed: small, consistent actions with purpose. Lucy shows that writing and articulating your mission is another form of rigour; turning scattered ideas into a plan that produces impact.

Rigour isn’t bureaucracy or perfectionism. It’s respectful curiosity: pausing before you leap, checking that your choices align with your values, intentions and desired outcomes. It takes courage to review what you do, to refine rather than react and to measure what matters most.

Where might a bit more rigour make a difference for you in your work, wellbeing, money, relationships or sense of purpose? Review what you’re doing, clarify your purpose and make one small adjustment that aligns your intention with impact. Notice the difference. The surprising thing about rigour is that it multiplies both care and results and closes any existing purpose gaps.

Focus on Rigour! Focus on Why!

REFLECTION WITH ACTION: What if, before taking action, you asked yourself: ‘How could I do this more effectively? Am I acting on impulse or have I given this decision the care it deserves?’ Choose one area of your life this week and apply thoughtful rigour.