Focus on What Is

Four years ago, Catherine Watkin’s life was full speed ahead. In episode 187 Business from the Heart, she described how she was growing her business, celebrating milestones and living what looked like a dream. It was fast-paced and purpose-driven—but behind the scenes, something else was going on. For 18 years, Catherine had been living with an undiagnosed health condition, quietly pushing through.

Today, her priorities have shifted completely. Business growth is no longer at the top of the list; her focus now is on restoring her health. In episode 476 Behind the Scenes, she spoke about releasing the business vision she once pursued so fiercely, learning to accept days lost to fatigue, and—perhaps most poignantly—coming to terms with the version of success her health now allows. “...if you were to ask me what my core priority would be right now,” she said, “it's health and healing." That shift, born of necessity, has redefined what a meaningful life looks like for her.

Today, Catherine’s focus is very different. Business growth has taken a back seat. Instead, her number one priority—above everything else—is health and healing. Catherine’s description of her rigorous journey in episode 476 Behind the Scenes really struck a deep chord with me. She spoke of letting go of the business vision she once fiercely pursued, learning to accept days lost to fatigue and, perhaps most poignantly, coming to terms with the version of success her health now permits. She explained, “...if you were to ask me what my core one priority would be right now, it's health and healing." That simple shift, born not of choice but out of necessity, altered every measure of what it means to live a meaningful life.

It’s easy, especially as entrepreneurs or driven professionals, to equate busyness, financial growth and expansion with a purposeful existence. Catherine’s story challenges that narrative. She remembered her former self as “working a lot but... through choice because it was my passion, it was my purpose.” But when illness removed the option to operate at that pace, she had to rethink not just her work, but the very foundations of her identity.

What I love most about Catherine’s perspective is that acceptance of what is doesn’t mean giving up, it means creating a good life inside the reality you have, instead of fighting against it. Whether it’s health struggles, family commitments or financial constraints, she believes that naming what can’t be changed is the first step to finding joy again. In her words: “...if we come from accepting the reality of what is and what cannot be changed, I think life becomes so much more enjoyable because I think we make ourselves miserable trying to change reality...”

Maybe take a moment this week to reflect on your own life. Is there something you’ve been resisting, pushing against with all your might? A career that’s slowed down, a health challenge, a family responsibility that feels heavy? What would it be like to, just for today, stop the fight and simply accept it? Then, see how you might redefine success, not in spite of that reality, but in partnership with it.

Focus on What Is. Focus on WHY!

REFLECTION WITH ACTION: If you stopped focusing on what’s missing or what used to be, and instead placed your full attention on what is in your life right now, how might your definition of success change?