"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."
Dalai Lama
Narrowing Your Focus
Writers who cover too much about a topic often overwhelm their readers with information. Take, for example, an essay focused on the tragedies of the Civil War. What tragedies? Readers have no idea what to expect from this focus, not to mention how difficult it would be to write about every tragedy of the Civil War.
After writers choose a topic to write about, they need to make sure they are not covering too much nor too little about a topic. The scope of a focus is partially dictated by the length of the writing. Obviously, a book on the Civil War will cover more than a 500 word essay. Finally, focus is also determined by its significance, that is, its ability to keep readers' interest.
What it Means to be Focused
Focus is Too Broad
Focus is Too Narrow
So What?
"The longest journey is the journey inward, for he who has chosen his destiny has started upon his quest for the source of his being."
Dag Hammarsjkold
Whatever your talent is, you should craft it, nourish it and build on it. It is the 'niche talent' that will take you to the top of your field.
Mark Victor Hansen
"It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
Charles Darwin