"Have you ever felt like you're spinning your wheels, doing everything right, and still not moving forward?"

That was the question that stopped Carl in his tracks. The parade around us was filled with high energy, but Carl and his team were on the verge of burnout. They had been working tirelessly, yet the results didn’t match their efforts. There was something missing—clarity.

I had been in their shoes before, struggling to figure out the best way to serve veterans. It wasn’t just about resources or money—it was about focus.

The Power of Focus

I took a deep breath and said, "It’s not about doing more, Carl. It's about doing less but with intention."

Carl’s team was doing a lot, but not effectively. They were overwhelmed, trying to meet every need, but missing the mark on the real connection they needed with veterans. I could see the frustration in their eyes, and I knew I had to help them find clarity.

Listening to the Community

"Start with the veterans you’ve already served," I suggested. "Listen to their stories, their struggles. The answers are already in your community." The more I spoke, the more I could see Carl’s shoulders relax, as if he was finally hearing the solution he needed.

I went on, "When my husband transitioned, we had no home, no direction. But we found our way through other veterans. Veterans helped us because they understood—because they’d been there."

The room went silent as Carl and the team processed this new perspective.

Empowering Veterans to Lead

"That’s it," I said. "You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. You need to empower your veterans to become part of the solution. Give them the space to help each other."

Carl looked at me, his expression shifting from doubt to hope. "You’re saying we should involve the veterans in the process?"

"Exactly," I affirmed. "Veterans helping veterans—that’s where the real impact happens."

Checklist: Tips from Ms. Veteran Affairs

Here’s a quick checklist to remember as you focus your efforts:

The Transformation

Over the next few weeks, I worked with Carl and his team to refocus their strategy. They began to streamline their services, working closely with the veterans they served to understand their needs. We built partnerships with local businesses and veteran organizations. We didn’t overcomplicate things—we just worked smarter.

The results spoke for themselves. The agency was no longer just offering resources; it was creating a community of veterans who helped each other. Carl and his team weren’t burned out anymore. They had found their rhythm, and the impact was clear.

Conclusion: Real Change Happens with Focus

By the end of the year, the agency was reaching more veterans than ever. Carl sent me a message, "You were right. It’s all about focusing on what matters. We’ve found our rhythm, and veterans aren’t just coming in for help—they’re coming in to help each other."

This wasn’t just about providing services. It was about creating a cycle of support. Veterans were empowering each other, building a lasting community.

If you want to create real change in your organization, it’s time to shift your focus. Listen to your community, empower your veterans, and don’t be afraid to refine your approach.

When you focus on what matters most, that’s when the real transformation begins.

Discussion Questions: