25 Rules for Overcoming Focus Stealers

You have to read this to believe this. Your dynamic successful professional lifestyle, where schedules are tight and responsibilities abound, is wearing you out. To get a good handle on your career and more importantly, your life you need to re-focus your energy and activities. In this article, I hope to share with you my 25 rules on how to regain some of your time while increasing your energy and drive.

SERIES: Destination | Strategy | Focus | Flow | Calibrate.

Focus (concentrated effort) will propel you toward your objectives while providing clarity and purpose amidst the complexities of work and life. It serves as both the means of generating movement toward and has the compounding effect when aligned with a self-learning & self-care routine. Focus cuts through the noise of distractions, allowing you to channel your energy into what truly matters. Nurturing focus is the linchpin to unleashing your full potential and achieving the results you desire. It empowers you to efficiently tackle tasks, make discerning decisions, and ultimately shape a life in harmony with your goals. As an Executive Coach, I encourage you to embrace the transformative influence of focus—let it guide you as compass which will help you navigating the challenges of your current life stage. Prioritize your well-being, refine your concentration, and experience the profound impact a focus can have on both your personal life and business.

Thief #1: Screen Distractors Includes:?

TVs | Phones | Social Media | News & Sports

Rule #1: Only watch TV with another person. Never alone.

Rule #2: No Social Media before 6pm.

Rule #3: 30 Minutes or less of social media, news, or phone based games [Combined].

Rule #4: Have an audio book, digital book or worship (or calming) music ready when you have down time.

Rule #5: You can only have down time, if you complete a house/honey-do task first.

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Thief #2: Pleasing Others

Doing things to make others like me.

Rule #6: Ask Questions First

6a: Can they do it themselves?

6b: Is it important to be completed immediately/now?

6c: If I choose not to do it (or can not do it), what are the consequences?

6d: Will the person truly appreciate the act of kindness?

6e: How does this impact my priorities

Rule #7: Delay doing it for 15 minutes. Then ask your self after 15 minutes, what the right thing is to do?

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Thief #3: Getting Up Late

For me this means waking up at or after 6am Monday – Saturday.

Rule #8: All electronics / screens are to be off by 8:30pm unless special occasion.

Rule #9: No “News” or “Social Media” after 8:30pm.

Rule #10: Must get a minimum of seven (7) hours of sleep. Typically that means 10am – 5am.

Rule #11: Lay out clothes & Pack Gym Bag for the next day by 9:30pm.

Rule #12: Have a defined daily routine.

Rule #13: No Eating after 8pm, except on special occasions.

Rule #14: No Alcohol After 9pm, 10pm on special occasions.

Rule #15: No TV past 8:30pm unless scheduled.

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Thief #4: Off Balance

This can happen if you wake up late, break a personal promise, or just having a bad day. The following rules will help you get back on schedule the next day.

Rule #16: Back Up Exercise Plan: If unable to wake and work out.

16a: No Breakfast. Note: do remember to have your 30g Protein Smoothie/Shake 16b: At 11:30ish, replace your lunch with exercise, then eat.

Rule #17: No Caffeine after 3pm.

Rule #18: Limit coffee or caffeinated drinks to 2 8oz cups a day.

Rule #19: [Bad Day] 15 Minutes before each meal, drink 3oz of fresh lemon water.

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Thief #5: Poor Health and Feeling Drained

The following rules will help you feel better and get you in shape.

Rule #19: [Good Day] 3oz of water with a half of lemon of squeezed juice within 10 minutes of waking.

Rule #20: Drink 40oz of Ice-cold Water 10 minutes before working out.

Rule #21: Drink a 30g Protein Shake within 30 minutes of waking and 30 minutes before exercising.

Rule #22: Wash all gym clothes on Sunday & Wednesday.

Rule #23: Breakfast before 9:30am. If unable to have breakfast, skip and have an early lunch.

Rule #24: Log You Activities

Example:

1.?????? One House/Honey-Do activity

2.?????? 30 minutes of Cardio

3.?????? 15 – 30 minutes of strength training

4.?????? 30 minutes of Bible Reading & Prayer

5.?????? 30 minutes of Book Reading

6.?????? 30 minutes for preparing for tomorrow

7.?????? 30 minutes of personal hygiene (beyond basic grooming)

Rule #25: Speak Life into your routine & lifestyle Each day say 10 positive things you like about your routine and lifestyle. Each time, thank God you can have this routine and lifestyle.

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About the Author: Nick Rich is a seasoned technical leader and executive coach. Helping consulting firms and mid-size businesses drive change, establish & drive sound corporate strategic initiatives, and help executives become more effective in the life and business. In addition, he is a writer & speaker on Innovation Strategies, Digital Transformation, Data, and the future of Scalable Workforce.

This article is part of a series designed to help executives and leaders transform, mature, and magnify impact.

Series: Digitally Transform Me.

Description of Series: The use of AI to become a more effective leader, life liver and community giver.

Today's Article: 25 Rules for Overcoming Focus Stealers

Destination | Strategy | Focus | Flow | Calibrate.