The Focus Filter: How I Finally Took Back Control of My Time (Without Burning Out)

I used to think I had a productivity problem.

No matter how many hours I worked, how many to-do lists I wrote, or how many new productivity hacks I tried, I always felt like I was falling behind. I can't be the only one...

I’d start my day with a clear plan, ready to crush it and by noon, I’d be knee-deep in emails, random notifications, and those little “urgent” fires that pop up out of nowhere.

At the end of the day, I’d look at my untouched priority tasks and think, “Where the hell did my time go?”

The truth hit me hard: I didn’t have a productivity problem—I had a focus problem.

And I realized that if I wanted to scale my business (and my life) without burning out, I needed to stop trying to do more and start filtering out what didn’t matter.

That’s when I developed the Focus Filter System. This simple yet powerful framework helps me (and my clients) eliminate distractions, reclaim control of our time, and get more done in half the time without sacrificing well-being.

The Hidden Cost of Distraction

Here’s something no one tells you:

Every time you switch tasks—whether it’s checking your phone, replying to a “quick” email, or jumping on a last-minute call you lose momentum.

Research shows it takes an average of 23 minutes to fully refocus after a distraction. Multiply that by the number of times you get distracted each day, and it’s no wonder most entrepreneurs feel like they’re running in circles.

But it’s not just about time. Every distraction drains your:

• Mental clarity
• Creative energy
• Motivation to keep going

I realized that to stay focused, I didn’t need another time management tool—I needed a system that filtered out anything that wasn’t moving me closer to my goals.

Here’s how it works:

A few years ago, my mentor asked me a question that completely changed how I looked at my work:

“If you could only focus on three things in your business for the next 90 days, what would they be?”

That question hit me like a truck.

I realized I was spending 80% of my time on tasks that didn’t actually drive results. They felt productive but they weren’t moving the needle.

So, I made a list of my non-negotiables—the core tasks that directly impacted my growth, revenue, and freedom.

Now, before I say yes to anything new, I ask: Does this align with my top three priorities? If not? It’s an automatic no.

Your action step: Write down your three non-negotiables for the next 90 days. Every decision you make should align with at least one of them.

We gain a lot of mental freedom and energy when we give ourselves permission to do fewer things at an increased volume.

You see most productivity advice focuses on managing distractions. I say:

Eliminate them entirely.

I used to keep my phone on my desk, thinking I had enough willpower to ignore it. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

Now, I set up distraction barriers so that I don’t have to rely on willpower:

• Phone on Do Not Disturb or outside the room entirely
• Block distracting websites using apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey
• Schedule email checks twice a day instead of reacting in real-time

The result? My brain finally has space to focus on deep work and that’s when the magic happens.

Your action step: Set up your distraction barriers before your next deep work session. The fewer distractions available, the easier focus becomes.

Keep in mind that both focus and distraction are trained, like muscles.

This one was a game-changer for me.

I used to let my calendar run me—meetings here, calls there, tasks squeezed in wherever they’d fit. It was chaos.

Now? I run my calendar like the CEO. Every task, meeting, and even rest time gets scheduled in blocks.

Here’s what my typical day looks like:

• Morning (Deep Work Block): Strategy, writing, or creating offers
• Midday (Meetings Block): Coaching calls or collaborations
• Afternoon (Admin Block): Emails, systems, or client updates
• Evening (Recovery Block): Movement, reflection, or creative play

When the block ends, I move on, with no exceptions.

Your action step: Plan tomorrow’s schedule using time blocks. Protect your deep work time like your business depends on it—because it does.

I’ll never forget the first week I fully implemented this system.

I was working fewer hours, but somehow getting twice as much done. My energy was higher, my creativity flowed effortlessly, and for the first time in months, I ended my days feeling fulfilled instead of drained.

The biggest realization? It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing less but doing it with full focus.

If you’re constantly feeling overwhelmed, it’s not because you’re lazy or undisciplined.

It’s because the modern world is designed to steal your focus. And without a system to filter out the noise, even the most motivated founders will eventually burn out.

Here’s my challenge to you:

1) Set your three non-negotiables for the next 90 days?

2) Eliminate one major distraction from your environment?

3) Time-block your day like your success depends on it (because it does)

You’ll be shocked at how much faster your business grows when you’re working with your focus instead of fighting for it.

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Lastly, If you are a burnt-out entrepreneur who's ready to scale and build a life you don't want to escape without sacrificing your well-being, feel free to book a discovery call below to see how I can support you on your journey.

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Thank you again, and tune in every Tuesday where I'll share Practical Systems for Success.

Have a great week until then!!

-Cody