Focus Time: Boost Your Productivity & Achieve Bigger Goals
Jen Laffin
Turning goal-SETTERS into goal-GETTERS | Accountability without angst | Linkedin Top Voice | Keynote Speaker | Flight School Podcast | Goal Getters Club | DIY Influence Mindset Mentor
I've talked a lot about how it's easy to spend more time on what's urgent over what's important and what's easiest over what's challenging.
Our human brain defaults to these easier choices because they use less energy and involve less risk. (Remember, your primal brain's three goals are to keep you safe, alive, and lazy. Any choice that violates any of these three rules automatically gets rejected.)
So if you're not accomplishing your big goals, it could be that you need to make an intentional tweak to your schedule by adding in some Focus Time. Doing so will prioritize the work you need to do in short bursts with big impact.
Focusing on What Matters
Focus Time is a block of time (ideally 30-60 minutes) that you put into your schedule 3-5 times a week with the intention of working ONLY on your big goals.
It is a time for taking action (not just thinking about taking action). It is not a time to do the easy work that feels productive, but is really just keeping you busy.
For Focus Time, you schedule a block of time on your calendar, then you show up and do the work until time is up. No interruptions. No excuses. You've made an appointment with your Future Self that you'll do the work they need you to do so honor that appointment like you would as if you were meeting with someone else.
What Focus Time Is NOT
Without intentional Focus Time, it is easy to allow our schedules to get hijacked by what appears to be urgent. When this happens, we put our big goals on the back burner because we are consumed by unplanned urgency.
Remember, Focus Time is not time to:
Focus Time blocks are short so that you can let interruptions wait.
Close your door.
Turn off your phone.
Take sustained action.
During Focus Time, you do the deep work that will move you forward on your big goals. You plan, vision, design, create, and then you take action. (Remember, without action, nothing happens.)
Will you commit to adding a block of Focus Time to your calendar this week? Your Future Self is wondering.
?? I'm Jen Laffin. I help goal-SETTERS become goal-GETTERS.
If you’re ready to?stop avoiding the things that will help you grow, hit the ‘request services’ in my bio and let’s talk.?
Personal Branding and LinkedIn? Strategy | Build Your Brand, Find Your Voice, Build Your Business | Amazon Bestselling Author | The Good Witch of LinkedIn ?
4 个月Absolutely love this idea Jen!! I’ve gotten better at blocking off time on my calendar for things like this. It’s been a game changer.
Strategic Partnerships @ Stan | Ex-Pro Athlete | Startup Leader & Public Co. Chief of Staff | Coach for Leaders Going from 'Good Enough' to Exceptional
4 个月Great reminder on the power of Focus Time! It's crucial to block distractions and dedicate time to deep work. What strategies do you use to maintain focus during your Focus Time block?
Happiness Expert | Keynote Speaker | 2x TEDx Speaker | Executive Coach |
4 个月I love focus time. I often call it deep work time. Makes me feel smarter!
Fractional Chief People and Culture Officer / EQ Optimization and Culture Architecture / Human Capital Champion / Org Development & Talent Engagement Expert / Leader & Steward Linking People to Strategy / CHIEF Member
4 个月“Including LinkedIn, sorry!” ?? Yup, oh so true.
Buying Real Estate
4 个月Love this Jen I will follow you Real strength isn't merely about physical prowess; it's about elevating others and standing by them as they flourish. These contributions motivate those who read and take them to heart. We all learn and level up our skills. Genuine strength is found in uplifting and rejoicing in others' achievements, understanding that their success amplifies our own. Kindness and consideration generate a wave of positivity, impacting both individuals and communities. Assisting others in their success offers deep personal satisfaction, showing that our true strength is reflected in the positive influence we have on others.