“Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task.”
–Cal Newport
As you read this, I invite you to take a moment. Let’s take a gentle pause. Feel your feet on the ground and acknowledge the seat beneath you.
You’re here, and for the next few minutes, let’s explore the space that focus can offer us in our entrepreneurial lives.
Focus opens the doors to fruition.
The Gentle Practice of Focus
Much like a river carves a canyon over time, focus shapes our lives and our businesses. It’s not merely a skill; it’s a practice that you consciously develop.
As entrepreneurs, we don’t just want to participate; we want to lead. That leadership begins when we place our focus exactly where it needs to be.
Navigate Your Day with Deliberate Focus
I’ve experienced those moments where I get so lost in a project that I lose all track of time. To tether myself back to reality, I set gentle alarms five minutes before a meeting or a transition. This helps me re-center and arrive at the next moment fully present.
Mindfulness: The Keeper of the Flame
You know those moments when you walk into a room and then forget why you’re there? That’s not just a quirky lapse; it’s a moment calling you back to mindfulness. By embracing mindfulness, you can redirect your focus, keeping it firmly anchored in the present moment.
Reflect on Your Behavior
Those times when you go to a meeting and forget the point you’re supposed to share?
These aren’t just little blips or forgetfulness; they are signposts alerting us that our focus may have drifted. Acknowledging them is the first step in reclaiming your focus and, in turn, your time and energy.
Practical Strategies to Harness Focus
1. Cultivate Morning Rituals:
Let the first part of your day be a sanctuary of focus. I practice the Japanese Art of Tea Ceremony most mornings. It helps me stay grounded. I also take that time to fill out my five-minute journal.
2. Adopt the Pomodoro Technique:
Short, dedicated focus sessions can boost productivity and satisfaction.
The Pomodoro Technique
- Identify a task or tasks that you need to complete.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on a task with no distractions.
- When the alarm sounds, take a 5-minute break.
- Repeat the process three more times.
3. Monitor Time on Digital:
Choose designated times for emails and social media, sticking to them as much as possible. Our family turns off the internet at 9 p.m. Malia & Kailani know to finish their homework before that.
As we come to a close, remember that focus is not a spotlight we shine outward but a luminous presence we nurture within. As you build your focus, you’re not only building a business but also creating a life filled with beautiful intention and meaning.
With kindness and a shared focus,
