“If you have that drive somewhere in your mind or body that is saying there is something more here for you, lean in, because throughout history the world has been changed by the people who did not have the resources or ability, who did not think that they could, or felt completely isolated, and had most of the world pushing against them. So if that is who you are, it is your birthright to go out, build or join a team and create the greatest contribution you can.”
I love this quote and wanted to share it with you. Sherly Sandberg used it in her book Lean In where she encourages people like you and I to embrace our potential and pursue our goals even when facing challenges or feeling like we lack the necessary resources.
Whether or not we ever collaborate or work together,
My chief aim is for you to experience an abundance of marvelous and unique experiences.
“Marvelous & Unique”
Though, if we do end up working together,
My goal is to help you gain focus and get you thinking differently.
I will give you the recommendations that I think are in your best interest and refer you to the people who can best serve you.
You can expect from me; an explanation why I think you should do certain things, along with a few insights, strategies and tactics.
I want to see you shine, make you smile, laugh, be positively entertained, outrageously grateful, leave you better off than you were a minute ago; with (at least) one idea that will improve your professional positioning in this world.
If you gain just one insight, one tactic, one strategy, one concept, one paradigm shift, or make one decision that improves just one aspect of your organization, I would be elated.
This would be worth every minute spent writing, every hour studying, every day dreaming about a better “job.”
I say this because one profound effect could ripple through potentially everyone within your sphere of influence (your customers, clients, employees, vendors, suppliers, your friends, your family, your waitress, the stranger you pass on the street, etc.).
In conjunction, my goal is to improve your focus – on your role as the entrepreneur.
Many business owners have ADD (attention deficit disorder). They get easily side-tracked. Too many get caught up in daily operations, rather than strategy. It is so easy to get distracted and pulled in multiple directions.
If I could give you one thing, it is focus, because it can be very subtle shifts that make the difference between just scraping by and making a living, from simply covering your basic needs to having the business you always wanted.
The way it was taught to me:
- Focus gives clarity
- Clarity gives power
- Power gives understanding
- Understanding gives certainty
- Certainty gives trust
- With trust, people take action
- Through action, we grow and contribute
One way you can improve your focus is through music. Not just any music. You want the kind of music that will help get ‘in the zone,’ which you can quickly identify at www.FocusAtWill.com.
This “zone” by the way, is that optimal state of consciousness in which we perform and feel our best. Steven Kotler is the expert on this subject, and has shared a few ideas about the topic on YouTube and through his book Rise of Superman.
Daniel Pink’s book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing offers some amazing insight. Maybe you do not have to focus all day.
For me, I crave calm, distraction-free focus time. I feel this is the antithesis to standard jobs. I believe most employers brag about multitasking in chaotic hurried environment. Call me crazy;
Hustle culture is a sign of bad leadership
According to Google: “It (hustle culture) often promotes a toxic work environment where employees feel pressured to constantly overwork, neglecting their well-being and work-life balance, which ultimately leads to burnout and decreased productivity; good leaders prioritize employee health and create a sustainable work culture that values quality over quantity.”
According to the Process Fixer:
(Show this to your hustle fanatic boss!)
Honestly, half the time I operate at break neck speed. Self-imposed hustle is okay? I never try to force it on anyone. I am obsessed with efficiency:
My first job taught me if I do the work of two people I get paid time and a half. Even though no subsequent employer shared Bob’s sentiment, the habit stuck.
Note: Busting your ass and being a speed freak is great and all… Just make sure, let’s say you are climbing ladders for example, that you are scaling the right structure.
Know the difference between efficiency and effectiveness.
Again, I crave focus. This comes natural. If I dig deep and do some reflection I am sure I can share insight.
Trying to do standard homework on the topic of focus, I post this:
Improving Focus:
Improving focus while working requires a mix of mental discipline, environment optimization, and structured habits. Here are some effective ways to stay focused and productive:
Optimize Your Environment
- Eliminate Distractions: Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set boundaries with others.
- Declutter Your Workspace: A clean, organized space reduces mental clutter.
- Use Background Noise or Music: White noise, instrumental music, or focus-enhancing sounds can help.
Structure Your Work Time
- Use the Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25–50 minutes, then take a short 5-minute break.
- Set Clear Goals: Define what you need to accomplish before starting.
- Prioritize Tasks (Eisenhower Matrix): Focus on what is important rather than just urgent.
- Time Blocking: Schedule specific time slots for deep work, meetings, and breaks.
Train Your Mind for Deep Focus
- Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Helps strengthen attention span over time.
- Avoid Multitasking: Switching tasks reduces efficiency and focus.
- Use Visualization: Picture yourself completing the task successfully to reinforce motivation.
Manage Your Energy & Mental State
- Get Enough Sleep: Fatigue kills concentration. Aim for 7-9 hours.
- Eat Brain-Boosting Foods: Healthy snacks like nuts, berries, and dark chocolate support focus.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can cause brain fog. Drink plenty of water.
- Move Your Body: Short walks or stretches boost energy and mental clarity.
Leverage Productivity Tools
- Website Blockers: Apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey block distracting sites.
- Task Management Apps: Tools like Trello, Todoist, or Notion help keep track of priorities.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Reduce distractions and improve concentration.
Build Consistent Habits
- Start Your Workday with a Ritual: A consistent start (e.g., reviewing tasks, setting intentions) signals your brain it’s time to focus.
- Set Deadlines (Even If Artificial): Creates urgency and prevents procrastination.
- Review & Reflect: At the end of the day, evaluate what worked and adjust your strategy.
Improving Drive:
Improving your drive when working is about building motivation, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
Find Your “Why” (Purpose & Meaning)
- Ask yourself: Why does this work matter to me?
- Align tasks with bigger goals, whether financial, personal growth, or long-term success.
- Visualize your future self benefiting from today’s efforts.
Example: If you are building a business, remind yourself of the financial freedom and impact you’re working toward.
Set Clear & Exciting Goals
- Use the “Goldilocks Rule:” Goals should be challenging but attainable to keep you engaged.
- Break Big Goals into Smaller Wins: Mini-milestones create momentum.
- Use Visual Tracking: Progress bars, streaks, or checklists trigger motivation.
Example: Instead of “grow my business,” set a target like “gain five new clients this month.”
Strengthen Your Discipline (Do not Rely on Motivation Alone)
- Develop a Work Ritual: Having a structured start (ex: coffee, review plan, deep work) helps you push through.
- Create Non-Negotiable Work Blocks: Treat work time like a meeting you cannot skip.
- Commit to Showing Up: Even when unmotivated, doing something keeps momentum alive.
Example: If you do not feel like working, commit to just ten minutes. Often, that is enough to get into the flow.
Use Rewards & Consequences
- Gamify Progress: Give yourself small rewards after completing key tasks.
- Leverage Accountability: Tell someone your goals or work with a mentor.
- Use Negative Consequences: Losing a bet, social pressure, or self-imposed penalties can be strong motivators.
Example: Set a rule: If I do not finish this task by noon, I donate $20 to a cause I dislike.
Fuel Your Mind & Body for Energy
- Prioritize Sleep & Nutrition: Poor energy = poor drive.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity increases mental sharpness and motivation.
- Manage Stress: Overwhelm kills motivation. Use mindfulness or journaling to reset.
Example: A ten minute walk when stuck can clear mental blocks and boost energy.
Reignite Passion When You Feel Stuck
- Change Your Approach: If boredom sets in, tweak how you work (new methods, location, or challenges).
- Learn from Others: Read success stories or network with ambitious people.
- Remind Yourself of Past Wins: Reviewing accomplishments fuels confidence and momentum.
Example: If you are unmotivated, listen to an inspiring podcast or read about someone who overcame struggles like yours.
Adopt a “No Excuses” Mindset
- Shift from “I will try” to “I will.”
- Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities.
- Surround yourself with high-achievers. Their drive is contagious.
Example: Instead of “I am not feeling it today,” say, “How can I make this easier to start?
Hustle Culture:
Hustle culture is the mindset that prioritizes constant work, productivity, and ambition, often at the expense of rest and personal well-being. It promotes the idea that success comes from working longer and harder than everyone else, sometimes glamorizing overwork, sleep deprivation, and sacrificing personal time in the pursuit of goals.
The Appeal of Hustle Culture
Hustle culture resonates with many because it encourages:
✅ Hard Work & Persistence: Success often requires dedication, and hustle culture reinforces the value of putting in effort.
✅ Discipline & Productivity: Following a strict routine and staying highly focused can lead to significant achievements.
✅ Self-Motivation & Independence: Many entrepreneurs and high-achievers credit hustle culture for their drive and results.
✅ Opportunities for Growth: Pushing beyond comfort zones can lead to career and financial advancement.
The Downsides of Hustle Culture
While hard work is important, an unbalanced approach can lead to negative consequences:
❌ Burnout: Excessive work with little rest can cause physical and mental exhaustion, reducing long-term productivity.
❌ Lack of Work-Life Balance: Neglecting personal relationships, hobbies, and self-care can lead to dissatisfaction.
❌ Diminishing Returns on Productivity: Working more hours does not always mean better results; efficiency matters more.
❌ Toxic Comparison: Social media and success stories can create unrealistic expectations, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
A More Sustainable Approach: Smart Hustle
Instead of glorifying overwork, a balanced approach focuses on working efficiently while maintaining well-being:
🔹 Prioritize High-Value Work: Focus on the most impactful tasks instead of just working longer hours.
🔹 Set Boundaries: Establish work-life separation to avoid burnout.
🔹 Schedule Rest & Recovery: Breaks, sleep, and relaxation enhance long-term productivity.
🔹 Measure Success Holistically: Beyond financial goals, consider happiness, health, and relationships.