Time to read: 67 seconds
Goodness I love green glassware
You blocked the time. You cleared the space. You sat down ready to work.
Then your brain had other ideas.
The presentation is due Friday. Did you follow up with that client? You should really call your mother. What if the project falls apart? Is it too early for lunch?
No app blocks those distractions. No tidy desk fixes it. This is internal noise — and for most people, it's the hardest part of focus.
Here's what's happening. Under pressure, your brain generates a constant stream of unfinished business. Undone tasks, unresolved worries, unmade decisions. It's not trying to sabotage you. It's trying to make sure you don't forget anything important.
The trick is to give your brain a place to put that stuff. Two things will help you manage your monkey mind:
- 1. Do a brain dump. Take 5 minutes to write everything down so your brain knows nothing will get lost. Then your brain can let go, and you can focus.
- 2. Work with your energy. You know the time of day you are sharpest. You have a 2–3-hour window when your thinking is clearest. That window is precious. Don't spend it on email. Mine is in the early afternoon. Many people focus best in the morning.
Answer email when your energy dips. Do the deep work when you're at your best.
This week: Try a brain dump before your next focused work session. Write everything down, work and personal. Then close the list and get to work. Notice if it's easier to stay on task.