Focus on This

You’re coming to the end of the year, and you’re tired. Momentum has slowed, and you’ve fallen behind on your goals. You know the holidays are coming, which will take huge chunks of the time you have left. You feel behind before you even start the fourth quarter. Should you just write it off and start thinking about next year? Or is there a way to actually make gains in these last few months? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake walk you through three mental shifts you need to make so you can win in the final quarter of the year. They show you how to hit pause and give yourself a chance to reset, so you can take full advantage of the time you have left and cross the finish line with confidence. In this episode, you’ll discover—The mindset-shifting power of revisiting your why Why arbitrarily going down your to-do list is the wrong strategyHow to reset the narrative that connects what you do to who you areThe far-reaching effects of appreciating people versus the tasks they doSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A new quarter has begun, with all of its new deadlines and tasks, and you’re still furiously trying to tie up the last quarter. All of a sudden, you’re in “reaction mode.” You’re struggling to think strategically. How can you set yourself up for a win instead of drowning in busyness?In this episode, Courtney and Blake discuss four tips for conducting a successful Quarterly Preview. They talk about how to pave the way for success, so you don’t end up overwhelmed, whiteknuckling your way through. A lot of people underestimate the power of a Quarterly Preview, but when you make the most of this process, you start the quarter off empowered and ready to meet the challenge of whatever may come.In this episode, you’ll discover—Why it’s essential to schedule time now for next year’s quarterly previewsThe influence a new location can have in helping you make a mental shiftHow reflecting deeply exposes recurring themes to addressThe power of planning ahead to build confidence, energy, and excitementResources:Full Focus Planner annual subscriptionGuided Weekly PreviewSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You get to the end of the week and feel like it was a fail. You were busy the whole time but didn’t actually get to the things you wanted to do. You’re feeling behind and off course from your goals. You wish you could have a redo. Is there a way to clear the deck and start over? In this episode, Blake and Courtney walk you through four steps to leverage the psychological reset button of the Weekly Preview. They discuss the Fresh Start Effect and how new beginnings often bring renewed energy and perspectives, which you can experience every week as you assess, make mental shifts, and start again.In this episode, you’ll discover—How to exit doing mode and enter strategic modeWhy thinking of missteps as resistance training empowers you for successThe question to ask yourself to define next week’s winThe power of treating next week as an experimentResources:Full Focus Planner CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Some days you just aren’t on your toes. You didn’t sleep well the night before. Or you fought with someone you care about. Or you’ve received some bad news. It’s hard to show up and get stuff done. But your work doesn’t just disappear because you’re having an off day. What do you do when you feel off kilter?In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake walk through four tips for balancing productivity with self-kindness when you’re having an “off” day. These days happen to everyone. The key is having grace for yourself and using the right tools to set yourself up for momentum and success the next day.In this episode, you’ll discover—How small actions can get you into the rhythm of the dayThe power of rituals to help you start feeling more like yourselfWhy it’s okay to dial back to a Big 1 or a Big 2 on “off” daysWhen taking care of yourself may be your highest-leverage moveSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re in a funk where you find yourself consistently missing your Daily Big 3. You’re getting pulled off-track by other people’s priorities, feeling bogged down by too many meetings, and losing sight of what your Daily Big 3 should be. It’s like you’re on a treadmill—always moving but not getting anywhere. How can you break out of this trap?In this episode, Courtney, Blake, and Verbs offer up 4 strategies for nailing your Daily Big 3 every day. They show you how little changes can go a long way and discuss practical tips for getting back on track, so you can stop feeling pulled in too many directions and start building momentum again.In this episode, you’ll discover—The efficacy of narrowing the time designated for each projectHow to mentally pace yourself throughout the dayThe difference between a project and a taskWhy it’s totally fine to sometimes have a Daily Big 1 or Daily Big 2Resources:Brain.fm appTime Out appFree to Focus courseSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You have a lot going on in your life right now. You’ve been doing what you can to work on your productivity, but there’s still too much to do. No matter what you try, you just can’t seem to break through the obstacles. What next? How do you get unstuck? In this episode, Blake, Courtney, and Verbs answer the SOS of planner user Mariana and help her tackle her cycle of overwhelm. They discuss the inherent discomfort of growth and the necessity of shifting as your circumstances shift. You don’t have to stay stuck in your busyness and stress; you can experience breakthrough when you leverage the Full Focus System and the Full Focus community. In this episode, you’ll discover— The tie between your emotions and your perspective How stress and being out of control can damage your critical thinking The truth that perfection is the enemy of done Why the growth of your team starts and ends with you Resources: Schedule a call with one of our business consultants here! 3 Steps to Getting More Done in Less Time webinar Full Focus Planner CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve set good intentions for what you want to achieve this year, but then life happened. You’ve fallen completely behind and are beating yourself up about it. Can you recover when you’re so far off track? What can you do now, so you still end your year feeling confident about what you’ve achieved? In this episode, Courtney and Blake talk with Deidra Romero, Client Success Specialist, about how to get back on track with a goal when you’ve fallen behind. They share 4 simple questions to ask yourself so you can reset, give yourself grace, and chart a new course. In this episode, you’ll discover— How adjusting the method of a goal can lead to achieving your true aim Why deadlines are helpful tools but not helpful masters What it looks like to plan ahead realistically for obstacles Simple ways to keep your goals visible at all times Resources: Annual Goals Poster Full Focus Planner® CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever fallen off the Full Focus Planner wagon? Maybe you’ve taken some time off and are struggling to get on your feet again. Or your kids are heading back to school, but you’ve grown lax and are not prepared for the shift in seasons. You haven’t used your planner in a week, and jumping back in feels overwhelming. What do you do to get back on track? In this episode, Courtney and Blake talk with Marissa Hyatt, Director of Marketing for Full Focus, about pushing the reset button after you’ve lost your rhythm. They’ll take you back to the basics and remind you of the 3 keys of the Full Focus System to help you get reoriented and back to being purposeful and productive every day. In this episode, you’ll discover— How writing your goals down kickstarts mental and emotional momentum Why you have to be intentional to be truly productive The journey from resetting your mindset to taking action 3 bonus tips for for getting back on track with your productivity Resources: Annual Goals Poster Full Focus Planner CommunitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re using the Full Focus Planner and listening to the podcast. You’ve made strides in your own productivity and want to share the excitement and hear how the community has been learning and growing and winning as well! This week, Courtney, Blake, and Verbs celebrate the 100th episode of Focus on This and discuss the biggest lessons they’ve learned along the way. They listen to wins listeners have had and share various ways the Full Focus System can change your life and help you achieve the Double Win. In this episode, you’ll discover how the Full Focus System can help you— Become more efficient and effective today and long-term Undertake a big change and see exponential results Become more involved as a parent and a partner Get better results and better rest See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re getting into the rhythm of using the Full Focus Planner, but you wonder if there are more strategies or ways to use it that would take you even further. What great ideas are out there that you haven’t thought of yet? How do people from various backgrounds and in different stages of life use the planner? In this episode, we listen to 12 planner hacks from you, the Full Focus Planner community! Courtney and Blake respond to your tips and tricks and find inspiration for some hacks of their own. The best ideas come from community, and this week we’re taking a cue from you on how to get further, faster. In this episode, you’ll discover— Another way to use the rolling quarters page A color-coding method so you get a sense of the week at a glance How to set yourself up to more easily find the notes you need A strategy for syncing up with your team every week Resources: Focus on This Episode 88: “Three One-of-a-Kind Ways to Use That Weekly Preview Page” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve found a transformational tool in the Full Focus Planner, but you’re confused why stakeholders in your life don’t share your enthusiasm. You want to be able to pursue goals together, improve your teamwork, and get on the same page. But how do you persuade them to give it a try? In this episode, Courtney and Blake answer the often-asked listener question about how to get your people on board with the Full Focus Planner. They offer 4 tips for persuading your friends, family members, boss, or coworkers. They help you remember what was hard when you first started but also why the results are more than worth it—so you can offer the same transformation to those close to In this episode, you’ll discover— Possibility questions to ask that cast a vision for a different future Why treating it like an experiment lowers pressure and increases buy-in How to proactively remove obstacles to starting the planner The power of creating rhythms of using the planner together Resources: Shave 10 Hours Off Your Workweek guide See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re looking forward to getting some rest and rejuvenation over the weekend, but it goes by in a flurry with this event and that errand and those late-night hours binge-watching the latest show. Before you know it, it’s Monday again, and you don’t feel rested at all, much less ready to face the week. Is there a better way to do weekends? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake discuss why what you do on the weekend matters. They walk you through 4 tips for getting the most out of your weekends, so you set yourself up for the energy and clarity you need to succeed in the coming week. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why the Ideal Week and Daily Big 3s are not just for work The value of creating weekend rituals for your family How scheduling your Weekly Preview frees you to let go and relax That rest is not a reward but an asset that helps you produce results Resources: Guided Weekly Preview See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever wondered how the Full Focus Planner came to be? Every spec, from type of binding to paper quality to the cloth wrapped around the covers, has been specially selected to enhance the end user experience. How does that all happen? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake talk with Adam Hill, director of product development and design, about the nuts and bolts behind the Full Focus Planner. They’ll share stories, processes, how decisions are made, and even how the oatmeal planner started out as a mistake. Before it was named the best daily planner by Forbes magazine, this is how the Full Focus Planner went from idea to finished product. In this episode, you’ll discover— The many steps between concept ideas and a planner in your hands How changes and new iterations of the planner are executed What factors are considered when creating a new planner The 3 buckets of idea sorting and how to react to each one Behind-the-scenes stories of the Full Focus Planner’s early days Resources: Adam and Verbs starring in the Full-Fail Meetings videos See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a parent with kids at home, you feel on demand 24/7. You’re tired and overwhelmed, but your roles and responsibilities never stop. It’s affecting both your parenting and your work. You know rest is important, but how do you even begin to get the rest you need? In this episode, Blake interviews Courtney and her husband, Chase, and Verbs and his wife, Verna, as they share the strategies they’ve developed to maintain rest as a priority while raising kids. They share their daily and weekly routines and how they plan rejuvenation into their schedules, so they can be the kind of parents they want their kids to experience while also advocating for each other’s rest. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why creating varying Ideal Weeks helps you adjust in different seasons The importance of scheduling a weekly day of rest for the family How to reframe rest, so you experience holistic restoration 2 vital practices for syncing up with your spouse to plan for margin See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your life looks good on the outside, but you wake up every day tired and overwhelmed. You know it’s an issue, but you don’t know what to do about it. Is there more you can do, beyond just getting more sleep? How do you find a deeper sense of restoration, so you don’t walk around every day in functional burnout? This episode welcomes Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, a board-certified internal medicine physician, international wellness expert, and the author of Sacred Rest, to talk about the 7 types of rest you need and what to do when you have a deficit. She will unpack how to identify where your deficits are and what you can do to stop living burned out but instead live restored, energetic, and passionate. In this episode, you’ll discover— The distinction between sleep and rest Why rest is more than cessation of activity How you may unconsciously experience sensory overload What factors play a role in your fatigue and recovery time Practical ways to integrate rest as a part of your lifestyle Resources: Sacred Rest by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith Personal Rest AssessmentSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You feel tired all the time and are not even sure when it started. You try to go on vacation once a year, but it doesn’t feel like enough. You’re concerned that this exhaustion is affecting your performance, both at work and at home. What can you do on a regular basis to stay energized throughout the week? In this episode, Courtney, Blake, and Verbs brainstorm ideas for the 5 categories of self-care and offer tips on building it into your week. They show you how to leverage the Weekly Preview, so you can more consistently engage in self-care and be at your best from day to day—and not just when you finally have the chance to go on vacation. In this episode, you’ll discover— Strategies for winding down at night and getting enough sleep Why the people you connect with impact your energy The value of giving yourself the freedom to play 5 tips for filling out the self-care section of the Weekly Preview Resources: Guided Weekly Preview chiliPAD Moment app Cook Once, Eat All Week by Cassy Joy Garcia BreakHIITSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're excited to share this excerpt of our Guided Weekly Preview with you. Hosted by Blake Stratton, this audio is designed to be played while you're filling out your weekly preview. Blake shares best practices, definitions, helpful tips, and personal stories to help you make the most out of this crucial Full Focus Planner tool. If you like what you hear and want to get the whole 22-minute guided preview for free, then visit www.focusonthispodcast.com/preview. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever returned to work after some time off and felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation? Maybe you were checking your phone and emails so often that you brought the office with you. Or you spent too much time doing and not enough time resting. Is there a way to go on vacation and return rejuvenated rather than just as tired as when you started? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake talk about how to set up your time away from work to get the rest you need. They share 5 steps for planning the fully unplugged vacation of your dreams, so you can leave with confidence and return refreshed and ready to jump back in. In this episode, you’ll discover— How casting a vision for what you want turns hopes into actual plans A step-by-step plan for equipping your team to cover your bases Why it’s necessary to define “emergencies” before you leave The value of blocking off 2–3 days to tie up loose ends and get to inbox 0 Resources: Vacation Optimizer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You set yourself up with all the latest productivity tools to get ahead of your busy days. But now you find yourself monitoring too many systems and never knowing where you put that one piece of information. You feel frustrated—and maybe even a little guilty—that you’re not using your planner the right way. You need a system that keeps you focused and tracks all the complicated, changing information that’s part of your job. In this episode, Courtney, Blake, and Verbs share how they each use technology in conjunction with their Full Focus Planners. They offer 3 tips for figuring out a personalized hybrid system that works for you, so you can streamline and integrate a productivity system that empowers your most important work. In this episode, you’ll discover— 4 questions to consider while customizing your own system Why you should limit the role of multi-function digital tools The case for deleting work apps from your phone When to use digital tools versus your planner for maximum productivity Resources: Things task manager app See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Week after week, you find yourself working on projects you dread. You don’t understand why they’re important. You’re not good at them. But if your boss is dictating your to-do list, it’s not as if you have a choice, right? You have more agency than you think. In this episode, we’ll dive into four strategies you can practice to start doing more work you enjoy and less work you dread. When you do, your company will benefit—and your career will, too. In this episode, you’ll discover— An insightful tool for identifying the work you love How to leverage your thinking to change your experience An often overlooked reason you might not be enjoying your work When—and how—to approach your boss Giveaways that it’s time to look for work elsewhere See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You missed your friend’s birthday—again. You completely forgot about your annual physical and double-booked yourself. Your anniversary snuck up on you, and now you’re trying to make last-minute reservations. You hate feeling the guilt and panic of losing track of dates that matter. What you need is a better look at the big picture. That’s why we designed Rolling Quarters. Rolling Quarters give you an annual view within your quarterly planner, so you can track important dates and commitments and see your year at a glance. In this FAQ episode, we’ll dig into a question from our Facebook community, sharing tips and tricks for how to get the most out of this planner tool. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to set up your Rolling Quarters page Ideas for events and happenings to track Courtney’s favorite part of her past job One strategy for leveraging Rolling Quarters to track your goals Another round of the Review Corner For a full tutorial on how to set up your Rolling Quarters page, visit fullfocusplanner.com/start.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re getting better and better at using the Full Focus Planner to help you organize your life and achieve more. But every week when you start your weekly preview, you feel unsure how to use “that” page, the one with a blank box for each day of the week. What exactly is it for? How can you maximize it to accomplish your goals? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake zoom in on the page people ask about most often: the weekly overview page. They discuss 3 lenses to consider as you decide how best to tailor it to your needs. Because there is no “one size fits all,” but there are all kinds of ways to leverage this page as you prepare for the week and set yourself up for success. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to set mini-milestones toward your Weekly Big 3 4 ways to track the execution of your routines The value of setting healthy expectations for the week ahead How to get in sync with your spouse on a weekly basis Resources: Full Focus Planner® Community on Facebook Verbs’s workout video using BreakHIIT by Darren Wong See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You have the Full Focus Planner and are already starting to see some progress toward your goals. But you keep running into situations you’re not sure how to handle. What do you do when you miss a goal? How do you stay on track when you’re in a season where life is out of balance? Where can you get advice on how to tackle all this? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake answer ten questions from the Focus on This community on how to practically maximize the Full Focus system. They’ll share tips they personally employ and show you how to make the system work for you so you can move forward with confidence to achieve your goals. In this episode, you’ll discover— 5 steps for keeping your goals relevant quarter to quarter How to reset in the middle of an off day Which pages of the Full Focus Planner to zero in on to “go big” Best practices to build awareness of life’s open loops for list sweeps How to use the Full Focus system away from work on the weekend Resources: Focus on This Episode 54: “How to Reevaluate Your Goals and Make Them Exciting Again” Focus on This Episode 84: “Blending an Ambitious Career with a Meaningful Life” Win at Work and Succeed at Life by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt Miller Focus on This Episode 61: “The Power of Journaling” Full Focus Journal Day One journaling app See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re at work early every day, because your to-do list is a mile long. You’re trying your best to hustle, using all the productivity strategies and apps, but you’re exhausted, your focus is scattered, and your patience is wearing thin. What’s missing? What else can you do? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake discuss one of the most important productivity tools most people don’t talk about: sleep. They reframe the negative narrative around sleep and show you three reasons getting why quality sleep is essential for high performers. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why sleep is an asset—not a liability—to your productivity The impact sleep quality and quantity has on performance How sleep refreshes your emotions and disrupts the cycle of stress Pro tips for shutting down at night and sleeping better Resources: Focus on This Episode 83: “The Life-Restoring Magic of Daily Rituals” iPhone Bedtime feature DOHM sound machines Sleepcasts by Headspace Win at Work and Succeed at Life by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt Miller See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You feel stagnant, like life is an endless cycle of going to work and coming home. There’s nothing on your calendar you’re really looking forward to. Can you be burned out and bored at the same time? How can you escape this sense of being in suspended animation? In this episode, Courtney, Verbs, and Blake offer a counterintuitive solution to the stasis of burnout: adding something to your calendar. They’ll show you the four surprising gifts that come from investing in a hobby—and how that can help you find renewed creativity and energy for both work and life. In this episode, you’ll discover— The power of active rest The benefits of letting your mind wander How being new at something leads to the greatest gains Examples of activities that give you energy Resources: BreakHiit Win at Work and Succeed at Life by Michael Hyatt & Megan Hyatt Miller The 4 GIFs of Having a Hobby: Innovation - https://giphy.com/embed/pOAJ9UVzFLHTnhhjOJ A Beginner’s Mindset - https://tenor.com/view/learning-cant-wait-to-learn-gif-9334907 Rejuvenation - https://tenor.com/view/bear-charging-gif-10139371 Enjoyment - http://gph.is/1dsY23lSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today's episode is an exclusive look at the first chapter of Megan and Michael's new book, Win at Work & Succeed at Life. It comes out on April 20, but you can preorder the book now at winandsucceedbook.com. Also, we're very excited to share that Michael and Megan will also be holding an event called "Win at Work and Succeed at Life LIVE" on April 20th. To get admission to this online event, all you have to do is pre-order the book at winandsucceedbook.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve heard over and over that the key to success is to work harder and longer than everyone else—but you do so at the expense of your health and your loved ones. Or, perhaps you’ve determined the cost isn’t worth it. So you seek out a better sense of well-being but pump the brakes on your ambition. Can you really only have either a thriving career or a healthy personal life? Is there a third option? In this episode, the crew at Focus on This talk with Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller about their new book, Win at Work and Succeed at Life. They walk you through the intentional strategy that improves results both at home and at work, so you can take back control of your life and find freedom and margin and more opportunities than you ever thought possible. In this episode, you’ll discover— 3 nonnegotiables to set as you design your Double Win Why the issue is not quantity of time but intentionality How to create breathing room when you’re in survival mode Strategies for proposing a Double Win experiment to a skeptical boss Resources: Win at Work and Succeed at Life by Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You are in a season of change and instability. Maybe you’ve moved, started a new job, or had a baby, and you’re feeling disoriented, struggling just to get by. You need something to anchor your days. But what can you do in the middle of, well, life? In this episode, Verbs and Blake welcome Courtney back from maternity leave and discuss how you can shift from being at the mercy of your life to purposefully setting the tone for your days. They show you how to leverage the power of rituals so you feel successful and energized—even in the middle of life’s inevitable chaos. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why rituals provide stability when everything else is in disarray The value of intentionality as seasons shift The benefits of seeing rituals as a part of your job for the day How to design rituals that reduce stress This episode is brought to you by Michael and Megan's newest book, Win at Work and Succeed at Life. Enjoy Michael and Megan exploring what it takes to achieve the Double Win, recounting stories that bring joy and some that sting, while laying out how you can win at work and succeed at life. Preorder your copy today at www.winandsucceedbook.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The days are starting to feel a bit off. You’re not completely sure when it started, but there’s an undeniable disconnect. It’s hard for you to start up and wind down, and the boundaries of your days are beginning to blur together. The likely culprit? Your rituals. Rituals are designed to be habitual, but they also need to be reexamined from time to time. Blake, Verbs, and Marissa will walk you through five steps you can take to ensure you’re getting the most out of your rituals—so you can create rhythms that set the tone you want for your days. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why it’s vital to clarify the end result you’re looking for Questions for reassessing what’s working and what’s missing 2 strategies for tweaking your ritual when it’s not working for you The power of experimentation in creating the experience you want When to do reviews to regularly optimize your rituals Resources: Break HIIT See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You spend your days managing details, scheduling meetings, and replying to emails—by the time you start on the “real work,” the workday is half over. Work bleeds into your personal life as you try to make up for lost time. You can’t go on this way, but it does all need to get done. How can you keep the business running without sacrificing your family and your well-being? In this episode, Verbs and Blake talk with Tricia Sciortino, Michael’s first virtual assistant and current CEO of Belay Solutions, and Melissa Lawrence, her executive assistant. They show you how to shift from trying to do it all to focusing your energy where it does the most good by hiring and leveraging an executive assistant. What you invest in an assistant you will get back tenfold as you find your way to the Double Win. In this episode, you’ll discover— 4 responsibilities executive assistants take on to empower your Double Win How your assistant can become a fierce protector of your priorities A life-changing system for managing your inbox The time-saving value of delegating prep work Resources: Belay Solutions Ultimate Guide to Working with a Virtual Assistant See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Double Win sounds great—but as a business owner flying solo, it feels out of reach. Your list of tasks is a mile long. You’re concerned about losing clients. You’re having to master new skills as you go. Is there really enough time in the day to take care of your business and lead a fulfilling life? In this episode, we tackle challenges that come with running your own business head-on. We’ll describe four common obstacles to the Double-Win and walk you through practical solutions you can start leveraging today. When you do, you’ll finally stop feeling burnt out and start adding hours back to your week. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to set boundaries with demanding clients The connection between a lack of motivation and a lack of clarity Why offering less allows you to provide more value Strategies to drive results when there’s just not enough time How to free yourself to do the stuff only you can do Resources: FocusMate Free to Focus course Belay Solutions See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the middle of meetings, details fly back and forth at rapid speed. You agree to take ownership of several next steps. But you’ve already forgotten one before you walk out the door, or it falls through the cracks of your overwhelming to-do list. How do you keep track of what you need to do and actually follow through? In this episode, Verbs and Blake interview Aleshia, Michael Hyatt & Company’s execution extraordinaire, to learn her tips, tools, and hacks for mastering the art of follow-up. They’ll show you how to develop a system for capturing tasks and following through so that you can become the high-achieving colleague others can count on. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to turn your actions into pro-actions The value of creating space to think and plan Why scheduling meetings with yourself keeps your mental to-do list clear The power of forethought to anticipate needs during meetings The top five tools and apps to follow up like a pro Resources: Full Focus Planner See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When you have too many meetings on your calendar, the week feels like it’s half-gone before it even starts. How can you keep from falling behind on your most important tasks when you don’t have time to do actual work? You don’t want your calendar to run your life. But what’s the alternative? In this episode, Verbs, Blake, and Deidra will show you how to take back your time through the power of auditing your calendar. With plenty of personal examples—including an on-the-spot meeting cancellation of their own—they’ll teach you to determine which meetings to get out of and provide practical strategies for taking back your time. In this episode, you’ll discover— Four clues to help you identify an unnecessary meeting Why monologues and meetings should rarely go together How regularly reevaluating meetings leads to a positive work culture Tips for regaining time on your calendar even when a meeting is necessary Strategies for achieving the goal of a meeting without actually meeting Resources: Want to replace unnecessary meetings with video? We recommend Loom or VidYard. Maximize the effectiveness of your meetings with No-Fail Meetings by Michael Hyatt. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our free download: Spring Clean Your To-Do List, a six-step guide to transform towering to-do lists into a trimmed-down list that's actually to-do-able. Download the guide at fullfocusplanner.com/printables.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes, just writing down everything you have to do is overwhelming. You feel discouraged before you even begin. And seeing it all in one place still leaves you stretched thin and running from one obligation to the next. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? This episode is an invitation to reevaluate your to-do list. We’ll walk you through four questions you can ask yourself to stop doing the work that drives you crazy and start making your best contribution to your business. When you do, you’ll have the peace of mind and confidence that comes from knowing you can accomplish what’s required of you. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why some tasks don’t actually need to get done How to eliminate needless decision-making through creating habits Often overlooked opportunities to delegate tasks One practice that will help you stop overestimating how much you can accomplish in a single day Two kinds of tasks you can schedule to relieve stress today See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There are few setbacks more discouraging than stalling halfway into a goal. It’s easy to think you need to “just try harder”—but sometimes, what you actually need is a little help. But how can you help someone help you on your goal achievement journey? Verbs, Blake, and Neal dive into this question in this story-filled episode. They’ll highlight four key contributions anyone can make to support your goal progress. You’ll finally be able to enlist help to get unstuck—or help someone you love do the same. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why encouragement is actually simpler than you think The power of perspective to challenge the stories we tell ourselves Why solidarity matters—and how to practice it A challenge to see yourself as more than a self-improvement project Types of feedback you can request to take you further on your goals See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you align your rituals with your spouse? How can you make sure your Daily Big 3 aren’t at odds? How can you use the Weekly Preview to navigate the logistics of the coming week together? If you’re married, want to be married, or know people who are married, this episode is for you. We’ve heard your questions about using Full Focus tools with a partner—so today, Blake and Verbs are joined by their spouses to offer some answers. In this episode, you’ll discover— How the planner can keep homeschool moms sane Why Blake has middle school band to thank for his marriage Four questions you can answer with your spouse to prepare for the week Apps to consider adding to your morning ritual Why the planner can be your best friend for making room for family time See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The people you love matter more than anything else. But it’s easy to overlook setting relational goals, and hard to know where to start. You don’t want your relationships to drift aimlessly. But what should you do? We’ve got a few ideas. This practical, feel-good episode brings together new and old voices for a brainstorming session for the ages. We’ll walk through four categories to consider as you create relational goals—dropping in examples, stories, and encouragement that will inspire you to get creative about how you invest in the people you love most. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to make time together more meaningful Resources for improving your understanding of connection Small habits with big relational impact Why a new adventure might be exactly what your relationship needs What a “bike party” is—and why you should care This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our Date Night Download, a free resource that prompts healthy discussions with your significant other. Download your copy today at fullfocusplanner.com/datenight.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You always knew pursuing your goal would be hard. But now, it really is. The excitement has ebbed. Roadblocks, old and new, are slowing you down. Discouragement is eating away at your motivation. You need to find a way forward. But how? We’ve been there, and we’ve discovered the solution in a simple principle: self-coaching. When you practice these four self-coaching essentials, you’ll be able to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward. Soon, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals—and becoming someone new along the way. In this episode, you’ll discover— The good news about 100% of the challenges you’ve faced The questions you need to ask yourself honestly Why pursuing your goals an exercise in integrity How to power your persistence What happens to your goals when you don’t give yourself grace This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our Full Focus referral program. Send $10 to a friend and earn $10 for yourself at fullfocusplanner.com/sharethelove.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sunday night can bring with it a sense of dread. You’ve enjoyed a brief reprieve from the chaos of the week, but now Monday is looming. You don’t hate your job; you’re just not ready to dive back into a mountain of tasks. The solution isn’t a longer weekend. It’s a better plan. This episode unpacks the Weekly Preview—the tool we’ve designed to help you start loving Mondays again. When you get into the habit of looking back and looking forward, you’ll start each week with the motivation, knowledge, and focus you need to accomplish your most important work and progress toward your goals. In this episode, you’ll discover— The kinds of wins to notice—and why you need to celebrate them Where to find the information that’s essential for goal progress A simple step to improve your peace of mind How to prevent getting swept away by what feels urgent The power of turning goals into weekly objectives See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You love the way the Full Focus Planner simplifies your life, but if you’re honest, you’re not using it as a goal achievement tool. There are too many demands vying for your attention to think about goals. You want to use your planner to its full potential—but where should you start? In Part II of our miniseries on our top planner tools, we’re diving into the Goal Detail Page. This simple tool can help you leverage the power of goal achievement to create the life you’ve always wanted. Featuring insight from special guest Marissa Hyatt, this episode will empower you to start getting the most from your planner every quarter. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why clarity leads to progress The key to staying motivated How seeing your goals leads to action A free tool for keeping your goals visible The #1 way to overcome procrastination See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s so simple, it’s almost elementary. But this one tool can single-handedly cause your days to become more productive and less overwhelming. You’ll be able to accomplish more by doing less. It’s not magic—it’s the Daily Big Three. The Daily Big Three is the most foundational tool of the Full-Focus Planner. If you don’t know where to start or simply need a refresh, we’ll walk you through what the Daily Big Three is, why it matters, and how to leverage and adapt it throughout your weeks. You can stop ending the day feeling dazed with a half-finished to-do list. Narrow your focus and boost your confidence with the power of the Daily Big Three. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why the Daily Big Three might just help you sleep better The danger of drift—and how the Daily Big Three combats it The power of connecting your annual goals to daily actions How the Pareto Principle applies to your productivity How and when to set your Daily Big Three See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve set SMARTER goals you’re excited about. Now what? You don’t want to stall your momentum, but your goals are risky enough that you’re not quite sure what to do next. Planning does little good without action. But figuring out how to move forward is simpler than you think. By asking yourself four simple questions, you can start making progress toward your goals—and keep going until you reach the finish line. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to know if your first step is too big The power of the next three steps to get you where you want to go Why you shouldn’t try to tackle a goal alone The relationship between seeing your goals and accomplishing them Why staying connected with your desire is essential for success This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our Full Focus Planner Annual Subscriptions. Get a year's supply of Full Focus Planners to power a year of achievement at www.fullfocusplanner.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Celebration isn’t a luxury. It’s essential. Without it, we lose sight of how far we’ve come—and undermine our motivation as a result. The truth is, we could all use a little more encouragement, especially in a year like 2020. That’s why today, we’re celebrating you. We asked our listeners to submit real wins from the past year, and you delivered. So join us for this community-wide celebration. You’re bound to learn something new along the way. In this episode, you’ll discover— Courtney’s big news Three reasons celebration is important Why Michael has been able to spend more time with his daughter How Orlagh got well on her way to writing a book A Q&A call from Marianna, a self-proclaimed Full-Focus “groupie” with great questions about leveraging an Executive AssistantSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s so much possibility when you’re planning for a new year. It’s easy to want to want to see drastic improvements in every area of life all at once. But that’s a recipe for missing the mark—and burnout. The solution? You need a strategy for knowing what to tackle, when. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at four considerations for determining when to tackle your goals. When you stop sabotaging your goal achievement and start tackling the right goals at the right time, you’ll be able to go further, faster. You’ll finally be able to design a plan for your best year ever that you’ll stick to year-round. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why you can’t put every area of your life under construction at once How to pick the goals that have the highest leverage What to consider if you’re only excited about work How to balance your number of habit and achievement goals Our farewell to Courtney as she prepares to go maternity leave This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Your Best Year Ever Live, a virtual event to help you set powerful goals for the new year. Claim your seat today at bestyearever.me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Can’t” is a powerful word. It can make you feel trapped, discouraged and small. It undermines your confidence and your results. And it’s a dead giveaway that you’re being held hostage by a limiting belief. We’ve been there, and we’ve got good news. You can exchange limiting beliefs for liberating truths by following four straightforward steps. When you do, you’ll stop seeing the world through the lens of scarcity and embrace greater possibility. You’ll feel empowered and hopeful—motivated to make a larger impact than ever before. In this episode, you’ll discover— Tips for spotting a belief that’s holding you back Practical examples of how our thinking limits our success How to upgrade your thinking Steps to make your better beliefs stick Why you need to grapple with 2020 before you plan for 2021 Upgrading your thinking is just the start of designing 2021. Take the next step and join us for our goal-achievement course, Your Best Year Ever, by visiting bestyearever.me.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

And just like that, it’s December. You’re in the home stretch of your quarterly goals and looking ahead at the new year. But there’s a problem: you’re not feeling motivated. Your Q4 goals feel like a grind and setting new goals for 2021 sounds like a chore. We’ve been there. The good news is, you’re not the problem. Your goals are. After years of helping people set and pursue goals, we’ve discovered one characteristic that multiplies motivation and results. You need riskier goals. In this episode, the Full Focus team is joined by Michael Hyatt to discuss why setting risky goals is the key to success. They’ll show you how adopting this single change will supercharge your motivation, boost your success, and help you become who you want to be. In this episode, you’ll discover— What the SMART acronym gets wrong about goal setting Why doubt, uncertainty, and fear mean you’re on the right track How risk sparks innovation What makes quiet, confident belief contagious An invitation to design your future at Your Best Year Ever See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year—but inevitably, the season feels chaotic. It seems impossible to really be present when so much is happening. And being spread thin can undermine your productivity during the most important quarter of the year. It doesn’t have to feel like the next few weeks are happening to you. We’ve identified four steps to help you thrive this holiday season. When you follow them, you’ll stop being swept away and start being present for what matters most. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to set and communicate realistic expectations Why you may need to adapt your habits Tips for making sure your most important priorities happen The advantage of resisting FOMO and exercising your “No” muscle A special segment with a guest caller that will leave you looking forward to your quarterly preview This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our daily holiday specials, 12 Days of Christmas. Sign up at fullfocusplanner.com/12days.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s easy to be discouraged after a year like 2020. But when we see ourselves as the victims in a narrative, we give up the only thing we always have control over—our response. The solution? We need to practice gratitude. Gratitude changes the way we experience the world. It opens us up to new possibilities. It builds up the relationships that matter most. It helps us persevere, even when faced with uncertainty. Gratitude is encouraging in the truest sense: it gives us courage. That’s why this Thanksgiving special is all about gratitude. We’ll delve into why gratitude matters and how you can cultivate it. Then, we’ll practice a little gratitude of our own. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why gratitude can lead to hope The difference an abundance mindset can make How gratitude drives connection Simple ways you can integrate gratitude into your life Why Courtney and Verbs are grateful for listeners like you This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. Visit michaelhyatt.com/blackfriday to get up to 50% off select products today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Somehow, it’s already noon—and you’ve accomplished nothing you intended to. You started the day with good intentions. But then, you had a string of morning meetings and split your time between too many tasks. Now, the day is half gone and you feel like it’s been wasted. We know what it’s like to feel at the mercy of your day. But we’ve discovered how to leverage the power of rhythms to start each day with clarity and confidence. That’s why we’re unpacking the three simple practices of a workday startup ritual built for breakthrough. At last, you’ll stop wondering where the day went and start each day with a clear path to success. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why setting your priorities boosts productivity How to balance the meetings you need to attend and the work you need to accomplish What to do to prevent your inbox from derailing your day And, a special segment with a Full Focus community member about why goal setting and self care might just be the solution to feeling unmotivated See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re convinced journaling is a good idea, but you just can’t seem to get started. You have a laundry list of reasons—there’s no time, getting started is overwhelming, or you just can’t seem to find a rhythm that works. But you’re tired of watching yourself make the same mistakes and lose out on personal and professional growth. Here’s the good news: you’re not the first person who’s tried to start a journaling practice. Our team, representing a range of journaling experience, just finished a 30-day experiment with the brand-new Full Focus Journal. In this episode, we’ll dive into what we learned and invite you to try an experiment of your own by joining us for a community-wide journaling challenge. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to fine-tune when and where you journal Why you might need to “mature” your view of journaling The value of prioritizing journaling in challenging seasons How journaling shapes the way you move through your day What makes accountability so powerful—and how you can leverage it This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our new Full Focus Journal and Black Executive Pocket planner. Get them today at fullfocusstore.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.