Focus on This

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.

You want to live with intention. But life happens so quickly that you feel like you’re just reacting. The world feels chaotic and you’re wearing thin. This can’t really be living, can it? We know what it’s like to long to feel grounded and confident about the life you’re leading. To get there, you’ll need to go beyond accomplishing your most important work. You need to learn from your life, shape your thinking, and cultivate self-awareness. In this episode, we take a practical look at journaling—what it is, why it matters, and how it fits into the Full Focus System. Whether you’re a tried-and-true journaler or just not the journaling type, you’ll learn how engaging in regular reflection can help you get more out of your work—and your life. In this episode, you’ll discover— How journaling changes what you notice day-to-day Why even people who don’t like writing should journal The difference journaling for just 15 minutes can make in your day How journaling helps boost one of the most important skills of a leader What’s happening next week—don’t miss this sneak peek! This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Michael Hyatt's Countdown to 2021. Join this exclusive newsletter and free community of like-minded achievers who are committed to turning 2020's disappointments into 2021's greatest successes. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/countdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve mapped out your ideal week, but it never happens—and it’s hard not to blame your partner, spouse or roommate. It seems like you can never get on the same page, and that’s a problem when your lives are so intertwined. The miscommunication and foiled plans are creating tension that’s driving you crazy. We’ve been there, and we’ve got good news. The problem isn’t a person. It’s your plan. You can collaborate to create a shared ideal week that helps both people experience success and feel supported. All you have to do is follow four straightforward steps. When you do, you’ll stop having your ideal week derailed and start experiencing the benefits of designing your days. And, you’ll overcome the relational disconnect and finally feel like you and your partner are on the same team again. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to identify and communicate the most important parts of your ideal week Why prioritizing your partner is key to mutual support What question to ask when your ideal week is in conflict with your partner’s Why you should treat integrating your ideal weeks like an experiment How to improve your shared ideal week over time This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Michael Hyatt's Countdown to 2021. Join this exclusive newsletter and free community of like-minded achievers who are committed to turning 2020's disappointments into 2021's greatest successes. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/countdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You want to do your best work and support the people you love. But interruptions to your workday are taking a toll on your focus and ability to do your important work. You hate feeling pulled in multiple directions—like you have to choose between your work and your family. You can accomplish your most important work without sacrificing your most important relationships. As parents, spouses, and full-time employees, we’ve been there. And we’ve developed proactive strategies that help us invest in the people and work that we love. When you implement them, you’ll be able to minimize interruptions and increase your productivity without sacrificing the relationships that mean the most. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Michael Hyatt's Countdown to 2021. Join this exclusive newsletter and free community of like-minded achievers who are committed to turning 2020's disappointments into 2021's greatest successes. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/countdown.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You really believe in the Full Focus System and you know that it will help you feel less overwhelmed—but you can’t seem to get started. The tool itself feels overwhelming! There’s so much you know you need to change to increase your productivity and holistic balance, but you can’t do it all at once. It’s easy to feel discouraged before you even begin. We’ve been in your shoes, and we’ve become experts in maximizing the effectiveness of the planner. We’ll walk you through four simple actions you can take to implement the Full Focus system gradually by adopting an iterative approach. When you do, you’ll stop neglecting your planner and start leveraging it to accomplish your most important work. You can finally stop feeling ruled by the chaos of your life and start living with intention. In this episode, you’ll discover— Several approaches to begin using the Full Focus Planner How to identify your next step in using the Planner. The very first feature of the Planner you should use. The worst mistake you can make when starting to use the Planner. How to gain more value from using the Planner over time. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You sit down to start the day with a clear vision on your most important tasks. But then you check your email. Before you know it, you’ve spent half the day responding to requests and working on other people’s priorities instead of your own. You’re sacrificing your best time and energy in the name of inbox zero. You hate feeling at everyone’s beck and call and can’t stand the way you’re always behind. But what can you do? There’s another way forward. We know what it’s like to feel trapped by our inboxes. And we’ve developed a four-step strategy for making your inbox work for you. When you implement it, you’ll move from reacting to requests to accomplishing your most important work. Finally, you can stop being perpetually behind and feel empowered to make real progress towards your goals. In this episode, you’ll discover— Why you should never operate out of your inbox for task management. How to stack habits and set aside specific times for checking email. The difference between synchronous and asynchronous communication. App suggestions that can make your life a lot easier. Tips on communicating expectations with team members and clients. The value of declaring email bankruptcy—and why it’s not as scary as it sounds. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You want to accomplish demanding work. But some days, you hit a wall. When you buckle down and push through, you end up burnt out. When you try to relax by scrolling on social media or doing downhill work, you feel stressed because you’re not making any progress. Either way, you wind up exhausted. There has to be a better way. We know the frustration of feeling stuck alternating between willpower and distraction. But we’ve cracked the code. The key is taking breaks that boost your productivity, not undermine it. Today, we’ll teach you three criteria for doing just that. You can finally stop ending your workday feeling stressed out and frustrated. Better breaks will help you stay refreshed while empowering you to do your best work. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You know that goal you set is important, but you always dread working on it. When you finally stop procrastinating, you never seem to be able to make the kind of progress you want to and walk away feeling drained. It’s so frustrating to feel unable to achieve work you know matters. You’ve accidentally turned a project into a goal. We’ve done it, too. But completing projects requires different strategies than accomplishing goals. Today, we’ll teach you how to make sure your important projects get done with three straightforward strategies. You’ll feel free to focus on the goals that make the biggest impact, without letting anything important fall through the cracks. Your days of dreading important work are behind you. It’s time to accomplish the work that matters most. In this episode, you’ll discover— Questions to ask yourself to determine if you are working on a goal or a project. How to avoid dependency on external motivation with your goals. The difference of things you should do versus things you get to do. How some efforts promote maintenance and others are for growth—and what that means. What to do with goals that are assigned to you that will make them more exciting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You start the year energized by your list of SMARTER goals. But you get a few months in, and your goals aren’t working the way you want them to be. Life looks different now than you planned. When you read your goals each day, you’re feeling less motivated and more uncertain. We’ve been there. We’ve watched life change in ways we never could have expected. But we’ve learned how to keep our goals relevant by walking through the 5 R’s. When you master this simple process, your goals will give you energy and confidence, even when life throws you curveballs. You'll finally get unstuck and start making progress in life and at work. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to avoid the anxiety associated with the effect of changing circumstances on your goals. Why you need to revisit your annual goals every quarter. Tips on how to build goal checkpoints into your calendar. What to do when you feel like a failure for not accomplishing a goal. Strategies for achieving success—even in the midst of pandemics and chaos. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You arrive at work every day laser-focused on your Big 3. Then you walk into the office. Unread reports are stacked on your desk, so you rifle through them. You can’t find a red marker so you run to the supply closet. You open your Planner, then notice it’s sitting on top of that book you have to review. Better start now. You realize it’s lunchtime, and you haven’t started your first real task of the day. How did this happen? The real villain here is not you or your workload. It’s the clutter in your workspace. It constantly tugs at your attention, finally wearing down your ability to focus. But we can fix that in just a few simple steps. Follow this easy plan, and you’ll have a clean, inviting workspace that points you toward your top tasks every day. You’ll feel relaxed and focused on your work. And you’ll leave each afternoon feeling a greater sense of accomplishment. In this episode, you’ll discover— The negative impact of physical distractions on your work. What you must do before you ever tackle decluttering. Why you have to make a bigger mess before you can clean it up. How to overcome your emotional resistance to decluttering your workspace. Practical steps on how to group, sort, and select a home for everything. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planners. Learn how you can equip your kids for this uncertain back to school season 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.

The beauty of the Full Focus Planner is that it gathers all of your planning essentials into one package. Like a fine wine or an intriguing novel, the Planner has many aspects that some may not appreciate at first glance. You may even wonder what some of the elements are for. Here’s help. We’ve assembled the best tips, hacks, and customizations used by our team here at Michael Hyatt & Co. Our staff members are past masters in the Full Focus System, and they can show you how to get full value from your Planner. Try these tips, and you’ll go from scratching the surface to plumbing the depths of Planner use. You’ll gain insight, efficiency, and a high level of personalization, making the Full Focus Planner an even more valuable tool in your work and personal life. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to track daily wins in your Full Focus Planner. Practical tips on using timers and short sprints to get important work done. The value of accountability and how you can use it to increase productivity. Which portion of the planner you should use if you don’t use anything else. How annual goals and weekly objectives flow into your daily tasks. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by our new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planners. Learn how you can equip your kids for this uncertain back to school season 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.

You really want to be productive, and the Full Focus System seems like a great solution. Yet you can’t help but wonder, “Do I really have time for this?” It’s a common enough dilemma. We’ll solve it in today’s podcast. We’ll show you four solid benefits of this system that go way beyond organizing your workday. These are positive changes you can expect throughout every aspect of your life. Commit to this system, and you’ll start enjoying more balance, focus, and margin in every area of your life. Let’s get you out of indecision prison and on track for the Double Win—winning at work and succeeding at life. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to transition from productive days to a productive life. Tips on increasing trust levels from your peers. The importance of “setting and forgetting” for expanding your capacity. What makes the Full Focus Planner different from other planners. A few simple actions that can trigger a snowball effect of growth and productivity. Remember to check out the new Kids and Students edition of the Full Focus Planner 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.

You arrive every day really hoping to get a lot done. But before long, text messages, social media, and office chatter pull you off track. By noon you’re wondering, “What just happened to my day?” It’s so demoralizing to realize that you’ve wasted your best focus time. Here’s help. We’ve fought our own battles with distraction and interruption, and we’ve developed a foolproof strategy for keeping them at bay. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll get your focus back, finish your to-do list, and leave work feeling satisfied nearly every day. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Pocket planner. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/pocket. In this episode, you’ll discover— What an “anticipation tactic” is—and how to use them to avoid distraction. How to identify your unique obstacles to productivity. The times of day when we’re most likely to fall prey to distraction. Practical tips for designing around your weaknesses. How to handle family interruptions when working from home (without hurting feelings). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re working hard to achieve more every day. But sometimes it’s hard to keep a good attitude about work. Things don’t always work out the way you planned. And sometimes life is just unfair. It’s so frustrating to work hard yet have the feeling that you’re not getting the results you deserve. Here’s a simple pathway out of that swamp. We’ll show you how to leverage the amazing power of gratitude to free yourself from negative thoughts. Plus, it’s rocket fuel for your productivity. Try it! You’ll be immediately released from that feeling the breaks never go your way. And you’ll gain the energy and optimism to tackle your greatest goal or challenge. As a bonus, you’ll find yourself emerging as a leader at work, or wherever you happen t0 be! In this episode, you’ll discover— How your gratitude can affect your entire team—not just you. Suggestions for small changes you can implement to make huge progress. Practical tips on how to shift your mindset and see your circumstances differently. How you can overcome the negative effects of entitlement in your life and work. Questions you can ask yourself to develop a grateful heart. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You want to get that big task knocked off. It’s like a weight hanging over you every day. And every day you say, “I’m going to tackle it first thing!” But it’s intimidating! Where do you start? It’s easy to procrastinate. And when you do dive into a big project first thing in the morning, you’re worn out by noon. It seems like you can’t win. In our experience, there’s a right way and a wrong way to tackle a big project. And most of us have been taught the wrong way! We’ve got a foolproof plan for getting started on your biggest task of the day that will ensure you get it done—and the other things you need to take care of. Just follow these steps, and you’ll quit procrastinating, start achieving, and have brainpower to spare at the end of the day. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Setting goals really turns your crank. But getting them accomplished is harder. Everything takes longer than it should. And it’s hard to keep the willpower going. It feels so lousy to find yourself behind on goal after goal. Here’s a little secret. You don’t need more willpower to achieve your goals. You need more support. And we can show you how to get it. We’ll give you four ways any of your friends can support your goal achievement. All you have to do is ask. When you do, you’ll get the encouragement, feedback, and accountability you need to stick with it. You’ll be hitting your goals again in no time! In this episode, you’ll discover— The importance of surrounding yourself with encouragers. Tips for fast-tracking your growth through the experience of others. What accountability can do for your desired life. How to recruit partners for joint pursuit of your goals. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by a free video series, 3 Tips to Equip Your Kids for Back to School. Get access by going to focusonthispodcast.com/backtoschool.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You love being focused and in control. But sometimes important commitments get dropped. You find yourself double-booked. Or you overlook an important deadline. Or, worst of all, you let down the people closest to you because you’re too busy. At some point, you realize that your calendar is totally out of control. We’ve got a solution for that. We finally got tired of being prisoners to our calendar and found a way to break free. In just three steps, you can tame that wild beast and get your life back. Try it! You’ll go from overscheduled to perfectly balanced. You’ll quit missing important appointments and have room to breathe again. This will be a great leap forward in your productivity and life balance. In this episode, you’ll discover— How your calendar got in bad shape in the first place—and what you can do about it. The first decision you have to make before you can overcome your scheduling woes. Tips for translating your productivity desires into actionable steps. Which items should make it through your filter and remain on your calendar. How to say no to requests that aren’t in alignment with your goals. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planner, available for preorder now. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/preorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve got a big vision for your business and you’re building a team to get you there. But where two or three people are gathered, there’s bound to be some misunderstanding. No matter how hard you work at it, you wind up having to repeat yourself. That costs time and wastes momentum. Why does communication have to be so hard? Actually, it doesn’t. Nearly every communication breakdown can be traced back to one of three problems. Avoid them, and your team will get the message the first time, every time. And you’ll gain even greater clarity about what you want for your business. In this episode, you’ll discover— The Clarity Grid—and how you can use it to assess and revive your communication. Some of the most frequent meeting mishaps and their implications on team morale. A clear path to the most important component of a healthy culture. What you must do if you want predictable results. How to avoid pitfalls related to communication shortcuts. Why the “curse of knowledge” is so damaging. How to save yourself (and your team) from embarrassing situations. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planner, available for preorder now. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/preorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You love to stay focused and achieve great results. But sometimes your work habits get in the way. You realize too late that you’re repeating the same mistakes or missing the same deadlines. It’s so demoralizing to get caught in the same time traps week after week. We’ve been there, for sure. And we’ve found a way to systematically make changes in the way you work. We’ve got four simple questions to ask at the start of every week. They ensure that you learn from your mistakes, capitalize on your wins, and get a little more productive every day. In this episode, you’ll discover— The one thing you need to be able to fix any problem. How to identify what is (and is not) working for you. Ideas for small tweaks that can make a big difference in your planning. Tips on changing your mindset so you’re ready for whatever comes your way. Suggestions for things you should stop doing right now to increase your productivity. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Pocket and Full Focus Notebooks. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/pocket.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You pride yourself on being productive at work. But there’s one problem: meetings! They feel boring and pointless, a total waste of time. It’s so frustrating! We’ve felt that pain, and we’ve got a perfect solution for you. By asking these few questions before every meeting, you can make every single one super productive. No more multitasking while you wait for release from conference-room jail. You’ll have fewer, more productive meetings and feel in control of your time again. In this episode, you’ll discover— Suggestions for bringing life and vibrance back to all of your meetings. How to determine which team members need to be in each meeting. Why consensus is not the main objective—and what you should focus on instead. Some of our best tips for making sure your meetings produce actual results. How Courtney ensures she’s prepared for every meeting in advance. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You love using the Full Focus Planner, but you sometimes wish it were, well, pocket-sized. Now it is! Announcing the Pocket Planner, a scaled-down version of the Full Focus Planner you know and love. It has all the features you love about the Full Focus System, and it’s sized just right to take with you anywhere. In this episode, Joel Miller, the genius behind the Pocket Planner, shares the features that make it perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle. For more information on the new Full Focus Pocket and Full Focus Notebooks, visit fullfocusplanner.com/pocket.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You get really excited about goal achievement. But after a few weeks, the buzz wears off. Momentum slows, enthusiasm wanes. It seems like it will never end! Why does every goal turn out to be a marathon? Actually, that’s all pretty normal. To get to a preferred future, you always have to get through the “messy middle.” We’ve been there too. And based on our experience, we’ve developed a simple solution for getting through the doldrums of goal achievement and regaining your momentum. Try it, and you’ll escape from the messy middle and get back on track to accomplishing your plans. Finally, you can stop feeling stuck and get excited about your goals again! In this episode, you’ll discover— How to make progress toward your goals even when things get tough. Why context matters in goal achievement—and what to do when it changes. The importance of revisiting your motivations and reconnecting with your why. How to identify when a goal needs to be dropped, adjusted, or moved to a different quarter. Practical steps to lay out a clear path forward toward a successful year. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planner, available for preorder now. Learn more at www.fullfocusplanner.com/preorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’ve got big plans, but life has a habit of getting in the way. For every one of your goals, there seem to be a dozen setbacks or problems. Before long, you’re bogged down in delays, frustration, and disappointment. Honestly, it seems like you can’t catch a break! The truth is that setbacks and failures are inevitable! They’re not the end of the road but the beginning of a fresh start. In this episode, we’ll show you exactly how to harvest the learning from your latest setback, then toss it like a banana peel and keep moving. Get yourself unstuck and back on track to achieve your goals! In this episode, you’ll discover— How to shift from a mindset of failure to a mindset of progress. Tips for seeing real, three-dimensional growth in yourself even when things aren’t going exactly as planned. That problems are actually part of the process, not a hindrance to it. Questions to ask yourself when processing a setback or failure. How to make sure you learn from even the most unexpected turns. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planner, available for preorder now. Learn more at www.fullfocusplanner.com/preorder. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You want to be more productive. And you could be except for one problem. You have to sleep! Sooner or later, you have to quit achieving and start sleeping. What a downer! Actually, it’s not. Far from undermining your achievement, sleep is an essential ingredient in productivity! We’ll show you why. Plus, we’ll give you 10 tips for getting more and better sleep so you can bring your best self to work every day. Try this, and you’ll be amazed at the spike in your productivity. You’ll go from yawning your way through the day to being recharged, re-focused, and more productive than ever. In this episode, you’ll discover— The effect of sleep on your immune system and cognitive abilities—and why you should care. How to shift from thinking of sleep as an enemy to thinking of it as a beloved friend and productivity booster. Tips on improving your sleep hygiene to give yourself the best environment for dozing off. Why you should exercise daily—and when you should do it. What you can do during the day to make sure you’re able to sleep at night. A lot of the research from this episode came from Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Sleep-Unlocking-Dreams/dp/1501144316/ This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Compass, a monthly program to help Full Focus Planner users stay on track with their goals. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/compass.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You love Mondays, you really do. But they never quite live up to the dream. You plan your week, pick your Big 3, and proof your calendar. But something always pulls you off the rails. Before you know it, deep work is out the window, and you’re running from one meeting to another. Why is it so hard to keep your week on track? We’ve been there! And in this episode, we’ll show you a simple trick to ensure that you realize your Ideal Week more often than not. Try this, and you’ll go from frazzled to focused. You’ll finally stop bouncing from crisis to crisis and have time for deep work on your most important projects. It works! In this episode, you’ll discover— How to identify the times of day when you are at your peak and plan your work accordingly. Why you need to triage your calendar and task lists when things get crazy. The questions you need to ask yourself so you can identify your Desire Zone activities. Suggestions on how to batch your activities according to stages and themes. The importance of leaving room in your schedule for interruptions—and how to actually plan for them. Remember to visit www.fullfocusplanner.com/printables for a printable Ideal Week! This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Compass, a monthly program to help Full Focus Planner users stay on track with their goals. Learn more at fullfocusplanner.com/compass.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You like to work hard and play harder. Your weekends are not downtime; they’re “uptime” because you’re up for anything! It’s all good, but it’s also draining. That makes it hard to get “up for work” on Monday. Why is there always so little time for the things you really love? Here’s the thing: the Full Focus System works on weekends, just like it does during the week. Today, we’ll show you how to end your weekends with that same “Ahh” feeling you get from a productive week. You’ll escape from that Sunday night exhaustion. And you’ll be rested up, charged up, and rearing to get back to work on Monday morning! In this episode, you’ll discover— How to utilize the Full Focus system so it works for you on the weekends, too. Practical tips for structuring Saturdays and Sundays realistically. How to have a great weekend whether you are a “pack it all in” type or a “chill” type. The five main areas of rejuvenation—and how to give attention to each of them. Why you should plan your spontaneity (it’s a thing!). This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Student Planners. Find out more at www.fullfocusplanner.com/preorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Work from home? No problem! As a high achiever, you’ll thrive in any environment. But for those who happen to be parents, there’s another layer. Now you’re not just managing your productivity. You’re managing your kids’ education and activities at the same time. Talk about a productivity challenge! Here’s help. The Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students will bring the same structure and focus to your children’s days as the Full Focus Planner does to yours. Plus, they’ll learn the primary skill they need to succeed in the knowledge economy: focus. Get Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students for your family, and you’ll gain back hours of your time and put your kids on the pathway to lifelong achievement! For more information and to reserve your copies, visit www.fullfocusplanner.com/preorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You’re committed to productivity, which is why you love the Full Focus Planner. The Daily Pages are great! But the Weekly Preview? Hmm. Just not sure what to do with that. No worries. We’ve got tons of experience with the Full Focus System, and we can give you the inside scoop on how to work it seamlessly into your life. Follow these best practices for the Weekly Preview, and you’ll gain confidence in your planning process. And you’ll enter every week refreshed and energized! In this episode, you’ll discover— Best practices for setting your priorities for each upcoming week. What to do if you have a hard time remembering what happened the week before. Tips for avoiding distraction during your Weekly Preview. How to use activation triggers and rewards to ensure you follow through. The importance of not skipping steps—especially when you’re new to the practice. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the new Full Focus Kids and Full Focus Students planner, available for a limited time only. Learn more at www.fullfocusplanner.com/preorder. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You pride yourself on being a high achiever. But that means tracking a ton of information, and that’s hard to do. You come out of a meeting with only one to-do item, but you forget what it is. You made a note on your tablet, but where is it? Evernote? Google Docs? Word? It’s super frustrating. Why is it so hard to keep track of all those little things? After thousands of hours in meetings, we’ve devised the perfect way to capture key information for easy retrieval. And it works in other settings too! Follow these three steps, and you’ll never forget an action item again! You can leave every meeting and end every day with no worry about forgetting something important. You’ll have perfect confidence that everything that needs to be done has been done. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to capture information so you don’t miss important details or let people down. The value of intentional inconvenience, and how you can implement it to increase effectiveness. Suggestions for how to code your notes for followup. What to do with your notes after you finish taking them. How to use the Index in the Full Focus Planner to keep up with scattered notes. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Compass, a monthly program to help Full Focus Planner users stay on track with their goals, even through today's crisis. Learn more at www.fullfocusplanner.com/compass. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nothing gets you pumped up like being super-productive. But why does it seem that you’re never “on” at the right time? I’m never “on” at the right time. You may feel draggy and tired at work and feel really motivated only later in the evening. Or you start the day with a burst of energy, only to have it sapped in a morning of marathon meetings. It’s so frustrating to feel like you’re wasting your best time and energy. Here’s help. We’ll show you how to work according to your natural rhythms, which may differ from your 9-to-5 schedule. When you understand your “chronotype,” you’ll instantly dial in on your most productive hours. You’ll match your best energy to high-leverage work, and be more productive than ever. In this episode, you’ll discover How to cooperate with your body’s natural rhythms for maximum productivity. Energy management tips based on your unique chronotype. Insight into why you and your colleagues don’t naturally operate with the same energy at the same times. How chronotype tendencies could (and should) affect your ideal week. Ideas for avoiding traps associated with energy slumps. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a high achiever, you’re totally focused on getting stuff done. But there’s a problem with that. You may get so caught up in the chase that you only see the problems and missed opportunities. It can be super discouraging when you don’t reach your goal. We know the feeling. And we’ve got a simple practice to keep you energized, motivated, and on track to greater productivity. It’s so easy you won’t believe it: List your wins every day. That’s it! When you focus on the gain instead of the gap, you’ll instantly shake that coulda-done-better feeling. You’ll start every day with the motivation you need to achieve. In this episode, you’ll discover— Tips to help you get out of your productivity funk. What complaining does to your mindset and your energy. Why you should actually speak your wins out loud to yourself and to friends and family. How to identify your gains—and not just focus on the gaps. Suggestions on how to increase your energy and have more fun. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by Compass, a monthly program to help Full Focus Planner users stay on track with their goals, even through today's crisis. Learn more at focusonthispodcast.com/compass.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

You love to manage your time well, and the Full Focus System is a great help. But it can be a lot to take in all at once. So it’s tempting to focus on the low-hanging productivity fruit and put off implementing the full system. To experience long-term transformation in your work and life, you need more than just a few productivity hacks. In this episode, we’ll show you how the Full Focus System impacts your entire life, not just your time at work. Put the full system to work for you, and you’ll become effortlessly disciplined and see huge gains in every domain of life. In this episode, you’ll discover— How to build greater trust in all of your relationships. How our daily choices affect stress levels and well-being—and what to do about it. Tips for having greater control without depending on willpower. The secret solution that produces the outcomes you want. Why hustle is not the only way to find success—and what you should focus on instead. This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the Original, Classic, Executive, and Bold Full Focus Planners. Learn more at www.focusonthispodcast.com/planner.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This was going to be your year of big achievements. But the coronavirus has thrown a monkey wrench into your plans. Suddenly, you wonder if you can achieve any of your goals. It’s frustrating, and it feels like a tremendous loss. Well hang on there, little tomato. We’ve been through some unexpected times before, and we know exactly what to do when your goals get upended. In this episode, we’ll give you five options for reshaping your goals. When we’re done, you’ll have real, practical possibilities making progress. Rather than being stuck in a holding pattern, you can keep working on goal achievement right now. In this episode, you’ll discover— What to do if you feel like your goals are no longer relevant or achievable How to shift your thinking and focus on hope Suggestions for reframing your targets to fit your new reality Tips for alleviating stress and building confidence Ideas for replacing goals within the 10 major life domains This episode of Focus on This is brought to you by the Original, Classic, Executive, and Bold Full Focus Planners. Learn more at www.focusonthispodcast.com/planner. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A lot of people are working on remote teams for the first time. It can be frustrating to find new communication rhythms. Remote communication is hard because it lacks context. If you follow the three guidelines we present in this episode, you’ll have seamless communication with your work-from-home team. You’ll quickly adapt to the new normal, be less frustrated, and develop stronger relationships. In this episode, you will discover— The importance of increasing communication in times of transition How communicating should be different when done virtually versus in-person Suggestions for establishing a new team rhythm that works for your unique circumstances Why it’s so important to assume positive intent from your co-workers’ messaging (emojis are helpful) Tips on clarifying availability, expectations, and other rules of etiquette For more ideas on how to work with your teams remotely, visit www.focusonthispodcast.com/remote.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.