Laser Focus: Beat Distractions and Get More Done in Less Time

Ever sit down to work, ready to tackle that big project, only to find yourself buried in Slack pings, email notifications, and a never-ending scroll of social media? One minute you’re opening a spreadsheet… the next, you’re deep into scrolling reels.

If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone.

This post is for you if you’re tired of feeling pulled in a million directions, frustrated that your to-do list never seems to get shorter, and ready to take back your focus once and for all.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode on this topic here: Balanced Podcast Ep: 11

Why Focus Matters: It’s Your Superpower

Let’s be real, focus is harder to come by these days than ever before. We live in a world designed to distract us. Your phone buzzes. An email dings. A coworker sends a Slack message asking if you have a sec. By the time you do have a sec, you’ve completely forgotten what you were trying to work on in the first place.

The truth is, focus isn’t just a “nice to have.” It’s everything.

Your focus is your most valuable resource as an entrepreneur. Not time. Not even energy. It’s how you use your time and energy that determines whether you’re moving the needle in your business… or just spinning your wheels.

Cal Newport, the author of Deep Work (one of my all-time favorite books), puts it perfectly:

“The ability to perform deep work is becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time it is becoming increasingly valuable.”

In other words: If you can train your brain to truly focus, even in a world of constant distractions, you’ll have an edge. Not just in business, but in life.

Build a Distraction-Free Workspace: Your Brain Will Thank You

Here’s a little secret I’ve learned: Your environment is your productivity.

Think about it: How often have you sat down to work, only to get sidetracked by the clutter on your desk? Or the 47 tabs open on your browser?

When your space feels chaotic, your brain mirrors that chaos. So, creating a distraction-free workspace is one of the simplest ways to get focused fast.

Here are a few small changes that make a big difference:

1. Close your tabs. Yes, all of them. If it’s not the task you’re working on right now, it doesn’t need to be open.
2. Put your phone out of reach or try airplane mode when you need to get in the zone.
3. Play a focus playlist. I love using instrumental playlists on Apple Music. They’re designed for concentration and help signal to my brain that it’s time to get to work.
4. Declutter your desk. Clear the physical clutter so your brain can breathe.

These aren’t just “nice ideas”, they’re tiny systems that make a huge impact. When your workspace supports your focus, you’ll be amazed at how much easier it is to get into the zone.

The Pomodoro Technique: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Let’s talk about one of my favorite focus hacks: The Pomodoro Technique.

If you’ve never tried it, here’s the gist:

• Set a timer for 25 minutes

• Focus on one task, no multitasking

• When the timer rings, take a 5-minute break

• Repeat 4 times, then take a longer 15-30 minute break

It’s simple, but it works like magic, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or scattered.

Why does it work? Because it gives your brain a finish line. Instead of staring down a giant task that feels endless, you’re saying, “Okay, I only have to do this for 25 minutes.” That’s manageable. That’s doable.

I use the Pomodoro Technique all the time whether I’m working on a client’s books, writing content, or recording podcast episodes. If 25 minutes feels like too much at first, start smaller. Try 15 minutes. The key is to just start.

Set Digital Boundaries: Your Phone Is Not the Boss of You

This one might sting a little, but it’s a game-changer: You have to set boundaries with your devices.

Our phones, our emails, our Slack, they’re all designed to demand our attention. And if you don’t put boundaries in place, you’ll end up reacting all day instead of working intentionally.

Here are a few simple boundaries that help protect your focus:
1. Turn off non-essential notifications. (You don’t need to know every time someone likes your reel!)
2. Use “Do Not Disturb” mode during focus hours.
3. Check email at set times rather than constantly throughout the day.

I promise, you don’t have to be available 24/7 to be a good business owner. In fact, the more you protect your focus, the better you’ll serve your clients and customers.

Know Your Focus Windows: Work With Your Energy, Not Against It

We’re not robots. Some times of the day, we’re sharp as a tack. Other times, we’re barely holding it together with caffeine and sheer willpower.

For me? Early afternoons are when my energy dips, like clockwork. So I make an effort to schedule big meetings or heavy brainwork in the morning. Instead in the afternoon, I tackle lighter tasks like emails or admin work.

Knowing your personal focus windows is a total game-changer. Pay attention to when you feel most energized, and block that time for your most important work. Save the easier stuff for when you’re running on empty.

And remember, it’s okay to give yourself grace. Some days, focus is harder to come by. The key is to notice it and plan accordingly.

Get Comfortable Saying No

Here’s a little permission slip for you:
You do not have to say yes to everything.

Your time is precious. Your focus is even more precious. And if you say yes to every meeting, every message, every little task that comes your way, your focus will evaporate.

Saying no is a form of self-care for your brain. It creates the space you need to think clearly and get things done.

So if you need to:

Set boundaries on your availability
Politely decline a request
Or even let someone know, “I’ll get back to you this afternoon” instead of immediately jumping on their ask...

Do it. Your future, focused self will thank you.

Ready to Get Focused?

Distractions aren’t going away but the way you handle them can change everything.

Start small:

• Clean your workspace

• Try a 25-minute Pomodoro session

• Turn on Do Not Disturb

• Notice your best focus hours

Bit by bit, you’ll build the muscle of focus — and it will pay off in ways you can’t even imagine.

🎧 Want to hear more? Don’t miss the full podcast episode: Laser Focus: Beat Distractions and Get More Done in Less Time.

And hey, if you’re ready to make your business run more smoothly (and create more space for focused work), I’d love to chat. Book a free consultation with me at Starlight Bookkeeping, and let’s brainstorm how we can make your business feel lighter.

Let’s reclaim your time, your brain, and your joy one focused hour at a time. 💛