Work Smarter, Not Harder — Post 3: Manage Attention, Not Time
Time is not the real problem. We all have 24 hours.
We’ve all heard people say, “I just need more time.” But here’s the real twist: time is not the problem. Everyone has the same 24 hours. What truly separates high-impact people from the rest is how they manage their attention.
Forget time management. It’s time we shift attention to management, protecting your focus like it’s the most valuable currency.
Why Attention is Everything
Imagine your brain like a phone. Too many apps open? Battery drains. Slows down. Heats up. Same with our minds. If you’re trying to do too much, you end up doing nothing well. Even with a full day, if you’re constantly checking notifications, hopping between tasks, or replying to every beep, deep work doesn’t happen.
The truth is, it’s not about hours worked. It’s about uninterrupted, quality focus.
My Turning Point: From Multitasking to Meaningful Work
A few years ago, I prided myself on multitasking, hopping between emails, meetings, and group chats like a boss. But by evening, I’d be mentally drained and still have my real work untouched.
One day, I switched things up. I blocked 90 minutes for just one important task, turned off all distractions, and even put my phone on silent mode and out of reach.
Result: I finished a major project in one go, something that would’ve otherwise taken two days.
How to Guard Your Focus
Here are some easy ways to shift your focus from chaos to clarity:
Block “Focus Hours” daily. Even just one deep work session in the morning can set the tone for the day.
Keep your phone on Focus or Do Not Disturb mode. Most phones now have built-in features to block notifications temporarily. Try to use them.
Have a single-task mindset. Multitasking looks good on paper, but single-tasking wins the race.
One important thing to remember is that resting your mind is part of working well. Don’t feel guilty for taking a break to stretch, sip chai, or just breathe.
Action Steps for This Week
Try these simple moves:
Pick one high-focus task first thing in the morning. Do it without checking your phone or emails.
Use your phone’s built-in Focus mode (or “Do Not Disturb”) when working.
Take a “digital fast” for 1 hour daily. No screen, no scroll, just stillness.
Your Turn
What distracts you the most during work? What’s your go-to trick for staying focused?
Please share your experience of how you manage your time wisely; someone in the community might benefit from it too.
Up next: Ruthless Elimination — How Saying No Creates Space for Greatness.
Catch you next Thursday!
Missed the last ones?
Great ideas for making attention work more for us than against us. Thanks!
Good information.