Harness Your Focus: Tools and Tips for Utilizing Your Time Efficiently

Stay on Track friend, you can do it! 😊🙌🏾

Hello hello!

Happy Wednesday, and welcome to The Pause.

How is the season treating you?

I’ve been getting into a good balance between finishing the edit of my cozy fiction novel, teaching yoga classes and workshops online, as well as writing for this publication, all while taking frequent breaks, making sure I move my body daily and trying to feed myself and spend time with friends and family.

It can be a lot, ya’ll.

Not having a shitty boss over my shoulder with opinions and deadlines and calling me into pointless meetings sometimes sounds easier than being a freelancer. I’m not even joking.

I guess the grass is always greener. 🙃

Photo by Naira Babayan on Unsplash

In Summer, especially when the middle of the day is super hot and all I can do is sit in front of the fan, I’ve realized that I have to readjust my schedule and find a way to get things done while working less.

Sounds dreamy, no?

I may not be able to go on vacation, but I sure as hell will be making some time to read books under my new mosquito tent and even take myself to the beach a time or two.

Do you have any plans to slow down?

---

Stay on Track

My favorite way to get work done and be efficient with my time is to schedule productivity sessions into my day, but staying focused and using my time efficiently can be challenging.

When it’s not a phone notification, it’s an email from a client or an urgent-yet-not-so-urgent text from a family member who cannot find the car keys.

I’ve learned that in the same way that I am intentional about how I start and end my days, I have to be super aware of how I spend the time in the middle.

There are many systems that people use to stay on track and maximize their productivity, so here are some to consider:

1# Time Blocking 📅

Time blocking involves dividing your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or group of tasks.

This method helps you allocate focused periods for work, meetings, breaks, and personal activities, ensuring that each area of your life gets the attention it needs.

2# Eisenhower Matrix ❎

The Eisenhower Matrix helps you prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Tasks are divided into four categories:

• Urgent and Important

• Important but Not Urgent

• Urgent but Not Important

• Neither Urgent nor Important

This method ensures that you focus on what truly matters, rather than getting caught up in less important activities.

3# Bullet Journaling 📔

Bullet journaling is a customizable organization system that allows you to track tasks, events, and notes in a single notebook.

It combines elements of a planner, diary, and to-do list, helping you keep everything in one place and maintain a clear overview of your responsibilities.

4# Getting Things Done (GTD) ✅

GTD is a productivity methodology that involves capturing all your tasks and ideas in a trusted system (like a notebook or app) and then processing them into actionable steps.

The GTD method emphasizes regularly reviewing your tasks and projects to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

---

---

Tips to Focus and Use Your Time Efficiently

I started doing productivity sessions both in person with some friends as well as online a year or two ago, and this is what I have learned helps you be most efficient:

1. Choose a Project 📃

Know what you’ll be focusing on for the duration of your session; whether you’re working on the novel you parked in a drawer years ago, you choose to paint for an hour, or decide to spend some time reading a book instead of scrolling.

Having a clear goal in mind helps you maintain direction and purpose, reducing the likelihood of getting sidetracked and ending up doing a little bit of everything, or a lot of nothing.

2. Grab Everything You Need ☕

Make sure you have your favorite drink and gather all necessary supplies before you start: laptop charged, notes ready, coffee brewed. Make a list if that helps you.

Giving yourself a few minutes of preparation before you sit at your desk or head out to the coffee shop minimizes interruptions, allowing you to stay immersed in your task and in the flow state.

There is nothing more annoying, I find, than having to get up 10 minutes into the productivity session because I didn’t grab any water and my throat is dry, or I forgot pen and paper.

3. Reduce Distractions 🎧

Put on headphones or earbuds to reduce noise and help you focus.

If you’re in a noisy environment, whether in your home, office, or public space, noise-canceling headphones can be particularly effective to help you focus on your project.

4. Play Music 🎶

I love a good soundtrack to accompany my productivity sessions.

When I am working on articles, I choose relaxing and acoustic music. When I am working on my novel, depending on the POV character I am writing, I oscillate between instrumental deep house and jazzy lo-fi vibes.

Whatever you choose, make sure that the tracks align with the vibe you are trying to invite.

The right music can create a conducive atmosphere for concentration and creativity.

5. Stay Away from Your Phone 📵

I know you know, but I have to say it.

Photo by Nubelson Fernandes on Unsplash

Avoid the temptation to check your phone. Put it on silent or consider placing it in another room or using apps that block notifications and distractions.

My favourite one is called Forest App, and not only does it help me stay focused, it grows a virtual garden that is quite lovely to look at. If you check it out and you like it, enter 3ZZV5FNSG to get a Friendship Reward!

6. Use the Pomodoro Technique 🍅

This simple technique truly changed how I work and has helped me get so much accomplished!

The traditional Pomodoro sprint is 25 minutes on and 5 minutes off, but people also do 50/10 or adapt it to their attention span.

This approach helps maintain high levels of focus and prevents burnout by incorporating regular breaks to drink water, move, or just change scenery.

7. Body Doubling 👨🏾‍💻

I love to combine Pomodoro sprints with body doubling, which involves working alongside someone else either in person at a local coffee shop or online, it’s co-working!

If you want to practice some of these techniques and spend some time in community, join me on Wednesdays & Fridays live on Insight Timer at 9:00 am EST (15:00 CET) or watch a replay anytime on my YouTube channel. 💛

We chat, breathe, and move during breaks while moving forward with our projects in a chill and welcoming environment.

The presence of another person can create a sense of accountability and help you stay focused.

---

Alright, friend!

This is all from me today. I hope that you found these productivity and time-management tips inspiring and helpful.

Until we meet again pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself.

Much love,

Laia