Focus on What Matters: Why I Block Time, Not Just Tasks

Most days, I start with a clear goal. There’s one task I know will move things forward—whether it's drafting a proposal, updating a budget, or solving a problem that’s been hanging around too long.

But if I check my inbox first, things quickly spiral. One email leads to another. A quick reply turns into 30 minutes. And that important task? Still untouched.

This isn’t just about managing time—it’s about protecting attention.

Table of Contents

• A Study Shows: It Takes Over 20 Minutes to Regain …

• What I Do to Stay Focused

  • Choose One Priority for the Day

  • Block Time for That Task

  • Delay Email

  • Minimize Distractions

  • Focus Takes Time to Build

• Want to Try This?

A Study Shows: It Takes Over 20 Minutes to Regain Focus

Research shows that when we’re interrupted, it takes about 23 minutes on average to fully get back into the flow of what we were doing.

It’s not just the interruption that causes the delay—it’s the chain reaction. After being pulled away, I often find myself jumping into other small tasks before finally returning to the original one.

Multiply that by five or six interruptions a day, and I’ve lost hours of focused work—without realizing it.

What I Do to Stay Focused

Over time, I’ve learned that productivity doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters without interruption. Here’s what works for me:

Choose One Priority for the Day

At the start of the day, I ask myself:

That becomes my non-negotiable.

Block Time for That Task

I put it on my calendar like a meeting—usually 60 to 90 minutes. During that time, I don’t check email, answer messages, or take unscheduled calls. That task gets my full attention.

Delay Email

Unless something is truly urgent, I don’t open my inbox first thing.
Instead, I schedule one or two blocks of time in the day to check and respond to messages. It helps me stay focused on the work I’ve planned, rather than immediately shifting to what others need from me, which I’ll give attention to later, at a better time.

Minimize Distractions

Before I start focused work, I close all unnecessary tabs, silence my notifications, and put my phone aside. I usually don’t announce that I’m in a deep work session—but I’ve come to realise that, in team settings, letting others know can be a helpful courtesy. It’s something I’m learning to balance: protecting my time while staying aware of how my availability impacts others.

Focus Takes Time to Build

I used to think I could quickly switch between tasks and stay productive. But that’s not how focus works. It builds over time—and every interruption resets it.

By blocking time, protecting my attention, and avoiding distractions, I’ve been able to get more done in fewer hours—and with less stress.

Want to Try This?

Tomorrow, pick one task that truly matters.
Block 90 minutes for it.
Don’t open your inbox until it’s done.

Do that for a few days—and watch how much more you accomplish.

P.S. Blocking time for what matters has helped me reduce stress and get more done. Give it a try this week.

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See you next Saturday.