You may be sad to hear this, but…

13 weeks of your year are lost due to distractions.

Here is a framework for how you can reclaim your focus.

Framework: Reclaim your ‘Focus’ in 5 steps.

Step 1: Accept Distraction as Your Default

Start to accept that distraction is your default.

Let go of “I should” or “I need.” Don’t be hard on yourself.

Why should you?

After all, your mind is not built to focus. But to save energy.

So all is good, and “you could need a little improvement.”

→ Accepting distraction as a default helps you to stay positive and not fall for hard self-criticism

Step 2: Train Your Awareness

Taken, that being distracted is your default, know that you can improve your base-line.

How?

Start with the classic:

Train your awareness by pointing it towards a subject (breath, body, mantra).

When your mind wanders, bring it back. An image that helps: Your focus is an obedient dog, after training it will follow.

→ Awareness is like like “lifting weights” – the more you train, the better you get.

Step 3: Maintain a Healthy Body and Mind

A healthy body leads to a healthy mind.

A healthy mind leads to a healthy body.

Train your body to be fit and in shape.

Reduce unnecessary stressors. Seek virtuous loops: slowly but surely, you will have more energy and awareness.

→ The more fit your body is, the more energy and awareness you have to deploy

Step 4: Pay Attention to Your Mind’s Patterns

Pay attention to where your mind goes when it “distracts.”

Every recurring thought shows you your patterns or hidden values.

Those patterns gift you a deeper understanding of yourself.

These nuggets of insight tell you a lot about what moves you really.

Cherish them. And work with them (take them to your next coaching or therapy).

→ More interesting than “the fact that you were distracted” is where your mind goes when it wanders. What thought patterns come up?

Step 5: Rest in Open Awareness

Start to pay attention to where your mind goes when you let it free.

This is called “open awareness meditation.”

I recorded one for you, to train:

Try enjoying letting the mind roam.

You are training your mind, while curiously exploring how you make sense of the world around you.

→ Shifting between Focus and Open Awareness helps you to train focus and be aware where your focus goes (in everyday life).

As you learn to understand your mind and its patterns and anticipate and disarm distractions, you will achieve more from less.

My advice is: Don’t stop there.

There is a very particular kind of intimacy possible for those who regularly spend time in self-reflection and contemplation.

Reflect: What helps you to reclaim your focus?

I’ll see you next week,

P.S. Leading is hard. Here is how I can support you to lead yourself and your organization:

1. The Yearly Reflection Space for Leaders:

I've opened applications for my 2024 "Wise Leadership Retreat.“ It will take place 06.- 11. August this year. You can apply here.

2. A Beautiful Mind for Executives

This one is for you if you want to train your mind with deep training from science and meditation traditions. My virtual “A Beautiful Mind Course” for Executives. Train here.

3. A CEO Playbook library with the best of Management and Leadership:

I scan the best of leadership literature and mindfulness so my clients can focus on what matters most—building a thriving organization. My client's CEO Playbooks library features the best management and leadership theory. You can have exclusive access here.

4. A la Carte Executive Training:

Each year, I support a few leaders & their organizations in transforming into more resonant versions of themselves. Want to be coached by me? Say hello. 

PPS: And because you deserve it - here is your bonus.

My 10 “Most Popular Mini Leadership Guides”:

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