If you’ve been reading The Royal Connection for a while, you may remember when I shared the idea of scheduling a CEO hour each week. A dedicated time to step back, plan, and work on your business instead of just in it.
I like to think of focus time as putting that CEO hour into action.
While CEO Hour is about planning and looking at the big picture, Focus Time is about intentionally setting aside time for your highest priorities. Sometimes that means tackling an important project without interruptions. Other times, it means stepping away from work altogether so you can recharge and return with a fresh perspective.
It’s easy for our days to become filled with emails, phone calls, meetings, notifications, and the constant pull to respond to whatever comes next. Before we know it, we’ve been busy all day but haven’t been fully present for the things that deserve our attention.
That’s why I intentionally schedule focus time on my calendar. Depending on the day, it might be writing a newsletter, updating a client’s website, creating social media content, listening to a podcast, taking a walk, reading a chapter of a book, or simply enjoying a few quiet moments to reset. Whatever it is, I try to give it my full attention.
A few simple ways to make Focus Time work for you:
- Block it on your calendar just like any other appointment.
- Silence notifications and put your phone on Do Not Disturb.
- Choose one priority instead of trying to multitask.
- Step away when you need to recharge. A walk, a podcast, or a few quiet minutes can help clear your mind.
- Be fully present with whatever you’ve chosen to focus on.
Focus Time isn’t about doing more. It’s about being intentional with your attention and your time. Whether you’re working on an important project or taking a well-deserved break, giving your full attention to one thing at a time can help you feel more productive, less overwhelmed, and more present in both your work and your life.
Sometimes the most valuable thing you can put on your calendar isn’t another meeting—it’s simply time to focus.