Forced Focus - Music For Your Story

Ever feel like the holiday rush hits you from all sides? It can get intense, especially when you’re juggling dyslexia and a million demands. My focus has been wobblier than a toddler on ice skates, so I went back to a trusty method to claw back some mental clarity.

In this episode, I talk about pulling out an old technique that always seems to help when the world gets noisy. I share what it is, why it works, and how you can build it into your own hectic schedule. If your thoughts are all over the place right now, stick around. This method might help you breathe again and get back on track.

Why It's So Hard to Stay Focused Before Christmas

As the festive season closes in, it feels like everyone wants a piece of you. Work deadlines, family gatherings, last-minute shopping, social events—the list seems endless. For anyone who has dyslexia or ADHD traits, this overload can zap brainpower faster than you can say “tinsel.”

One moment you're peacefully sipping tea, the next you’re asked to complete five tasks at once. I've noticed that people forget we have limits on our energy. This pushes us into a place where our minds spin at high speed. Even if you’re an expert multitasker, there’s a point where you just can't squeeze in another thought.

Returning to a Favourite Technique

I was reminded of a tip that worked wonders for me in the past. It’s about carving out protected time to clear your mind. For me, it’s a morning session where I do a “brain dump” and then pick one or two items to act on straight away.

When I say protected, I mean putting your phone in another room, finding a quiet spot, and telling your loved ones not to disturb you. It might sound simple. But it’s so easy to forget you have the option to shut everything out for half an hour. As I mentioned in the episode:

“Focus has been a struggle this last month, a million things grabbing my dyslexic attention. It's like everyone goes mad leading up to Christmas, rushing to get things done.”

It’s not rocket science, yet I always wonder why we all forget this technique when life speeds up.

How to Get Clear Thinking Time

You might be thinking: “But Stephen, it’s the busiest time of year. I can’t just vanish.” Trust me, a little space goes a long way. Even if you literally lock yourself in the bathroom for five minutes, there’s something cleansing about stepping away from the noise.

Try these simple steps:

• Set an alarm: Decide when you’ll have your mini retreat, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
• Find a quiet spot: Your bedroom, a park bench, or your car—wherever you can breathe.
• Brain dump: Write down anything clouding your mind. Don’t worry about organisation.
• Act on a small win: Pick one thing from your list and tackle it. Start small.

This approach keeps stress from spiralling. You’ll find clarity in what actually matters today, rather than chasing random tasks people throw at you.

Using “Doing Time” to Stay Productive

Once you’ve had some thinking space, it’s time to move into doing mode. This can be tricky, because our brains sometimes struggle to decide which task to begin with. The brain dump helps, but it’s also good to define how you’ll handle your tasks.

A method I like is timed sprints. Think of them like mini challenges. You work for 15 or 20 minutes, then take a break. It helps your focus reset. You can:

• Stick to one task during a sprint.
• Ignore your phone or messages.
• Reward yourself with a quick stretch or snack when the timer ends.

Choosing tasks that push you forward—like finishing that report or wrapping gifts—can give you a mental high. You use your energy more effectively, because you know there’s a finish line. It’s easier to get motivated when you see the end in sight.

Keeping the Momentum Without Burning Out

You might worry about maintaining this rhythm. It's normal to do well one day and then struggle the next. Dyslexia challenges us to discover fresh ways to keep going.

My advice is: be gentle on yourself. Once you complete your first sprint or clear thinking session, keep track of how great it felt. Then, when you wake up the next day, revisit that feeling. Remind yourself that you have the right to your own quiet space, even if it’s just five minutes. This practice builds a habit that can outlive the Christmas rush.

Don’t expect perfection. You’ll have days when it’s chaos again. That’s all right. Return to your old technique when you can. Each time you do, you’re training your brain to find your own calm inside the storm.

• Set aside time for a brain dump, no matter how short.
• Keep your phone away during focus sessions.
• Use mini sprints to stay productive without draining yourself.
• Celebrate one small task each day.
• Be kind to yourself when life gets crazy.

Those are my favourite reminders. If you give even one of them a try, you might notice a difference.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not alone in feeling scattered right now. Everyone’s busy.
• Protecting a small chunk of time can boost your focus.
• Brain dumps and timed sprints help you manage mental chaos.
• Keep the momentum by celebrating small wins.

If this resonates with you, the podcast player is at the top of the page. Go ahead and tune in to the full episode for all the details. Give that old technique a run, and see if it brings you some much-needed calm this season.