The Focus Gap - The Long Game Vs Daily Activity

Finding it hard to keep your attention on one thing at a time? You're definitely not alone. Many of us juggle busy schedules, and it can feel like our brains ping from one idea to the next. In this podcast, I share my personal journey of tackling focus issues while my plate is fuller than ever. I touch on how acceptance has become part of my mindset, and I reveal a key tool I'm testing to completely reorder how I approach tasks.

Overall, the episode dives into the reality of living with a head full of ideas, ways to recognise the problem, and practical steps to stay on track rather than feeling overwhelmed. Below, you'll see a few highlights from the conversation, along with sections that explore how I'm learning to work with my brain instead of fighting against it.

A Full Plate, Yet Embracing It

Some of us used to hate having too many responsibilities, but I've grown to welcome a busy schedule. I realised it's not the workload itself that's the issue, it's how I approach it. There's a kind of relief in learning to embrace, rather than resent, a full plate.

One thing I've noticed is how staying curious and open has changed my perspective. When you accept that your brain is wired differently, it can lighten the stress. Instead of forcing yourself to “fit in,” try spotting your strengths. This small change in mindset can make a huge difference in keeping you sane when the pressure rises.

Recognising the Need to Reorder Focus

Many of us with dyslexia, ADHD, or simply creative minds have a natural tendency to bounce around projects. Whether it's fiddling with one idea or jumping to another, we often crave novelty. This can be a blessing if harnessed well, but it can also lead to stress and half-finished work if left unmanaged.

I started noticing how easy it was to let my day get away from me. From the moment I opened my eyes, I'd have thoughts begging for attention. In the episode, I said:

"I have really had a few challenges with focus recently. My plate is nice and full (which I used to hate). Now I accept it but it’s not always easy. I wanted to share a key tool I’m testing to reorder my focus."

It became clear that I needed a better system to keep things in check. Once I admitted my focus was wandering, I took an honest look at my options.

Introducing a Simple Tool

The key tool I mention is straightforward. It's something you can try without complicated apps or fancy set-ups. Think of it like a running to-do list, only more strategic. Here’s the basic idea:

• Jot down every task, idea, or project that’s swirling in your mind.
• Assign a level of importance or impact to each item. What's genuinely crucial today?
• Group them into categories that make sense for your life: work tasks, personal, creative projects, etc.

Once I see how each item lines up, it’s easier to pick which one to focus on first. This method has become my daily anchor, reminding me to zero in on the tasks that actually matter instead of getting lost in busywork.

Staying Curious (and Kind to Yourself)

Reordering focus isn’t a one-time fix, it's a process. Testing new tools means some might work brilliantly for a week but fade later. The trick is staying curious enough to notice when something stops serving you.

Try to be kind to yourself when you feel overwhelmed. It's tempting to blame your brain, or call yourself undisciplined, but there's no quick fix to rewiring how we think. Experiments are part of the adventure. If one approach doesn’t stick, try adjusting it. You never know which tweak will suddenly click and simplify your life.

Practically Applying This Method

The tool alone won’t magically do the work, but combining it with a down-to-earth approach can shift how you tackle daily tasks. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Set a tiny time limit for each task. Five or ten minutes can be enough to get the ball rolling.
• Pair tasks with a motivating treat. Maybe it’s a short walk, a cup of tea, or a mini-daydream break.
• Reduce friction where you can. If your desk is cluttered, take a quick minute to clear space for your brain to breathe.

This doesn’t need to be complicated. Simplicity can be powerful, especially when dealing with a busy mind.

• Takeaways:
• Accepting a busy schedule can reframe your mindset.
• Recognising focus challenges is the first step to finding real solutions.
• A simple list-based tool can create surprising clarity.
• Be kind to yourself and treat any new strategy as an experiment.

I hope this gives you a taste of the topic. If you're curious about how I’m reinventing my daily routine and want more tips on reordering your focus, be sure to listen to the full episode. The player is right at the top of this page, so hit play and join me for a deeper conversation.