Business leaders are constantly dealing with things grappling with their limited time and attention. Without concrete systems in place to manage distractions, leaders run the risk of losing needed focus when making progress on set goals is a key priority.
From tackling mission-critical tasks first to finding an environment that increases their productivity, there are many strategies leaders can leverage to recenter their attention on their work. Below, 18 Forbes Business Council members offer additional advice on specific ways business leaders can find uninterrupted focus when they need it most.
1. Reserve Time On Your Calendar
I block off dedicated focus time on my calendar, treating it like a non-negotiable meeting. During this period, I eliminate distractions by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs and setting clear goals. I recommend this to other leaders because it ensures deep work, boosts productivity and helps one make significant progress on high-priority tasks. – Brittany Harrer Dolin, Pocketbook Agency
2. Start A Distraction List
I use a distraction list, which is a comprehensive record of all the internal distractions that come up while you’re working. List a task or thought as soon as it crosses your mind and then return to your work without pursuing it any further. Then, divide these tasks into categories, with “do it later” items to the right and deep focus “do it now” tasks to the left. This technique creates deep pockets of uninterrupted focus. – NJ Falk, Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
3. Adopt The Pomodoro Technique
I use the Pomodoro Technique, which breaks work into focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks to maintain productivity and mental sharpness. This structured approach optimizes decision-making quality during high-stakes tasks and prevents mental fatigue during back-to-back meetings. – Shivangi Khurania, Udeso
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4. Make Your Time A Priority
As a business owner or leader, you first have to recognize that it is your job to work on strategy, and for that, you need time. Schedule time to strategize in your calendar and stick to it. If there’s no space in your calendar, then it’s time to hire an assistant so that you can spend 80% of your time on your unique ability rather than the 20% that most do. – Rob Levin, WorkBetterNow
5. Set Proper Boundaries
Setting proper boundaries means making sure everyone knows that when my door is closed, I am not to be disturbed. I turn off all phone notifications and lay my phone face down on my desk. This empowers the team to be problem-solvers who don’t need to rely on me for every single decision. By doing all of these things, I can direct my focus on the task at hand. – Melissa Johnson, E3 Coaching LLC
6. Wake Up Early To Tackle Daily Habits
I wake at 4 a.m. when distractions are minimal and tackle seven habits by 7 a.m. daily. These habits are devotion, praying, journaling, working out, walking, listening to a podcast and reading the Bible, and I’ve coined it 7×7. This purposeful time helps me start the day with clear intentions. Leaders must create deliberate strategies to eliminate distractions, block off time and enhance focus. – Cody Bjugan, Allied Development
7. Stick To A Consistent Morning Exercise Routine
I find uninterrupted focus by sticking to a consistent morning routine where I wake up and work out at 5:30 a.m. every day. Starting the day with exercise clears my head, boosts my energy and sets the tone for productivity. I recommend business leaders try it. A strong routine builds discipline and helps you tackle your most important tasks with focus and intention. – Andrew Monteyne, All-County Apparel
8. Reduce Or Eliminate Distractions
To find focus, I embrace elements of “monk mode”—eliminating distractions to foster deep concentration. Leaders face constant demands, so scheduling focus periods, silencing notifications and creating distraction-free spaces are crucial for strategic thinking and achieving progress on key priorities. – Pierre Padiou, Locala
9. Retreat To A Quiet Space
When I need focus, I retreat to a quiet space to disconnect and reset. For me, this includes a morning skydiving jump. The solitude and adrenaline sharpen my thinking and create clarity for solving challenges. I encourage leaders to explore activities they’re passionate about that can reset their perspective and energize decision making. – Paulina Wierzbicka, SNAH Healthcare Software Management
10. Put On Noise-Cancelling Headphones
I’ve found noise-canceling headphones paired with binaural beats are an incredibly effective way to get into a flow state and communicate to others around you that you don’t want to be bothered. One hour in a flow state can equate to several hours of shallow work. – Courtne Marland, Lyra
11. Be Present
Be where you are. By intentionally structuring your time, you create a personal pattern of focusing on where you are. This minimizes context switching, fosters sustained concentration and reduces decision fatigue. Even focusing on building this as a small consistent habit creates compound output impact over time. – Curtis Anderson, Nursa
12. Implement A ‘Digital Lockout’
I enforce a strict “digital lockout,” switching off all notifications and blocking external inputs. It sounds extreme but uninterrupted solitude ignites my best ideas. By removing constant pings, you force your mind to roam freely and tackle problems at their deepest level. Every entrepreneur should try it to unlock untapped creativity. – Kolja Brand, Aurum Future
13. Handle Critical Tasks First
I focus best when I start the day handling critical tasks first. Before diving into emails or meetings, I spend an hour or two on the most important project. This way, I make real progress before the day gets chaotic. I recommend it to leaders because it ensures your priorities don’t get lost in the shuffle. – Braden Yuill, Virtual Coworker
14. Engage In Time Blocking
I find uninterrupted focus by time blocking specific hours for deep work and setting clear boundaries. I turn off notifications and communicate my availability to my team, minimizing distractions and boosting productivity. I recommend this practice to other leaders because it helps prioritize critical tasks, maintain mental clarity and model a culture that values focused, efficient work. – Anna Anisin, Data Science Salon
15. Purposefully Make Time For Your Work
As a leader, you can’t just find uninterrupted time–you need to create it. If I’m in the office, my team knows my routine; I go in, walk around to greet everyone and then the next hour is mine with the door closed. After that, I’m available as needed. If that’s too challenging in the office, I go for a walk. Exercise naturally improves focus and provides sacred time to think deeply with a clear head. – Kristen M. Waterfield, The Malvern School
16. Take A Walk
I tend to find the most focus while out on walks. Being in beautiful surroundings with clear air gives me a clear head and focuses the mind. I find this is true whenever I can be close to water, lakes, rivers or the ocean. This really helps me focus. – Jeff Hopmayer, Brindiamo Group
17. Integrate Daily Mindfulness Practices
I find focus by integrating daily mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation. This helps clear my head, reduces stress and sharpens my decision making. I’d recommend this to other leaders, as it boosts productivity and keeps you grounded during challenging times. – Raj Sardana, Innova Solutions
18. Work From Home
When I work from the office four days a week, I generally find it an enjoyable and productive place to be. But at times when I really need to focus, and have dedicated time to think deeply and work with focus, there’s nothing like working from home. Being physically separated makes it easier to ignore distractions, turn off my emails, Slack and WhatsApp notifications and focus on my work. – Sebastian Leape, Natcap
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