Distracted

93: Reducing Overwhelm For Your Team In this episode, Angela Lockwood discusses practical strategies for team leaders and managers to minimise overwhelm within their teams. She emphasises the importance of clear communication, effective meeting strategies, and creating an environment that fosters focus and productivity. By utilising the AIM framework (Awareness, Intention, Mastery), leaders can help their teams navigate distractions and enhance their overall wellbeing. The episode provides actionable insights for leaders to implement immediately, ensuring their teams can thrive in a demanding work environment.  By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 How to identify the distractors impacting on you and your team. 👉 How to make meetings focused and purposeful. 👉 Practical strategies to enhance focus across your team throughout the week. 👉 How to be the role model of focus within your team.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Team Overwhelm 02:50 Understanding the Overwhelm Epidemic 05:58 The AIM Framework for Focus 08:50 Identifying Team Distractions 12:02 Effective Meeting Strategies 22:11 Encouraging Autonomy and Quiet Time 25:50 Batching Communications for Clarity

92: Unpredictable Focus In this episode, Angela Lockwood discusses the concept of unexpected focus, exploring how unforeseen events can disrupt our plans and priorities. She emphasises the importance of recognising these distractions and offers strategies to manage them effectively. By asking ourselves where does our focus need to be, what can wait, and who can help, we can navigate life's interruptions with greater clarity and intention. Angela encourages listeners to embrace the unpredictability of life while maintaining a sense of control over their attention and energy. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 How unexpected events can shift our focus away from planned priorities. 👉 That consistent focused action is effective when life is smooth, but distractions are inevitable. 👉 How to recognise when to shift focus is crucial for emotional resilience. 👉 How to be present in the moment to enhance your ability to cope with unexpected events. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unexpected Focus 07:42 Understanding Distractions and Life's Interruptions 12:50 Strategies for Managing Unexpected Focus 24:20 Recap and Final Thoughts on Focus

91: Bookend Habits for Better Focus In this episode of Distracted, Angela Lockwood discusses the importance of bookend routines for enhancing focus and productivity. She shares practical strategies for preparing for the week ahead on Sunday nights, wrapping up tasks on Friday afternoons, and establishing effective morning and evening routines. By implementing these routines, listeners can achieve greater mental clarity, reduce overwhelm, and create a structured approach to their daily and weekly tasks. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 Why it is difficult to stick with new habits. 👉 Why creating routines to your day helps with focus and productivity. 👉 Simple bookend strategies that can create space in your week. 👉 How to stay consistent with habits that make a difference for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bookend Routines 06:03 Sunday Night Preparation 12:21 Friday Afternoon Wrap-Up 18:39 Morning Bookend Routine 24:04 Evening Bookend Routine ⬇️ Book The Focus Formula Workshop for Your Team In today's fast-paced world, professionals are constantly pulled in multiple directions, struggling to manage time, energy and priorities. If you find yourself overwhelmed by distractions, juggling too many tasks, or unable to focus on what is important, it's time to take control. See how Angela can support you at www.angelalockwood.com.au/professionals Don't forget to subscribe, rate and share the Distracted Podcast on all of your favourite platforms!

90: Building your Support Network For Growth In this engaging conversation, Angela Lockwood and Janine Garner explore the transformative power of connection and networking in business. But not networking as you know it.  In the episode Janine emphasises that true networking is not about transactional exchanges but about building genuine relationships that foster growth and support. Despite us all being busy and often distracted Janine introduces the concept of four key roles we all need in a support network and how to identify and reach out to these four key people to help you thrive in your work and life.  If you are feeling isolated in your business and work and are looking to scale, grow and find greater fulfilment in your work, then this episode to listen to. Janine shares strategies and insights that will change the way you work and the way you connect with others. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 How building a focused team of support is your key to business growth. 👉 The importance of making connections not transactions. 👉 How the only competitive advantage in the age of AI is what we think. 👉 The reasons we hold ourselves back from making beneficial connections.👉 Strategies to identify what you need, who can held and how to reach out to them. You can connect with Janine Garner at www.janinegarner.com.au Chapters 00:00 The Power of Connection 07:56 Rethinking Networking: From Transactional to Relational 15:47 Building Your Support Network: The Four Key Roles 24:55 The Nature of Networking 30:11 Intentional Connections 36:53 The Power of Gratitude 42:23 Building Deep Relationships

89: The Downside of Deciding In this episode, Angela Lockwood delves into the complexities of decision-making, exploring the challenges of indecision and the overwhelm of making a decision in the face of so many choices.  She shares personal experiences and insights on how fear of missing out and overwhelm can hinder our ability to make choices. Angela emphasises that while we may not know the right decision until we make it, each choice leads to new opportunities and growth. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the unknown and recognise the continuous journey of making choices in life with a balance of logic and intuition. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 Why making a decision in the face os so many choices can keep us stuck. 👉 How to move past the fear of the unknown to make better decisions. 👉 How to make the most effective decisions by balancing logic and intuition. 👉 How to get comfortable with never knowing if you have made the right decision until after you have made it. 👉 Embracing that learning from past decisions is crucial for growth. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Decision-Making 03:42 Navigating Indecision and Overwhelm 10:01 The Role of Logic and Intuition in Choices 20:13 Embracing the Unknown in Decision-Making 28:14 The Continuum of Choices and Learning from Decisions

88: Self-Regulation For Back To School Success In this episode, Angela Lockwood discusses the importance of self-regulation for children, especially as they transition back to school. She emphasises the need for parents and educators to support children in managing their emotions, understanding the complexities of emotional regulation, and providing strategies to help them cope with challenges. The conversation covers factors that affect self-regulation, such as brain development, relationships, and routines, and concludes with actionable strategies for adults to model and teach self-regulation skills to children. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 The importance of self-regulation in developing resilient, confident children. 👉 How to develop the skills of emotional regulation for children. 👉 The foundation practices that will improve your child's self-regulation skills. 👉 How to model calm behaviours for self-regulation. 👉 How parents and educators can support the skill required for self-regulation through daily practices that will benefit everyone. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Self-Regulation and School Transitions 12:01 Understanding Emotional Self-Regulation 24:20 Factors Affecting Self-Regulation in Children 32:09 Strategies for Supporting Self-Regulation 40:05 Conclusion and Call to Action The Learning Bridge Membership for Educators  To find out more about The Learning Bridge go to: www.angelalockwood.com.au/educators Don't forget to subscribe, rate and share the Distracted Podcast!

87: Creating Success In The Age Of Distraction In this episode, Angela Lockwood interviews Tina Tower, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Her Empire Builder. In the episode Tina discusses her journey as a business owner and how she has learnt to better understand and and work with her ADHD and her ambitions while achieving remarkable success. The conversation delves into the importance of boundaries in business, the balance between hard work and smart work, and how AI is transforming the way businesses operate and business owners can amplify their capacity. Tina shares her insights on maintaining discipline, the necessity of hard work in entrepreneurship, and the significance of personal well-being and boundaries in achieving long-term success. This is a must-listen-to episode for all business owners and in particular female online course creators as Tina shares valuable insights on how to create success in the age of distraction. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 The importance of the importance of energy management in business. 👉  Establishing boundaries is crucial for sustainable business success. 👉 How to develop systems and practices to improve discipline and organisation. 👉 How to successfully scale a business by the simple method of selling oneself and one's products. 👉 The importance of blending of heart-centred work with practices to help you thrive financially. 👉  How to plan for the future to help manage overwhelming possibilities. 👉  How to use a fast-paced brain to your advantage for success in life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tina Tower and Her Journey 02:23 Harnessing Energy and Optimism in Business 06:47 Navigating ADHD and High Achievement 19:37 The Importance of Boundaries in Business 23:19 The Grind vs. Smart Work in Entrepreneurship 30:24 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 38:50 The Key to Scaling Businesses 39:15 Commercial Viability and Sales Strategies 43:02 Resilience in the Face of Failure 47:59 Personal Branding and Boundaries 53:58 Finding Balance Between Heart and Business 54:54 Navigating Life's Possibilities with Fast Brains

86: Lessons From Switching Off and Welcome to 2025! In this episode, Distracted host Angela Lockwood reflects on her recent family holiday where she switched off from work for 4 weeks. No laptop, no messages and no notifications. She shares the results of doing this and emphasises the importance of disconnecting from technology and creating boundaries to manage these distractions at all times. She shares insights on how to control attention and minimise interruptions in daily life, encouraging listeners to prioritise what truly matters to them. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 The importance of consciously switching off from work during family time. 👉  How setting boundaries around email and notifications is crucial for focus. 👉 How turning off unnecessary notifications can reduce anxiety and distractions. 👉 Being strategic about attention can lead to a more fulfilling life. Chapters 00:00 Post-Holiday Reflections 02:58 Family Adventures  05:10 Disconnecting from Technology 09:28 Creating Boundaries for Attention 15:32 Embracing Control in a Distracted World Don't forget to subscribe, rate and share the Distracted Podcast on all of your favourite platforms!

85: The Distraction of Possibility In this final episode of 2024, Angela Lockwood reflects on the highs and lows of the year, discussing the overwhelming nature of possibilities that can distract us from our goals. She explores how this distraction affects various aspects of life, including business, education, and personal choices. Angela shares strategies to maintain focus amidst the chaos, emphasising the importance of setting clear priorities and making conscious choices. As the year comes to a close, she encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences and set intentions for a more focused and fulfilling year ahead. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 Why it is hard to make decisions in the face of possibilities. 👉  Why possibility distracts us and how to identify when this happens in your life. 👉  The impact of possibility overload o your health and wellbeing. 👉 The seven strategies to stay focused while remaining open to possibilities.  👉  How to set a clear path for the new year. Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on 2024: Highs, Lows, and Mundane Moments 10:03 Navigating Choices in Business and Education 20:10 The Impact of Personal Life Choices 36:37 Looking Ahead: Setting Priorities for 2025

84: Role Modelling Healthy Habits For Our Kids In this insightful episode of Distracted, Angela Lockwood speaks with Dr. Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, about creating sustainable healthy habits within the family unit. Dr. Fuller explains why the focus should shift from weight loss and good or bad food to overall health. He breaks down the science behind why a focus on diets often fail and how evidence-based approaches can foster lasting wellness for the whole family. Together, they delve into the importance of parents modelling healthy behaviours, involving children in meal preparation, and making family mealtime a sacred ritual free from distractions. Listeners will gain insights into countering social media’s impact on body image, promoting “nature’s treats” over processed foods, and avoiding the pitfalls of diet culture. Dr. Fuller shares actionable advice on how parents and adults can set health goals beyond weight, approach gradual lifestyle changes, and create a home environment that encourages a positive relationship with food and movement. What You’ll Learn: 👉 Why focusing on health, not weight, leads to sustainable change. 👉 The power of parents as role models for healthy habits. 👉The importance of family mealtimes in shaping positive food relationships. 👉 How to avoid dieting cycles and embrace gradual, evidence-based weight management. 👉 Practical strategies to integrate natural, whole foods into your family’s diet. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness for Families 05:48 Understanding Weight Loss vs. Healthy Living 10:31 Role Modelling Healthy Behaviours for Kids 14:08 Cutting Through the Noise of Health Information 29:45 Quick Wins for Healthy Habits in Adults You can learn more about Dr Fuller at: About Dr Nick Fuller www.feedingfussykids.com www.intervalweightloss.com Instagram @intervalweightloss

In the latest episode of Distracted, Angela Lockwood dives into the power of a humble tool that many of us overlook—sticky notes. Far more than just colorful squares, sticky notes are an incredibly versatile resource that can boost focus, productivity, and creativity. Angela explains how sticky notes can simplify project management, distill complex ideas, and provide clarity when juggling multiple tasks. Whether you're brainstorming, organising thoughts, or managing tasks, sticky notes offer a tangible way to track progress and stay on top of what matters most. Angela also shares tips for using sticky notes effectively, including color coding, prioritising tasks, and, most importantly, ensuring they lead to action rather than clutter. What you'll learn from this episode: How sticky notes can simplify overwhelming tasks and organize thoughts. Why they’re effective for summarising complex ideas and creative project planning. The role of sticky notes in educational settings to improve learning and retention. Strategies for actioning sticky notes to prevent clutter and enhance productivity. Tips on using color coding to prioritise and manage projects more effectively. Whether you're looking to boost your personal productivity or streamline your professional projects, this episode will inspire you to use the simplicity of sticky notes to stay focused.

82: Finding Calm Through Your Breath In this episode of Distracted, Angela Lockwood speaks with Angie Saunders, founder of Breathe Me and the O2 Collective, about the significance of breath in our daily lives. They explore how breathing affects our well-being, the importance of teaching breathing techniques to children, and practical strategies for managing stress through breath work. Angie emphasises the role of the vagus nerve and how breath can be a tool for emotional regulation and state change vital skills to help us in a fast-paced and often stressful life. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and control of our breathing patterns to improve mental clarity and overall health. This is an important episode to listen to if you feel the pressure of overwhelm in your body and want a simple way to overcome chronic stress. By listening to the episode you will learn; 👉 How stress affects our breathing patterns, leading to physical and mental health implications. 👉  How to use your breath to change your mental and physical state even in heightened moments. 👉 Ways to teach children important regulation strategies. 👉 The skill of reflexive breathing. 👉  Co-regulation strategies for better relationships. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Power of Breath 01:55 Understanding the Importance of Breathing 06:05 Breath Holding and Its Effects 09:49 Breathing Techniques for Stress Relief 14:01 Breathing with Children: Techniques and Games 18:01 The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Breathing 21:57 Breath as a Tool for State Change 26:05 Recognising Signs of Breath Imbalance 29:45 Practical Steps for Breath Control

In this episode, Angela Lockwood discusses the importance of being present in our daily lives amidst the distractions that constantly vie for our attention. She shares personal anecdotes and practical strategies to help listeners cultivate mindfulness, improve focus, and enhance relationships. The conversation emphasises that presence is a skill that requires practice, and offers insights into how breath, self-talk, and meditation can aid in achieving a state of presence in our relationships and life. By listening to the episode you will learn; Why being present is crucial for meaningful relationships. How being distracted can come from both external and internal sources and how to recognise them. The effectiveness of practicing mindfulness in minimising distractions. The power of breath to focus the mind and minimise distractions. Strategies to enhance presence. Chapters 00:00 The Irony of Distraction 02:51 Understanding Presence and Distraction 06:39 Strategies for Being Present 11:50 The Power of Breath in Focus 18:30 Practicing Presence in Relationships 24:30 Sustaining Presence as a Skill

 In this episode, Angela Lockwood discusses her strong feelings against smartwatches and how they contribute to distraction and stress. She shares her personal journey of removing her watch to alleviate the pressure of time and explores the impact of notifications on focus and well-being. Through anecdotes and observations, she encourages listeners to evaluate their relationship with technology and consider the benefits of disconnecting from distractions to foster deeper connections and mindfulness. In the episode you can hear; 👉 Angela's complicated relationship with time and how it has shaped how she approaches her day.  👉 How an obsession with managing time can lead to stress and distraction. 👉 How without boundaries and clear expectations on how we use our smart watches, we invite distractions into our daily lives. 👉 How being distracted in conversations can cause disconnect within the relationship. 👉 How Angela's experiment by wearing a smart watch did not go as expected and how you can learn from her experiment. 👉 How to evaluate technology use and make behavioural changes where you are in control. 👉 Ways to integrate presence and mindfulness with how you use your time to gain deeper relationships and better productivity.   This is an important reminder that our technology is there as a tool for us where we can still regain some control. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Distraction and Smartwatches 05:20 The Impact of Time on Well-being 10:11 Distractions in Conversations 15:42 Experimenting with Smartwatches 20:54 The Overwhelm of Notifications 25:12 Creating Focus in a Distracted World

In this episode, Angela Lockwood introduces the Learning Bridge, a membership platform designed to support both parents and educators in navigating the challenges of child development and education. The conversation highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and access to resources tailored to the needs of parents and teachers. Angela discusses the features of the Parent Hub and the Educator Circle, emphasizing the need for support in an age of distraction. Takeaways Angela Lockwood has 20 years of experience in education. The Learning Bridge is a community for parents and educators. Parents often feel overwhelmed and seek specific information. The Parent Hub offers support and resources for parents. Educators face unique challenges in modern classrooms. The Educator Circle provides resources and community for teachers. Collaboration between parents and educators is essential. Monthly themes and expert workshops are part of the membership. Customizable resources are available for both parents and educators. The Learning Bridge aims to help kids thrive in a distracted world. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Learning Bridge 03:11 The Parent Hub: A Community for Parents 07:40 The Educator Circle: Support for Teachers 14:41 Building Bridges: Collaboration Between Parents and Educators

In this episode, Angela Lockwood interviews Michelle Mitchell, a leading expert in supporting children and families, Educator and Author of "Tweens". They discuss parenting in the modern age and how to make connection with kids in the midst of the many distractions of life. Michelle shares how parents can build resilience in children and through leading by example our kids can learn the ways to navigate the complexities of teen life and parent and child relationships. This is an important conversation if you are a busy parent looking for ways to connect with your child and build your confidence as a parent to focus on the things that matter to you and to your child. ✔️Website: Michelle Mitchell ✔️Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellemitchellspeaker/ ✔️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellemitchell.author/ ✔️Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mitchell-34b72118a/ ✔️Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/yxl1000

In this conversation, Angela Lockwood interviews Jaimie Abbott, an expert in public speaking and communications. Jaimie shares her journey from a military background to working with business owners and corporates. They discuss the importance of finding your voice and being an effective communicator. i emphasises the need to simplify complex information and use the who, what, when, where, why, and how framework in communication. They also touch on the role of AI in communication and the importance of injecting your own personality into technology. Jaimie introduces her PR Club and Paid to Speak programs, which help individuals improve their communication skills and become highly paid speakers. Episode Takeaways Finding your voice and being an effective communicator is important in both personal and professional settings. Simplifying complex information and using the who, what, when, where, why, and how framework can help in effective communication. AI can be a useful tool in communication, but it's important to inject your own personality and style into the content. Jaimie Abbott offers programs like PR Club and Paid to Speak to help individuals improve their communication skills and become highly paid speakers. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Fear of Public Speaking 02:04 Transition from Military to Communications 06:01 Simplifying Complex Information 10:17 Importance of Preparation and Professional Development 18:31 Building Confidence in Communication 22:12 The Role of AI in Communication 25:19 Becoming a Highly Paid Speaker

In this episode, Angela Lockwood explores the concept of whether we make our health and wellbeing too complicated. She reflects on the overwhelming amount of information and ads related to health and wellbeing that she encounters while mindlessly scrolling on social media. Angela discusses the impact of algorithms on shaping our view of health and the challenges of keeping up with constantly changing health messages. She encourages listeners to simplify their approach to health and wellbeing by focusing on one area that needs improvement and taking small, consistent steps towards change. Episode Takeaways The algorithms on social media shape the way we view health and wellbeing, often bombarding us with overwhelming information and ads. Constantly changing health messages and research can make it difficult to know what is best for our health and wellbeing. Simplifying our approach to health and focusing on one area that needs improvement can help us take consistent action. The best strategy for our health is the one that we will actually use.. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:10 The Impact of Algorithms on Our View of Health 05:55 Navigating the Overwhelming Amount of Health Information 11:02 Simplifying Our Approach to Health and Wellbeing 18:01 Taking Small, Consistent Steps Towards Change 24:12 Conclusion

In this conversation, Angela Lockwood interviews Filipa Bellette, a clinical nutritionist and functional medical practitioner, about ending body burnout. They discuss the concept of being busy and how it affects our health, as well as the physical manifestations of burnout. Filipa shares her four-step method for ending body burnout, which includes getting clear on the body systems, addressing deep-rooted beliefs, reprogramming the mind, and making lifestyle changes. She emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches to wellness and the role of the unconscious mind in healing. Filipa also introduces her program, the Ending Body Burnout Method, which guides individuals through the process of healing and finding balance. Episode Takeaways Being busy can show up as perfectionism, people-pleasing, overworking, and addictive patterns, which can lead to burnout and impact our health. Physical symptoms such as low energy, brain fog, mood issues, and gut problems can be signs of body burnout. To address body burnout, it is important to get clear on the body systems, address deep-rooted beliefs, reprogram the mind, and make lifestyle changes. Surrendering and giving oneself permission to be healthy is crucial in the healing process. Individualized approaches to wellness are essential, as everyone's needs and experiences are unique. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:09 The Impact of Busyness on Our Health 11:35 Recognizing the Physical Manifestations of Burnout 15:40 The Four Steps to Ending Body Burnout 20:41 Surrendering and Giving Yourself Permission to Be Healthy 27:32 Embracing an Individualized Approach to Wellness

In this episode, Angela Lockwood discusses the challenges faced by leaders and executives in high-pressure roles. She emphasises the importance of seeking support and breaking through the expectations and assumptions that leaders should have all the answers. Angela provides strategies for managing time, energy, and attention, highlighting the need to prioritise tasks that align with one's values and goals. She also emphasises the significance of understanding and regulating one's energy levels. Angela encourages leaders to reach out for coaching and support to enhance their performance and well-being. Episode Takeaways Leaders and executives often face high workloads, pressure, and the expectation that they should have all the answers. The perception that leaders should have it all together can be detrimental to their well-being and hinder their willingness to seek help. Strategies for breaking through the noise of leadership roles include managing time, energy, and attention. Understanding and prioritising tasks that align with one's values and goals is crucial for effective time management. Regulating energy levels and recognising energy patterns throughout the day can enhance productivity and decision-making. Seeking external support, such as executive coaching, can provide fresh perspectives and help leaders thrive in their roles. Episode Chapters 00:00 Introduction: The Pressure and Expectations of Leadership 10:25 Chapter 1: Strategies for Effective Time Management 18:20 Chapter 2: Harnessing and Regulating Your Energy 20:44 Chapter 3: Mastering Attention Management 26:39 Chapter 4: The Power of Seeking External Support