In this episode, we continue the conversation from previous episode and move into practical solutions. Instead of trying to eliminate distractions completely, we talk about realistic ways to manage them. These are simple habits you can use every day. We've shared clear, usable steps that help you protect your attention and get meaningful work done.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome back00:08 Why this is not about willpower00:32 The system is built to distract you01:50 Strategy 1: Do not try to eliminate distractions02:46 Strategy 2: Use a start ritual03:32 Strategy 3: Know your dynamites and block them04:25 Strategy 4: Make your environment easy05:02 Strategy 5: Pick your top 306:03 Strategy 6: Expect distraction and reset06:57 Strategy 7: Build an identity around focus08:31 Closing thoughtsIf you want weekly tools to protect your attention and build real focus, subscribe at:bringbackfocus.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
This episode looks at a truth we all feel but rarely confront. Our attention is broken.After reading the first section of Perplexity’s AI report,“Eliminate Distractions,” I talk about why constant switching has become the silent killer of meaningful work, how high-stakes professions protect focus like oxygen, and what the world’s top performers teach us about attention.This sets the stage for Part 2, where we get into simple and practical ways to take your attention back.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and why this topic matters00:40 The Perplexity report and the “Reduce Distractions” section02:00 How our attention has been hijacked03:40 Surgeons, pilots, chefs, athletes and why they protect focus05:50 What Jobs, Zuckerberg, Musk and Buffett say about focus07:10 Why scattered attention leads to mediocre output07:50 Preview of the next episodeFor weekly tools to protect your attention and do your best work, subscribe at:bringbackfocus.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
DescriptionAfter clearing the digital clutter, the next question is simple: what system should I use now?In this episode of Bring Back Focus, I talk about why most productivity systems don’t stick and how the best system isn’t the most efficient one, but the one that feels natural. I share my own experiments with digital notebooks, a friend’s custom AI setup, and the simple test I use to know if my system is right for me.This episode is about building a focus system that feels calm, personal, and sustainable, not perfect.Episode Highlights00:00 – Introduction: How too many tools create noise instead of clarity.00:31 – Why most systems don’t last: We copy methods that don’t fit how our brain works.01:13 – My failed attempts: From Notion dashboards to color-coded calendars, nothing felt right.01:52 – The realization: It wasn’t laziness. It was misalignment.02:08 – Efficiency vs. fluency: Why the best system feels natural, not optimized.02:22 – My setup today: Using a Remarkable tablet to slow down and think clearly.03:04 – The Big Three habit: Writing three key priorities every morning before work.03:44 – A friend’s custom system: How he used Lovable and ChatGPT to design a to-do app that fits his brain.04:44 – The lesson: Both analog and AI tools can work if they feel natural.05:32 – How to build your own system: Analyze your best workdays and find patterns that make you productive.07:25 – The feel test: If your system makes you anxious, it’s not yours.08:04 – Common mistakes: Over-designing, over-tracking, and copying influencers.09:22 – Stick with it: Consistency matters more than the tool itself.10:00 – Closing thoughts: A good system should calm you down and feel like second nature.Actionable AdviceStart simple: Begin with pen and paper or a single list.Use the feel test: If it feels heavy, simplify it.Personalize, don’t copy: Borrow the logic, not the layout.Reflect weekly: Notice whether your system feels easier or forced.Stay consistent: Don’t switch tools every few days.Favorite Quote: "A good system should calm you down and work for you, not pressurize you."This is a public episode. To join the conversation or read more, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
We live in a time where every week brings a new app that promises to make us more productive. Yet somehow, we end up feeling busier and less in control.In this episode of Bring Back Focus, Dipesh shares a personal story of how using too many tools made him less effective and more distracted. He talks about the simple reset that helped him get back to clarity and what he learned from deleting most of his apps.This episode is about how real focus begins when you simplify your digital world and stop chasing the next tool.Episode Highlights00:00 – IntroductionWhy we keep adding tools and how it often makes things worse.00:45 – The excitement of new appsThat familiar feeling of “this one will fix everything.”01:20 – The reality checkHow juggling five tools led to less progress and more stress.02:25 – The breaking pointA simple task that became chaos because of too many apps.03:45 – The resetDeleting more than half of all tools and starting from scratch.04:50 – What changedLess friction, fewer distractions, and more calm.05:35 – The real lessonProductivity doesn’t come from more tools but from clarity.06:25 – A small challengeList every tool you use and ask what would truly break if you deleted half.07:00 – Closing thoughtsDigital minimalism is about being intentional, not extreme.Actionable AdviceSimplify:Keep only the tools that you use daily and remove the rest.Choose One Space to Work:Pick one app for creating and one for communication.Turn Off Notifications:Decide when to check apps instead of letting them interrupt you.Reflect Weekly:Ask yourself which tools helped and which ones added noise.Keep It Human:Choose tools because they make your work easier, not because they are popular.Favorite Quote"When you’re unclear, you collect. When you’re clear, you delete."This is a public episode. To join the conversation or read more, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Following up on the science of thinking time, this episode dives into the practical steps you can take to design, protect, and maximize your own "Thinking Blocks." Learn why thinking time is often neglected and how a simple shift in perspective can transform it from a luxury to a powerful leverage point that drives the quality of every decision and idea in your life.Key TakeawaysShift your mindset: Think of thinking as real work, not "free time" or a luxury.The 5 steps are: Schedule it, create the right environment, use a gentle prompt, protect the space, and reflect and revisit your notes.Start small: Block two 30-minute sessions per week to begin.Focus on discovery: The time is for capturing thoughts and boosting quality, not for efficiency or immediate execution.Timestamps & Episode Highlights01:47 Why Thinking Time Is Ignored: The main reason people skip it is because it provides no visible output in the short run, making it hard to defend in a metrics-driven world. The solution is to view it as real work that pays off over time.03:19 Step 1: Schedule It and Be Rigid: Block time on your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable. Start with two 30-minute sessions and clearly label it as "Thinking Time" or "Clarity Block."04:15 Step 2: Create the Right Environment: Eliminate all distractions, including notifications and devices. Go to a specific location that signals to your brain it’s time to think, and always take a notebook to capture your thoughts.05:43 Step 3: Have a Gentle Prompt Ready: Use a flexible, open-ended question for your session (e.g., What am I not seeing clearly?) instead of a rigid to-do list. Use one question per session.07:38 Step 4: Protect It Like a Sacred Space: Do not allow emails, pings, meetings, or reschedules to interrupt your block. This space is sacred and non-negotiable.07:54 Step 5: Reflect and Revisit: At the end of the week, open your notebook and look for patterns in your notes. This reflection step is crucial for turning captured thoughts into valuable ideas.Follow Bring Back Focus on bringbackfocus.substack.com for more episodes and show notes! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
The modern world rewards busyness, but what about deep thought? In this episode of Bring Back Focus, we tackle the paradox of knowledge work: we spend all our time reacting and executing, rarely pausing to think. Learn why deliberately scheduling Thinking Time is the most productive thing you can do to unlock breakthroughs, increase the quality of your output, and elevate your work.Episode Highlights0:19 The irony: We rarely make time to actually think.0:50 The host shares a personal breakthrough moment.1:45 The science behind Thinking Time: The Default Mode Network.2:10 Why your best ideas often come in the shower or during a walk.2:55 Insights from top performers like Bill Gates.3:45 Practical steps to start your own Thinking Time.4:12 The essential rule: Turn off all screens.5:05 A reminder that thinking is a productive activity.Actionable AdviceStart Small: Begin with two 30-minute blocks per week.Unplug: Turn off your laptop, phone, and all notifications.Use a Notebook: Keep a pen and paper ready to capture free-flowing thoughts.No Outcomes: Do not try to force a solution or chase clarity; just let your mind wander. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
The Lost Art of DisconnectingOverview: In this episode, I explore the challenging "lost art of disconnecting." I ask a simple question: when was the last time you were truly offline, just with yourself and your thoughts? I share how constant connectivity has become the norm, creating a mental "fog" that hinders clear thinking and creativity. I believe that true disconnection is perhaps the most important skill today. I share my own five key zones where I intentionally disconnect, and I encourage you to start small to find your own pockets of quiet time.Key Takeaways:The Connected Trap: I've noticed how rarely any of us are truly offline. We fill every moment, leading to constant distraction and split attention.The Mental Fog: This "always on" state causes mental fatigue and a "brain fog" that stops me from thinking clearly, solving problems, and being creative. My best ideas never come when I'm constantly juggling tabs.The Crucial Skill: I believe the ability to intentionally disconnect is one of the most important skills in our modern world, helping us think better and live more fulfilling lives.My 5 Disconnection Zones: I make a conscious effort to disconnect in these specific places:Flights: My strict "no WiFi" rule for forced offline time.Time with My Kids: Full presence with them, phone away.Early Mornings: First 1-1.5 hours after waking, completely disconnected.Time with Friends: Being fully present for deep conversations.Subways/Transit: Using this time for reflection or reading, not scrolling.Start Small: Disconnecting doesn't require a radical change. I suggest starting with small, consistent steps to build this vital habit.Actionable Steps:Morning Unplug: Try spending 15 minutes without your phone or internet first thing in the morning.Present with People: When meeting friends, put your phone away (in your bag, not your pocket).Mindful Commute: On your next public transport ride, try it without your phone or headphones.Flight Mode On: On your next flight, skip the WiFi and use the time to truly disconnect.Unplugged Walk: Go for a walk without your phone or headphones and be alone with your thoughts.Concise Timestamps:0:00 - Welcome & The Disconnection Challenge1:01 - The True Cost of Constant Connectivity: My Brain Fog Experience3:32 - Why Quiet Time is Essential for Clear Thinking4:21 - My 5 Personal Zones for Active Disconnection4:27 - 1. Flights: My No WiFi Rule5:04 - 2. Time with My Kids: Being Fully Present5:33 - 3. Early Mornings: My Sacred Unplugged Time6:04 - 4. When Out with Friends: Full Engagement6:24 - 5. Subways/Transit: My Offline Commutes7:07 - Why Disconnecting is the Most Important Skill Today7:56 - How You Can Start Small to Reclaim Focus8:39 - Final Thoughts & Call to Action8:47 - OutroConnect with Bring Back Focus:Subscribe to the Bring Back Focus Newsletter: bringbackfocus.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
The Cost of Constant AvailabilityIn this episode, I explore the personal and professional costs of feeling like you always have to be available. I share a story about checking emails while spending time with my child, showing how this habit drains energy and focus. We discuss why being constantly reachable leads to burnout, lowers work quality, hurts team culture, and blocks meaningful career growth. You'll also hear practical tips to start setting boundaries and reclaiming your focus.Key Timestamps:0:05 — Welcome and episode overview0:21 — Personal story: distracted by email during family time1:47 — The illusion of productivity vs. real costs2:17 — Main impacts: burnout, lower quality work, team culture effects5:13 — The importance of focusing on hard, meaningful problems8:21 — Practical tips: setting work windows, turning off notifications, creating boundaries10:06 — Communication protocols and letting go of inbox zero11:42 — Summary and call to actionLinks & Resources:Listen to more episodes on https://bringbackfocus.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Episode Overview:Welcome back to the Bring Back Focus podcast! After a break, I'm returning to a topic that's more relevant than ever: the true cost of lost focus and distraction. It's easy to think it's just about wasted time, but that's only the beginning. In this episode, I explore the hidden costs that run much deeper, impacting our work quality, career potential, personal fulfillment, and even our mental energy. I'll share some eye-opening statistics about how much focused time we're losing and reveal the five key areas where distraction is silently costing us. This episode is a call to understand the real gravity of the problem so we can start finding solutions.Timestamps:0:05 - Welcome Back to the Podcast 0:34 - Introducing the Topic: The Hidden Cost of Lost Focus0:44 - The Reality: We Are Losing Our Ability to Focus1:07 - Modern Distraction: The Constant Whirlpool1:22 - It's More Than Just Wasted Time (The Misconception)1:38 - Wasted Time is Just the Tip of the Iceberg1:50 - The Real Cost: Looking at the Numbers2:04 - Statistics on Interruptions and Lost Hours (Worker, Manager, Economy)3:08 - The Deeper Price: Lost Potential3:21 - The Five Hidden Costs (Happening Beneath the Surface):3:24 - Cost 1: Your Work Suffers (Quality)5:09 - Cost 2: You Stop Growing in Your Career (Not Solving Hard Problems)6:14 - Cost 3: You Feel Unfulfilled6:51 - Cost 4: You Forget What You're Good At (Talent Hidden)7:21 - Cost 5: You Are Always Drained (Mental Fog)7:48 - Recap of the Five Costs8:04 - Not Fulfilling Potential and Dreams8:18 - Why This Topic is So Important (Prompted the Podcast Return)8:28 - The Reality is Dramatic (Even If It Feels Exaggerated)8:59 - Is There a Way Out? (Yes, But It's Challenging)9:10 - The Challenge: Our Brains are Conditioned to Distraction9:52 - Starting Small is Okay (Don't Need to Fix Everything at Once)10:01 - What This Podcast Series Aims to Do (Finding Solutions)10:17 - Thank You & What's Coming NextKey Takeaways:Lost focus is not just about losing time; it has significant, hidden costs.Modern work environments and technology create a constant state of distraction and task switching.Key hidden costs include: reduced work quality, stunted career growth, feelings of unfulfillment and emptiness, neglecting your core talents, and persistent mental drain/fatigue.We are losing a substantial amount of focused work time annually, impacting both individual and economic productivity.Solving complex, high-impact problems requires dedicated, undistracted focus, which is often lost in a state of constant availability.The problem is deep-seated in our habits and environment, making it difficult but essential to address.Understanding these costs is the first step towards finding ways to regain focus.Call to Action:Take a moment this week to notice how often you feel distracted or pulled away from deep work. Reflect on which of the five hidden costs resonates most with you. Awareness is the starting point for change.Stay tuned for the next episode, where I'll start exploring practical steps to tackle this challenge.Visit https://bringbackfocus.substack.com/ to learn more. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Robin Singhvi is the Founder and CEO of SmartCue.In this episode, he talks about his entrepreneurial journey so far, the challenges he's faced as a founder, and how he uses a system and processes to tame them.We go into the details of digital distractions, tools, meditation and discuss the best practices that Robin uses to protect his focus and time.The tools referred to in the episode area) Apple Notesb) ClickUpc) Mixmax This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Brandon Fluharty is the founder of Be Focused. Live Great.He was one of the top sellers at LivePerson and has made over $1M in earnings each year for the past 3 years.He has managed to turn his life and career around by avoiding the hustle and prioritizing deep work and focus. On LinkedIn, he regularly talks about the anti-hustle life and shares proven ways to close large deals without burning out.In this episode, he goes into the details of his personal operating system. A methodical approach that he has used to improve his game. He also talks about the tools that he uses to help him get there.Below are the tools that Brandon recommends in his interview1) Whoop Fitness Tracker2) Rise App3) Sunsama for Task Management4) Notion This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Tom Alaimo is an Account Executive at Gong. In addition to working a full-time job, he is a podcast host (released 276 episodes!) and a LinkedIn creator. In this episode, Tom opens up about how he manages a full-time job and makes time for creating all the content on the side. He talks about the concept of time manipulation and how he uses that to achieve high productivity levels while staying consistent and disciplined.We discuss his system, tools, and methods in detail. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Learn why the traditional approaches to building focus don't work.In this episode, Taylor Jacobson goes into the depth of focus and explains how focus is a function of our 3 nervous system states and why superficial strategies to improve focus don't work.Taylor is the Founder & CEO of Focusmate, a service that connects individuals across the globe so that they can engage in deep, meaningful work together and keep each other accountable. Listen to Taylor sharing his journey of building Focusmate, the challenges he encountered while doing so, and how his dedication and passion for unlocking human potential kept him going. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Devleena Bhattacharjee is a data scientist turned entrepreneur who went on to start a very interesting company, Numer8.In this episode, Devleena talks about her journey from an employee to an entrepreneur, the challenges she had to face, and how she managed to stay focused and committed during tough times.Here are the key takeaways from the discussion.1) To stay focused, you've got to find your 'why'.2) Create a support system that keeps you on track.3) Think long-term to avoid short-term heartburns.4) Use the downtime to improve your productivity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com
Welcome to the inaugural episode of Bring Back Focus.In this episode, our guest Pramod Singh talks about his journey from a sales rep to a data science expert.He opens up about the challenges that he's had to overcome and what he did to stay focused and overcome those challenges. Along with leading the data science team at Bain & Company, Pramod is also an author, mentor, professor, and much more. Listen to this episode to understand how he manages his attention so that he is able to accomplish all of this. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bringbackfocus.substack.com