A few alternative things you can do when you’re bored (instead of scrolling social media)

Here are a few alternatives to what I call the “Just Checks”.

  • Scroll through your Day One timeline and read a previous journal entry or browse some old photos and memories.
  • Launch Day One and log how you’ve spent your time so far for the day. Doing this for a few weeks can also be super helpful for getting a perspective of where your time and energy are being spent.
  • Write down 3 new ideas. These could be articles you want to write, business ideas, places you want to visit or photograph, topics you want to research, date ideas for you and your spouse, gift ideas for a friend, etc. These ideas never have to to be acted on — the point isn’t to generate a to-do list, but rather to exercise your mind and build your idea muscle. Ideation and creativity are muscles, and the more we exercise them the stronger they get.
  • Send a text message to a friend or family member to tell them how awesome they are.
  • Don’t get out your phone at all — do some stretches or take a 5-minute walk.

Take advantage of those moments of down time in between meetings, calls, or whenever. Allow your mind to rest for a bit or engage it by doing something active and positive.

A few alternative things you can do when you’re bored (instead of scrolling social media)

“Zero Time Habits”

A Zero Time Habit is a new term I’ve been noodling on. In a nut, a Zero Time Habit is a lifestyle practice that takes ZERO time to do and, in return, it gives you back more time / energy.

Many habits require time to complete — such as your workout routine, reading, journaling, scheduling your week and your day, etc. But some habits require no time at all.

Examples of Zero Time habits:

  • Not drinking alcohol — this takes no additional time from your day, and it improves your sleep and mental focus.
  • Living within a financial budget — once you’ve created your budget, it takes no additional time to live within it, and it improves your finances.
  • Going to bed on time — this gives you back time and energy in the mornings and throughout your day.
  • Keeping your smartphone in a different room — this gives you back undistracted time and focus for doing your most important work in the office or even for spending time with family.

Think of a Zero Time Habit as something you don’t do so that you can do more of what you want.

“Zero Time Habits”

Questions Matter

They say there are no stupid questions (only stupid answers). But not all questions are equal. A GREAT question can go a very long way in getting you to a GREAT answer.

Over the past year I’ve been compiling a massive document full of questions for life, business, and growth. Here are a few that have been especially helpful to me:

  • What should I keep doing that is producing good results in my life?
  • What am I nervous / anxious about right now? Why?
  • What should I stop doing?
  • What should I start doing?
Questions Matter

No system is perfect, all systems are helpful

There is no one-size fits all system for your tasks, time, and goals. But there are good things about different systems and tools that can help you.

A good system for managing your tasks, your time, and your ideas should hopefully include these elements:

  • Allows you to clarify your priorities and act in order
  • It’s something you understand and enjoy using
  • It allows you to focus on the right things at the right time
  • Efficiency: you’re able to do more in less time (instead of taking a long time to do very little)
  • Anxiety and stress are reduced (not exasperated)
  • You know if you hit the mark
  • It’s repeatable and sustainable

If I had to pick just two: sustainability and enjoyment would be at the top of the list. Otherwise, you’ll never use what you’ve got.

No system is perfect, all systems are helpful

Six Principles for Focus and Simplicity

In his book, Celebration of Discipline, Richard Foster lists several principles for the outward expression of simplicity. These are things which someone could use or do in their attempt to flesh out the meaning of simplicity in the modern life.

Here are six of Foster’s suggestions:

  • Develop a deeper appreciation for nature.
  • Learn to enjoy things without owning them.
  • Reject anything that is producing an addiction in you.
  • Develop a habit of giving things away; de-accumulate.
  • Shun whatever would distract you from your main goal.
  • Buy things for their usefulness rather than their status.
Six Principles for Focus and Simplicity

December Bonuses!

Enrollment is open for the January class of Focus Academy. And we have some bonuses for you if register before New Year.

If you enroll before midnight tomorrow, you’ll also get these amazing bonuses:

  • The Personal Retreat Workshop, which is a fast way to free up some much-needed breathing room in your schedule (no matter how busy and overwhelming it feels right now).

We’ll guide you through The Personal Retreat Workshop as a bonus during Focus Academy. It will give you the tools to recharge and reset whenever you need a breather long after our time together ends.

  • My Proven Productivity Templates Pack: The same templates I use to plan my days, weeks, and months so I can stay on track with my goals throughout the year.
  • $150 Discount on Academy Pro: Yep. This is the absolute best price we’ve ever offered for Focus Academy, and it goes back up once January hits.

? thefocuscourse.com/academy/

December Bonuses!

A Few Favorite Novels

One thing I love about the year-end holiday down time is the extra time to read for pleasure and leisure. Here are a few of my all-time favorite novels that I’ve read over summers and holidays past.

A Few Favorite Novels