Imagine your mind is an arena.
Just like an athlete prepares for game time with a disciplined focus, so they can block out the noise and perform.
You can use the same tools to achieve remarkable focus.
Do you need them all?
No.
But if you did use them all, there’s no telling what your world would look like… so let’s dig in.
1. The Pre-Game Ritual
NBA star Steph Curry doesn’t just walk onto the court and start shooting. He does the exact same warm-up routine every time.
Create your own 2-minute ritual before starting work. Put your phone in another room, get a glass of water, and take three deep breaths. Your brain will learn that this ritual means it’s time to focus.
2. The 25-Minute Sprint
Olympic swimmers don’t train for hours without breaks. They work in focused bursts. Set a timer for 25 minutes and treat your work like a sprint. No emails, no messages – just like a runner focusing on their lane, keep your eyes on one task until the timer rings.
(This tactic is meant to build the focus muscle… it doesn’t come with a hard rule of ‘do this in every situation, forever.)
3. The Victory Log
Tennis champion Serena Williams reviews her matches, noting what worked and what didn’t.
So, keep a small notebook nearby. When your mind wanders (and it will), quickly write down what distracted you. This creates awareness of your focus patterns, just like athletes study game footage.
4. The Mental Uniform
Soccer players put on their jerseys to step into their competitive mindset. Pick one thing to wear or use that signals “focus time” – maybe a unique pair of headphones or a specific hoodie. Your brain will associate this item with concentration. (I go into great detail about this in my book The Alter Ego Effect™.)
5. The Recovery Play
Pro athletes know that recovery is as important as training. For every 25 minutes of focused work, take a real 5-minute break. Stand up, stretch, or walk around. Your mind, like a muscle, needs these moments to recharge.
Remember, in the grand arena of human achievement, focus isn’t just about forcing yourself to concentrate – it’s about creating the right conditions for your mind to thrive.
Why the Athlete’s Way Wins in Business
Think about traditional business or productivity advice for a moment. It often tells us… [ click here for bonus content.]
Be Bold. Take Action. Leave a Mark.
Todd Herman
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