How to Overcome Distractions and Work with Intention 🎯
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“It’s time to get intentional”
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From the song, “It’s Time To Get Intentional” by Suzan Alakas
Today we talk about why staying focused can be so hard for women entrepreneurs - and how to reclaim your focus with kindness, intention and ease! 💕
• Originally written: 27 March 2025
• Last updated: 27 March 2025
• Written by: Suzan Alakas
Suzan is Growtharmony’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief. She is passionate about spreading positive, solution-oriented media via songs and other formats - all in an effort to make the world a better place! When Suzan’s not writing, finding leverage points or learning something new, you can find her in the garden, playing in the snow with her family, or in the kitchen cooking up a nourishing meal!
You sit down with a full cup of coffee, your planner open, and a task you really want to finish today.
You’re ready.
Almost.
Just a quick scroll on your phone first…
Suddenly it’s 40 minutes later, and you’re down a YouTube rabbit hole…
Or maybe you’ve spent the morning organizing your desk (again), booking a lunch date, or lighting one more candle to "set the vibe"
But the real work? Still untouched. 😬
You’re not lazy.
But there is something deeper getting in the way - so let’s take a closer look!
Why Focus is Harder Than It Seems
When you don’t have a boss looking over your shoulder or a structured 9-to-5 shift, it’s easy to get distracted.
As entrepreneurs, we’re expected to set our own goals, manage our own time, show up consistently - with no one watching!
Perhaps it’s because most of us grew up with parents, teachers and coaches telling us what to do most of our lives. When we do find ourselves without that guidance, we aren’t really used to creating our own structure.
Plus, companies are investing millions and billions to capture and keep your attention.
Some common types of distractions are:
Procrastinating:
because deep down, you're scared you won’t do it right (Perfectionism, yikes!)Scrolling:
because the quick dopamine hits from social media feel easier than sitting with self-doubt
Over-indulging in feminine energy creativity and flow:
to avoid taking action on something that feels scary or unclearLearning, learning, learning
because you don’t feel ready enough to share or sell yet
✨ Most of the time when you avoid the work, it’s not just a distraction - it’s a signal.
A signal that something inside you is asking for support. ✨
Step 1: Awareness
Before you get too hard on yourself up for “being lazy” or “wasting time,” take a deep breath. 💛
Start with curiosity instead of judgment.
Ask yourself:
• What is taking my focus away?
• What am I thinking or feeling right before I do it?
Get out your journal and take 3-5 minutes to explore this further:
Are you afraid of not being good enough?
Overwhelmed by all the things you could do?
Not really in alignment with the task at hand?
It might just give you the clarity you need to shift.
Step 2: Regain Focus
Now that you know what’s happening - let’s lovingly shift it. 💪✨
Here are a bunch of strategies that you can try to get back on track!
Start Your Day With Intention
Before you begin working, ask yourself:
What do I want to accomplish today?
What ONE thing will move me closer to my goal?
This gives your brain direction - and helps avoid the "what should I do now?" loop that leads to scrolling or excessively daydreaming out the window.
You can even get into the mood with the song “It’s Time to Get Intentional”!
2. Tune Into Your Feelings
If you feel low-energy, anxious, or unsure, give yourself space to address it before diving into work:
Try a 2-minute breathing exercise
Listen to an inspiring song
Use a self-coaching prompt or journaling question
3. Create Gentle Boundaries for Yourself
Sometimes we need to protect ourselves… from ourselves! LOL! 🙃🙂
Put your phone in another room
Use browser blockers for social media
Set a timer to check socials after focused work is done
👉 And my personal favorite:Use distractions for motivation - make it a reward for after the work is done, not before or during the work
4. Get an Accountability Buddy
Whether it’s texting a business bestie or joining a weekly co-working group, knowing someone else is cheering you on can make a big difference.
Your Turn! Take A Powerful Step Right Now 😎
Set a timer for just 5 minutes.
Ask yourself:
• What’s been taking my focus lately?
• Why might I be reaching for that distraction?
There’s no shame in being human, but there is power in becoming aware and making a different choice!
Cheering for you! 🤩
Here are ways to leverage nature’s power to reduce stress and increase productivity!
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