Prime time, continued: Create islands of focus

Because our brains are so susceptible to distraction—they are actually wired to be distracted, not to pay attention—the brain requires deliberate structures in order to make progress. Create within your prime time (see previous post) a dedicated, distraction-free zone for progress on your pivotal priorities. It should be at least 30 minutes long, and not more than 90 minutes.

The brain focuses best for about 12-15 minutes, so do “speed sessions” within that time: zero in on a single priority area, and then switch to another.

Every day, inside your island of focus, you can measurably advance two to six top priorities, achieving more than many people do in a full day.

From then on, test ways to top it, to make it better.