Why Focus Feels Impossible Sometimes
Have you ever sat down with the best intentions to get work done, only to find yourself answering emails, checking your phone, and somehow falling into a rabbit hole you never meant to?
It’s easy…and it happens to all of us.
The world isn’t built to help us focus…it’s the opposite. Everything is made to distract us and keep our attention…notifications for texts and emails, social media and dating apps. The list goes on. And if you don’t take control of your attention, the days will pass you by - spending your time reacting instead of progressing.
The good news is, focus isn’t some rare talent that only a few people are born with. With the right systems and applied discipline, you can master your focus.
The 3 Levels of Focus
Think of focus in three layers: macro, meso, and micro. Mastering all three helps you take back control of your attention and get more meaningful work done.
1. Macro Focus: The Big Picture (Weekly)
Macro focus gives you clarity on what matters most. Without it, you drift through the week reacting to whatever shows up.
💡 Some questions you can ask yourself:
What will get me closer to my main goal(s)?
What truly matters this week?
If I could only do one thing this week, what would I prioritise?
How to build macro focus:
Choose 1–2 key outcomes for the week
Block time for them in your calendar
Review every Sunday to reset and refocus.
This big-picture view keeps your energy aligned with your highest priorities.
2. Meso Focus: The Daily System
Meso focus is about structure. It turns good intentions into consistent action.
💡 Ask yourself:
What task(s) today will support my macro focus?
How can I design my day to win?
What is one easy win to help me gain momentum?
How to build meso focus:
Start each day with your top priority task
Use the 1-3-1 Rule (1 priority, 3 supporting tasks, 1 easy win)
Batch admin into one block to avoid constant context switching.
My secret weapon is using the 1% Growth planner - honestly. It gives me the right structure to plan my focus for the day. When I don’t use it, I know my attention will drift down 100 different paths.
With meso focus, your days stop feeling chaotic and reactive, and start feeling intentional, structured and productive.
3. Micro Focus: The Moment-to-Moment Discipline
Micro focus is about protecting your attention in real time. It’s where you win or lose the battle against distractions.
💡 Ask yourself:
How do I protect my attention right now?
How will I hone my focus?
How to build micro focus:
Turn on Do Not Disturb (phone and computer)
Try the Pomodoro method (25 minute blocks of work and 5 minute breaks)
Keep one tab open, one task at a time
For me, my phone is setup to “work mode” from 9am - 5pm, Mon-Fri, which removes distractions. Taking it one step further, I often leave my phone in another room to avoid picking it up.
Micro focus creates deep work - the kind of focused effort that produces results in less time.
Why This System Works
When you build systems at all 3 levels:
Macro focus keeps you aligned with your long-term goals
Meso focus keeps your days structured and intentional
Micro focus keeps you disciplined in the moment.
This layered approach is how high performers achieve more without working longer hours. It requires planning and discipline but the results will be your ticket to success.
Final Thought
Focus isn’t about superhuman willpower, it’s about implementing the right systems and structure to ensure your success.
Every Sunday: Identify the goal, pick your anchor and design your week
Daily: Structure your priorities to support your weekly aim, don’t forget to include an “easy win” to get your momentum
Moments: Protect your focus, stay disciplined.
Do this consistently, and you’ll finally feel in control of your time and energy again.
“Where your attention goes, your energy flows.” - Tony Robbins
Til next time, Joseph @ 1% Growth
