Focus on what matters most in 2025

Hello, fellow thinker!

I’ve been working on developing a longer attention span with my kids, especially for activities like reading novels, watching full length movies🤯, or focusing on tasks that require sustained effort. In my search for strategies, I came across Neil Postman’s concept of the “Typographic Mind.” This idea refers to a mindset shaped by consuming extensive written content, which was common in the past when reading was the primary way people gathered information.

Over time, with the rise of digital and short-form content, our ability to focus for extended periods has diminished. However, by actively engaging in activities that demand deeper focus—like reading—we can gradually rebuild our patience and improve our attention spans, reclaiming some of the qualities and improved focus of a ‘Typographic Mind’.

but only if you’re into that sorta’ thing.. jk lmao ttyl

And now please enjoy my letter about >focus<

At the end of last year, I found myself sitting down with a pen and a notebook, staring at the blank page in front of me. The year behind me had been a whirlwind of tests and challenges for my family, but it also left me with a sense of clarity. I knew that 2025 had to be different. This year needed focus, purpose, and the determination to reach for the things that would truly make my life better.

I started by closing the book on loose ends—unfinished tasks, unresolved issues, and lingering worries. Only then could I open the door to a fresh start. I wrote down everything I wanted to achieve, then asked myself: What truly matters? What will make me happy if I accomplish it? Three priorities emerged from that exercise:

1. Increasing my income to create stability and opportunity for my family.

2. Supporting my kids and spouse as they work toward their own big goals.

3. Finding a long-term home where we can build the next chapter of our lives.

These are not small tasks, and the weight of them can feel overwhelming. But the clarity of knowing why I’m doing them gives me the drive to push forward.

The first month of the year became a testing ground for my resolve. One of the tasks I tackled was a long presentation requiring deep analytical work and critical thinking. It wasn’t the kind of project I could chip away at casually. I needed uninterrupted blocks of time, a clear head, and the mental discipline to resist distractions.

Each morning, I approached it with intention, carving out dedicated time and guarding it fiercely. When my mind began to wander—as it inevitably does—I caught myself. I redirected my thoughts, aligning my focus to the task at hand. I reminded myself that every slide, every data point, and every insight I crafted was a step toward achieving my bigger goals. I said to myself - “Focus” and continued to press on. I felt the satisfaction of progress with each block of uninterrupted work.

This kind of focus doesn’t come naturally; it’s something I’ve had to train myself to do. I’ve learned to quiet the noise of social media, news, and passive entertainment. I’ve learned to recognize the subtle pull of procrastination and steer myself back to productivity.

But focus is only part of the equation. After finishing the presentation, I made time to decompress—hydrate, Lazer pointer-play with my cat, or do some pullups. Recovery is not an afterthought; it’s essential. Without it, the cycle of focus can’t sustain itself.

The Cornerstone for Success

As I reflect on this month, I’m struck by how much sobriety has changed my ability to stay productive. In the past, my after-work routine often involved drinking—a few too many drinks with colleagues, friends or by myself, leading to late nights and groggy mornings. Those hangovers robbed me of clarity and momentum. They held me back from doing my best work and being present for my family.

Now, with nearly three years of sobriety behind me, I see the difference clearly. My mornings are fresh, my energy is steady, and my mind is sharp. I channel my energy into reaching for the things that will make my life better—and it’s paying off.

Sobriety isn’t just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about reclaiming control over my time, energy, and focus. It’s about creating the life I want and showing up for the people who matter most to me. Keeping sobriety front and center in 2025 is the #1 priority.

The Path Forward

This year, I’m challenging myself to maintain what I call “ultra focus.” It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working with intention. It’s about being present in the moment, catching myself when I’m distracted, and aligning my actions with my priorities.

Ultra focus is not easy, but it’s worth it. And when paired with active recovery, it becomes sustainable. I’ve found that this approach not only helps me accomplish my goals but also reduces the mental pressure of procrastination and unfinished tasks. When I’m focused, I’m free—free to enjoy time with my family, free to dream about the future, and free to feel proud of what I’ve achieved.

So here’s my message for this month: Take the time to identify the goals that will truly make your life better. Prioritize them. Then, with focus and recovery, go after them with everything you have.

The future is yours to create—one focused step at a time.

Top Productivity Tricks:

1. Time Blocking (Cal Newport, Deep Work)

• Dedicate specific blocks of time to focus on a single task without interruptions. Treat these blocks as unmissable appointments. This eliminates multitasking and helps prioritize what truly matters.

• How to apply: Schedule your most challenging tasks during your peak productivity hours, typically in the morning when your energy is highest.

2. The 90-Minute Work Cycle (Tony Schwartz, The Energy Project)

• Work in focused bursts of 90 minutes followed by 15-20 minutes of recovery. This aligns with the body’s natural ultradian rhythms and prevents burnout.

• How to apply: Set a timer for 90 minutes and immerse yourself in a task, then step away to recharge with light activity, deep breathing, or hydration.

3. Practice Self-Compassion (Dr. Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion)

• Recognize that setbacks are part of the process. Avoid beating yourself up over unproductive days and refocus your energy on what you can control.

• How to apply: Use setbacks as opportunities to learn. Reflect, adjust, and re-engage with a positive mindset.

Keep thinking my friends!

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