The Secret to Getting Things Done: Focus


Hi, Reader

Let’s talk about something we all struggle with: getting things done. We all have endless to-do lists, competing priorities, and distractions coming at us from every angle. So what’s the real secret to making progress?

It’s focus.

One of my clients, Jill, was all over the place. As the general manager of a struggling office, she had a lot on her plate—reviving operations, re-engaging a demotivated team, and turning the branch back into a profitable business. It was a lot.

At first, she was trying to do everything at once. But when we worked together, she realized that her real power came from narrowing her focus. She had to be courageous enough to say no to distractions and prioritize what truly mattered.

The Three-Item Rule

Here’s what helped her:

  • Every week, she wrote down just three top priorities. Not five, not ten—just three things she absolutely needed to accomplish.
  • She blocked time in her calendar to ensure those priorities weren’t just intentions but actual scheduled actions.
  • At the end of the week, she reflected: What did she accomplish? How did those actions move her closer to her long-term goals?


By keeping things simple, she turned things around—her office became more efficient, her team got re-engaged, and she wasn’t drowning in a sea of tasks anymore.

Want to Try This Yourself?

If you’re struggling with focus, I’ve got something that can help: my 15/30 Planner.

It’s designed to help you:

➡️ Set your top 3 priorities every week

➡️ Reflect on what’s working (and what’s not)

➡️ Do quarterly 12-month-ahead planning, so you’re always thinking long-term

Planning isn’t just a one-time thing. The key to success is consistent reflection and adjustment. So if you’re ready to get focused and make real progress, grab the planner here and start today.

Oh, and if you do pick one up, I’d love to hear how it’s working for you—leave a review on Amazon and let me know!

💡 15 / 30 Planner - Your Evergreen Weekly, Quarterly, and Yearly Reflection Journal

Achieve massive progress with just 15 minutes a week and 30 minutes every quarter!

📘Join the Discussion:

Beyond Coaching: Addressing Toxicity at Work

Get rid of toxic employees first.

➜ Even if they are high-performers.

➜ Even if they are senior leaders.

➜ Even if they’ve been here since the beginning.


🌠 Personal Strategy Workshop: Get Inspired and Plan Your Success!

One of the best gift you can give yourself is taking time to think about your future. If you don't plan your future, don't be surprised when you get something you didn't want.

Join us March 26th!

Count down to 2025-03-26T17:00:00.000Z

To your success,

Daria

PS: If you know someone who needs a little help with focus, forward this email to them!

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Paid Well, Living Hell?

Paid Well, Living Hell? is a no-nonsense newsletter for busy leaders who are tired of overwork and want a smarter way to scale their impact. Each edition delivers practical strategies, leadership insights, and team-building hacks to help you build a high-performing, self-sufficient team—so you can increase productivity, boost profits, and reclaim your time. If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start leading, this is for you.

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