Peak Performance, Part 2: Protecting Your Focus
Hi team, Tara here!
Welcome back to our 3-part EmpowerFlow series on finding your peak performance — without burning out.
Quick heads up before we dive in: Our brand-new Elemental Yoga Series starts Tuesday, and newsletter readers get 10% off when you sign up this week (code: SUBSTACK). It’s going to be three unique classes you won’t find anywhere else — more details at the end.
In last week’s EmpowerFlow Newsletter, we explored Energy, the foundation for how you show up. This week, we’re talking about the second pillar: Focus — the ability to direct your attention to what matters most.
Why Focus Feels Hard Right Now
We live in a world that profits from your distraction.
Notifications, endless scrolling, “quick” messages that derail your train of thought — it’s no wonder our minds feel fragmented by lunchtime.
And when you’re pulled in 20 directions, it’s not just your to-do list that suffers. Your sense of meaning can fade too. You end the day feeling busy but not necessarily fulfilled (more on there here).
Focus isn’t being hyper-disciplined every second of the day — it’s being deliberate with where your attention goes.
Energy is your capacity. Focus is where you aim it.
When your attention is scattered, even high energy can get wasted.
When your attention is clear, even small bursts of effort can move you forward in big ways.
5 Ways to Protect and Sharpen Your Focus
These aren’t rigid rules. Think of them as levers you can pull depending on your day.
1. Time Block Like You Mean It
Deep work — the kind that requires thinking, creating, or solving problems — needs uninterrupted space.
Block it in your calendar and treat it like any other meeting.
If you know you think most clearly at 9:30 AM, protect that time.
No “just a quick call.” No “I’ll just check email first.” Your mind deserves first dibs on your best hours.
Action Prompt:
A recurring time I can commit to deep work is: __________
2. Batch Similar Tasks
Your brain loses momentum every time you switch gears.
Instead of peppering small tasks throughout the day — like checking email, sending invoices, or scheduling — group them together.
Shallow work belongs in low-energy pockets so you save your prime brainpower for what needs it the most.
Action Prompt:
I’ll check emails ___ times per day, at: __________
3. Say “No” More Often (Without Guilt)
Every “yes” has a hidden cost. When you say yes to something misaligned or low-priority, you’re saying no to your own focus. Say yes to the things you want to focus and no to the things that pull you away from that.
Action Prompt:
When I’m asked to do something I don’t have bandwidth for, I’ll say: __________
4. Use Breaks as a Reset, Not a Reward
Breaks aren’t slacking — they’re maintenance. Your brain can only run at full tilt for so long before quality starts to slip.
Instead of waiting until you’re exhausted, schedule short resets every 90 minutes: a stretch, a quick walk, a healthy snack. You’ll return sharper and calmer.
Action Prompt:
One way I’ll incorporate a break today is: __________
5. Shape Your Space
A chaotic space = a chaotic mind. You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy desk, but you do need an environment that supports clarity.
This might mean clearing clutter each morning, removing your phone from your workspace, or having a single visual cue that says, “Work mode is on.”
Action Prompt:
One small change I’ll make to my workspace is: __________
The Small Wins Add Up
You don’t have to overhaul your entire routine to reclaim your focus.
Pick one of these strategies and commit to it for a week. Notice how your days feel.
Like focus, presence is something you can strengthen with practice — and this month’s Elemental Yoga Series is designed to help you do just that…
Elemental Yoga Series Starts Tuesday - Special Discount just for Readers!
Over three Tuesdays in August, we’ll explore Earth, Water, and Fire. You’ll get a thoughtfully curated yoga flow and meditative experience that ties into the week’s element:
Earth (Aug 12) – Ground your energy and feel rooted in your body
Water (Aug 19) – Soothe stress and find your natural flow
Fire (Aug 26) – Reclaim your spark and move with confidence
Special offer for readers: 10% off any flow pack or Eventbrite registration with code SUBSTACK when you book this week. Space is intentionally limited, to provide the best experience for our students.
📍 Mountain View | Tuesdays at 6:30 PM | All Levels Welcome
Come for one class or commit to the full journey — just don’t wait. Your future self will thank you.
Reserve your spot now! Can’t wait to see you there :)
Next Friday, we’ll wrap up this 3 part Peak Performance series with the final piece of the puzzle: Resilience — how to recover quickly, adapt, and keep going without running yourself into the ground.
With care,
Tara