What’s Been Stealing Your Focus Lately?

Published: Wed, 03/04/26

Updated: Wed, 03/04/26

Aloha Entrepreneurs,

Aloha Friends,

It’s springtime at the cottage, and I’m not sure whether it’s the excitement of having my #2 daughter visiting with her friend, watching the new baby foals frolicking in the pasture, or simply the joy of planting spring flowers and planning a few new knitting projects. Whatever the reason, I’ve been soaking up the quiet rhythm of cottage life and appreciating these simple moments. Although, I am reminded how easily our time and attention can drift away from what to focus on — which brings me to the question I’ve been thinking about this week's message: who or what has been stealing your focus lately?

What’s Been Stealing Your Focus Lately?

When you wake up in the morning, do you feel clear about what deserves your attention that day?

I love believing that my planner and my one-notebook system will keep me anchored. I map out my to-do list. I identify what needs to move forward. I start the day with intention. And yet…

At the end of the day, when I look back at what I actually accomplished, it sometimes feels like something — or someone — quietly pulled me off course.

A message.
A distraction.
A low-priority task that somehow became urgent.

And I’m left wondering: Did I really move the needle on what mattered most?

Does that ever happen to you?

This week on Substack, I’m reflecting on three books that gently (and firmly) remind us what real focus requires.

In The Productivity Project, Chris Bailey challenges the idea that all tasks are equal. Some work is simply more meaningful than other work. The key is identifying your highest-impact tasks — the ones that deserve your best time, energy, and attention.

In The One Thing, Gary Keller and Jay Papasan bring us back to one powerful focusing question. I’ve gone back to writing it on a simple 3x5 card — and asking it daily. It’s amazing how clarity increases when we’re willing to narrow our focus.

And in Whatever It Takes, Brandon Bornancin reminds us that discipline isn’t accidental. If we truly want results in business, we must build habits that support follow-through — even on the days we don’t feel like it.

If you’ve been feeling scattered or stretched, this reflection might help you recalibrate.

👉Read this week’s post on Substack here

Or if you’d rather explore how productivity shows up in your follow-through — your focus — and whether you’re finishing what you start — you can watch my full review on YouTube here. (And don't forget to subscribe.)

It’s March. A fresh 90-day window.

Here’s what I’m steadily working toward:

Finalizing the launch of the Entrepreneurs Collab Circle
Creating a marketing plan for The Daily Journal on Amazon (link below)
Expanding my 90-Day Goals Playbook

Ninety days really is the sweet spot. It’s long enough to build meaningful momentum, and short enough to stay present and intentional. When we pace ourselves — when we focus on what truly matters — we don’t just complete goals.

So as you step into this first week of March, ask yourself… What truly deserves my focus right now? And reply back and let me know your 90-day goals.

Until next week,

Gale Bates, Your "BIG BOLD GOALS” Mentor

PS: I’m Excited to share my Daily Journal is now available on Amazon.

Check it out here:

mymentorbiz, P.O. Box 760, Kamuela, HI 96743, USA

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