EP197: Protecting Your Focus
WHEN THE DISTRACTIONS SHOW UP…
Stay in control!
Enjoy!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
Over the past couple of episodes of Leadership Magic, we’ve been talking about what’s in our control and what’s not — and then how to be intentional about where you choose to double down.
These conversations started because, honestly, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the noise. Not just the noise of work or home life, but the noise of the world — all the information, uncertainty, and constant movement. I felt stuck.
So, I did a little exercise. I identified what’s in my control and what’s not. Then I asked myself: Where do I really want to double down? Where do I want to focus my energy and intention?
That process helped, but I quickly realized something: even with clarity, the noise doesn’t stop. The distractions don’t go away. And that’s what we’re talking about in this episode — what happens after the clarity, and how we can stay the course when the noise creeps back in.
Because leadership — and life — doesn’t test us in the knowing. It tests us in the continuing. It’s not just about setting the focus; it’s about doubling down on your double downs.
When Focus Meets Distraction
It’s easy to believe that once we’ve identified our focus, things should get easier. But what actually happens is that everything else starts fighting for our attention — especially when we’re trying to create change or build new habits.
And not all distractions are bad. Some are necessary, even legitimate. The definition of “distraction” is simply something that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. Sometimes, those things are important.
But often, they’re not.
There are the external distractions — work demands, messages, emails, notifications, unexpected requests.
And then there are the internal distractions — those persistent thoughts that whisper:
You’re not doing enough.
You should be further along by now.
What’s the point anyway?
That internal noise — the self-doubt, the comparison, the perfectionism — can be just as powerful, if not more so, than anything happening around us.
The Choice to Return
Here’s the truth: as leaders and as humans, we can’t always stop the noise. But we can notice when we’ve been pulled away — and we can choose to return.
We always have that choice. And remembering that simple truth is foundational.
If you’ve done the work from episodes 195 and 196, you already have tools to help you come back:
Your list of what’s in your control and what’s not
The areas where you’ve chosen to double down
Your core values and your “why”
Keep those close. They’re your touchstones when distraction sets in.
Because you didn’t do all that work just to fall back into old ruts. These exercises aren’t just nice ideas — they’re powerful tools that help retrain your brain, dismantle limiting beliefs, and reinforce new patterns. It just takes intention, rewiring, and repetition.
There’s no magic wand that makes distractions disappear or thoughts stay perfectly positive — but when you keep showing up with focus and intention, you truly can shift your results and your leadership.
Understanding Internal Obstacles
Internal obstacles are one of my favorite topics, because I really believe that’s where the real leadership magic lives.
Our internal obstacles are those inner voices — the doubts, the perfectionism, the comparison, the people-pleasing. They’re not villains; they’re simply parts of us that are trying to keep us safe. Safe from embarrassment, failure, or discomfort.
The problem is, they don’t serve us.
They whisper:
Don’t mess this up.
Make sure it’s perfect.
You don’t have time.
People are going to judge you.
Sound familiar?
When those thoughts show up, notice them. Name them. Maybe even personify them.
I’ve shared before that my inner critic has a name — Cruella. Yep, Cruella De Vil. I adore her as a Disney villain, but she doesn’t get to drive my leadership bus. When I can acknowledge her — “Oh, there’s Cruella again” — it becomes easier to thank her for trying to protect me and then gently ask her to take a backseat.
That small act of awareness is powerful. Because the goal isn’t to fight those thoughts. It’s simply not to let them take control.
Reclaiming Your Power
When those unhelpful thoughts start to dominate — the ones that whisper “What’s the point?” or “This doesn’t matter anyway” — I pause and remind myself:
Every small action creates a ripple.
If I stop showing up, what am I choosing instead? Wallowing? Shrinking? Staying small? None of that helps anyone — least of all myself.
So when the noise gets loud, I ask:
Is this thought helpful?
Does it serve me or the world around me?
Because when we let the internal noise take over, we’ve just handed our power away.
Take the wheel back.
Return to your why.
Find thoughts that are more helpful, more empowering, more aligned with who you’re becoming.
Energy Management Over Time Management
One of the biggest reasons people lose focus is feeling like there’s “not enough time.” But the truth is, we can’t control time — it keeps moving, no matter what we do.
What we can manage is our energy.
Energy fuels focus. When energy is low, everything feels harder. So ask yourself:
What drains my energy?
What restores it?
What gives me energy?
For me, energy drain can come from the people I spend time with, unhelpful habits, or the stories I tell myself. Protecting my energy sometimes means saying no, taking breaks, or giving myself permission to do something that fills my tank — even if it doesn’t feel “productive.”
Sometimes, that’s a quiet walk with my dog — no earbuds, no podcasts, no noise. Just fresh air and movement. Sometimes it’s five minutes with my pets. Sometimes it’s listening to Disney music or watching an uplifting video.
These are small moments, but they matter. They remind me that I’m human — and leadership starts with taking care of our humanity.
Anchors: Your Steady Points in the Chaos
When things get chaotic, anchors keep us grounded.
Anchors can be your routines, your values, your people, your faith, your “why.” They’re the steady things you can return to when life starts to swirl.
For me, some anchors are:
My morning workout — a non-negotiable.
Drinking water throughout the day.
My morning routine.
My values and purpose — why I do what I do.
These are the things that keep me steady. You can think of an anchor as the partner to your compass — it keeps you grounded and pointed in the right direction.
Consistency Builds Trust (and Confidence)
Consistency isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence.
It’s showing up again and again, even when you don’t feel like it. Even when you’re distracted. Even when it feels messy.
That consistency builds trust — with others and with yourself. And trust fuels confidence. The more you keep your word to yourself, the more confidence you build in your ability to lead with clarity and intention.
Bringing It All Together
So what do you do when the noise comes back?
You return to your foundation.
You acknowledge the internal and external obstacles.
You manage your energy.
You lean on your anchors.
And you practice consistency.
No new apps or hacks required — just your awareness, intention, and choice.
You don’t have to do it perfectly — you just have to keep showing up.
That’s where the real magic happens. 💫
And I’m right there with you — navigating the same distractions, practicing the same awareness, and recommitting to the same clarity.
What Do You Think?
What external and internal obstacles show up most often when you’re trying to stay focused?
Links
EP195: Feeling Overwhelmed? Start with What You Can Control
Discover Your Values Worksheet
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