It all started with the BIG question on the table.

How do we stay productive when distractions are everywhere?

This Coffee Chat dug into the reality we all face—trying to get meaningful work done while notifications ping, tabs multiply, and our focus drifts to anything but the task at hand. Productivity isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s about managing our time, energy, and environment in a way that works for us.

Many of us shared the tactics that keep us on track—color-coded calendars, Kanban boards, playlists that trigger focus, and even apps like Forest to gamify staying off our phones. Our Coffee Chat crew also explored the difference between distractions (the things that pull you away) and diversions (the things you wander into), and why each one needs its own strategy.

We set time aside, try and understand our own work patterns, and meet productivity where it fits into our lives. That might mean tackling the toughest task first, stacking creative work during high-energy hours, or giving ourselves grace when the day doesn’t go as planned. Because in the end, productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, better.

So what’s one small change you could make to protect your focus this week?

Stay curious!

-Shannon

Resources:

Video

Transcript

Transcript Summary

Chatbox

Resources

Goblin Tools

Jason Lewis’ Mind Amend YouTube Channel

LoFi Focused Playlist

Office Desk Accessories 2pcs Multifunction Computer Monitor Memo Board

Elgato Stream Deck

Andrew’s Kanban Board

Smartsheet

Learning Rebels’ Blog post: Mindset First, Tools Second: Building Your Productivity Foundation

Personal Work Audit

Books

Do Something That Matters Journal Hardcover by Michael Bungay Stanier

Purposeful Productivity: Multiply Your Time and Your Happiness by Tanya Dalton

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Dopamine Detox: A Short Guide to Remove Distractions and Get Your Brain to Do Hard Things by Thibaut Meurisse

 

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Host: Shannon Tipton 

Podcast produced by: Obsidian Productions