Focus & Deep Work: Eliminating Distractions and Multitasking Myths

Why Focus is the Ultimate Executive Superpower

Sarah had always considered herself someone who thrived in chaos—or at least, that’s what she told herself. As a senior executive at a fast-growing tech company, she prided herself on being a master multitasker: answering emails during calls, reviewing reports between meetings, and squeezing strategy sessions into coffee breaks. It felt like the only way to keep up.

But lately, the cracks had started to show.

Her days blurred together in a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings, urgent requests, and constant interruptions. Despite working long hours, her to-do list never seemed to shrink. The stress was manageable—until she missed a critical decision-making meeting.

It wasn’t just any meeting. It was the one where her team finalized a major product strategy shift—without her input. She felt frustrated, sidelined, and out of control.

That night, Sarah lay awake thinking. She wasn’t just overbooked. She was drowning in distractions.

The next morning, she did something radical. She blocked off 90 minutes, turned off all notifications, and told her team she was unavailable. No distractions. Just her and the company’s product strategy—the very thing she had missed out on.

To her surprise, she accomplished more in that single session than she had in an entire week of scattered work.

That moment changed everything.

She realized that productivity isn’t about doing more at once. It’s about giving full attention to what matters most.

Sound Familiar?

In today’s fast-paced workplace, it’s easy to confuse being busy with being productive. But high-performing executives don’t just fill their calendars—they protect their focus.

Focus is your competitive edge. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, without distraction.

In this post, we’ll explore why focus is critical for executive success, debunk common multitasking myths, and share actionable strategies to help you eliminate distractions and engage in deep work.

Why Deep Work is a Game-Changer for Executives

The concept of deep work, coined by productivity expert Cal Newport, refers to the ability to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks.

For executives, this is the key to:

• Making high-level decisions

• Crafting innovative strategies

• Solving complex problems

But in a world full of meetings, messages, and mental clutter, deep work requires intention, boundaries, and habit-building.

Why You Struggle with Focus

Let’s name the real barriers:

• Constant Distractions: Email alerts, Slack pings, and app notifications pull you out of flow.

• Multitasking Myths: It feels efficient to juggle, but research says otherwise.

• Urgency Overload: When everything seems urgent, nothing gets the deep attention it deserves.

The Myth of Multitasking

Multitasking is often worn like a badge of honor. But science tells a different story.

What the Research Shows:

• Cognitive Bottleneck: Your brain doesn’t actually do two things at once. It switches rapidly between tasks, causing slowdowns and mistakes.

• Increased Errors: Multitaskers make more errors than those who focus on a single task.

• Burnout Risk: Constant switching leads to mental fatigue, stress, and eventually burnout.

Bottom Line:

Multitasking doesn’t boost productivity—it destroys it. If you want better results in less time, focus on one task at a time.

The Power of Single-Tasking: Embracing Deep Work

Deep work requires a shift—from “busy energy” to focused intention. When you single-task, you engage your full mental capacity and create higher-quality output.

Strategies to Embrace Deep Work:

Create a Distraction-Free Environment
Find a quiet space. Silence notifications. Close unnecessary tabs. Set the stage for focus.

Time-Block for Deep Work
Block 60–90 minutes on your calendar for one high-value task. This creates uninterrupted space for deep thinking.

Use the Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused intervals: 25 minutes of work, followed by a 5-minute break. This builds focus and stamina.

Set Clear Goals
Start each session with a target. Ask: What do I want to complete by the end of this block?

How to Eliminate Distractions

Even the most disciplined executives get distracted. The key is setting intentional boundaries.

Turn Off Notifications

Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” Mute non-essential alerts. Distractions are optional—so choose focus instead.

Create a Deep Work Zone

Designate a physical or digital space for deep work. Let your brain associate that space with focus.

Set Boundaries with Your Team

Let your team know when you’re unavailable for check-ins. Protect your deep work time like you would a board meeting—and model that behavior for others.

The 90-Minute Focus Rule

Your brain operates in 90-minute cognitive cycles. After that, performance drops.

Why 90 Minutes Works:

• Peak Performance: You harness your brain’s natural focus window.

• Mental Reset: After 90 minutes, take a break to recharge and reset.

Pro Tip: Schedule two 90-minute focus blocks per day. That’s 3 hours of high-impact work—more than most get done in a full day of distractions.

Mastering Focus for Executive Success

Your ability to focus is what separates being busy from being brilliant.

The next-level executives aren’t hustling harder—they’re thinking deeper. They’re protecting their time, eliminating distractions, and executing with clarity.

Take Action Now

✔ Block 90 minutes tomorrow for one important task
✔ Silence distractions
✔ Let your team know you’re offline
✔ Focus on just one thing—and watch your productivity soar

About the Author

Samantha Enayati – Master Coach, Executive Functioning Expert

Samantha Enayati is a Master Coach at Jolt Your Career who helps executives sharpen their focus, protect their time, and perform at their highest level. She equips high-achievers with science-backed strategies to eliminate distraction, optimize deep work, and make their brain their greatest asset.

Whether you’re leading a team or navigating high-stakes decisions, Samantha’s coaching helps you stay present, powerful, and focused on what matters most.

Ready to master your focus and reclaim your edge? Work with Samantha and unlock next-level clarity and performance.