You know what, nobody talks about how to start working at 2:00 PM when you've already been interrupted 17 times, or how to dive into focus mode at 8:00 PM after the kids are finally in bed. Everyone's obsessed with morning routines, but what about the other three times a day that you need to start working? That's what we're fixing today. Hi, I'm Cindy Gordon, a self-made entrepreneur, busy mom and execution coach. After years of starting and stopping work throughout the day, I'm talking about school pickups, client calls, family needs. I discovered that the secret isn't having the perfect morning. It's having a simple routine that you can use before any work session. And I'm talking three minutes, not 30 minutes. Let me break down the exact system that I use to instantly shift into focus mode, whether it's 6:00 AM or 9:00 PM If you want more productivity tips and tricks just like this, join over 1500 other entrepreneurs. In my weekly email newsletter, these tips and tricks will help you stay on track. So make sure you're on my email list, link in the show notes. This is something that comes up in almost every coaching session that I have. My clients say, Cindy, I can't get into the flow. By the time I sit down to work, I'm already distracted. Here's the thing, it's not because you lack discipline. It's because you are trying to go from chaos to focus without a bridge. Think about it. You just finished making lunch, answering texts, maybe handling a mini crisis, and then you sit down and you expect your brain to magically switch into deep work mode. That's like trying to go from zero to 60 without even starting the engine. The women I work with consistently struggle with this transition problem. They have these scattered work windows throughout the day, an hour here after dropping off the kids at school, 30 minutes in between meetings, maybe another session after dinner, but without a routine to signal work mode. They spend half of their time just trying to figure out where to start. And if you have a family, this can be even worse because your brain is constantly switching between mom mode, business mode, and house mode. No wonder why we have trouble focusing, your mind needs transition cues. Just like your body needs a warmup before exercise, your brain needs a signal that says, Hey, we're switching gears now without this signal, your brain is fighting against mental inertia. Research shows what's really going on here. When you jump straight into work without a transition routine, your brain is still processing everything that just happened. Those dishes in the sink, your brain's still thinking about them. That text you just read, it's still taking up mental space, that meeting you have later. Yep. That too. But when you create a consistent pre-work routine, something powerful happens, your brain starts to recognize the pattern and automatically begins shutting down those other mental tabs. It's like training your brain to know when I do these. Three things. It means focus time. So this isn't about morning energy or perfect conditions, it's about creating a reliable mental switch that you can flip. Anytime. So let me share the exact three minute routine that works whether you're starting work at dawn or after dinner. Remember, this isn't about perfection, it's about transition. So first you're gonna clear. Your physical and digital space. So take 60 seconds, close all tabs, except for what you need to work on this session. Push everything on your desk to the side, except the current project. Turn your phone face down or put it in a drawer. This isn't about having a Pinterest perfect workspace, it's about removing visual triggers that pull your attention. So there's one minute done. Next, you're gonna write your session intention. So another 60 seconds. This is not a to-do list. It's not five goals. One specific outcome for this work session, write three emails. Finish the slide deck through Slide 10. Complete the client proposal draft. Those are examples. Write it on a sticky note. Put it where you can see it. This becomes your north star. When distraction tries to creep in, your brain wants to check Instagram. You look at your North Star note and remember your one mission, for your final 60 seconds, out of this three minute routine, you are gonna do a focus activation. Take three deep breaths while looking at your session intention. Say it out loud for the next, and then you insert your time period. I am focused on an insert your intention. So an example for the next 30 minutes, I am focused on answering client emails. That's your example. It doesn't have to be elaborate, it just needs to be simple and clear. And yes, I want you to say it out loud even if you feel silly, and actually, especially if you feel silly. This verbal commitment triggers accountability in your brain. It's making a promise to yourself that your brain can take seriously. The biggest resistance I hear is Cindy, I literally don't have three minutes between transitioning from mom stuff to work stuff. The truth is you're already losing way more than three minutes to the mental chaos of not having a transition routine. This is going to save you time. So start by using this routine for your most important work session tomorrow. Not every time you check email, but for that one block that you really, really need to focus. Notice how different it feels when you start with intention instead of stumbling into that work. And when you catch yourself struggling to focus check. Did I skip that routine? Nine times outta 10, your answer is yes. Build it into your existing routine. Keep sticky notes in your workspace. Set a phone reminder for your usual work Times that say three minute setup, it makes it automatic as buckling your seatbelt, the one thing that I want you to take away from our conversation today, you don't need a perfect morning routine or an Instagram worthy office or three hours of uninterrupted time. Yes, all those things are nice, but honestly, you need a simple routine that tells your brain it's time to work, whether it's at 5:00 AM or 5:00 PM and this three minute setup routine is about working with your reality and not against it. When everything feels urgent and you're constantly starting and stopping, this becomes your anchor. Clear the space. Set one intention, activate focus. That's it. Try it before your next work session. Just once clear space. For 60 seconds, write one specific outcome, take three breaths and state your intention out loud. Notice how different it feels to start with purpose instead of panic. Now go set yourself up for focus. It only takes three minutes and your future focus self will. Thank you. Be sure to follow me over on Instagram at exclusively Cindy for more reality based productivity tips that actually work for busy entrepreneurs. And remember, friends, you've got this.

Thanks for spending these few minutes with me today. Remember, overwhelm isn't permanent. It's simply your brain's way of saying pause and take a little reality check. If this was helpful, you'll love my weekly email tips where I share the systems that keep me and hundreds of other entrepreneurs on Track Link in the show notes. If you got value in today's episode, please share it with another entrepreneur who needs that reminder. If you're loving the show, I'd be so grateful if you could leave me a quick review. It helps other overwhelmed entrepreneurs find us. Make sure you hit subscribe so you never miss your weekly dose of clarity. For more resources and to connect with me, visit exclusively cindy.com. Until next time, remember you've got this.