Creating Structure to Go Deep
- Details
- Written by AndEl

A friend of mine was telling me about two of the most successful times of his often very scattered life … and they both came when he was very focused on one learning project.
Having a single focus really allowed him to grow — not only to deeply learn the topic he was studying, but to grow as a person.
He’s been experiencing that kind of focus recently, picking one project and really giving it his full focus.
But his question was this: how should I combine having one clear main project for this year, while also doing lots of other things I want to do?
Basically, he wants to create focus and depth in one project, but still maintain his health, business, relationship, and mindfulness practice.
It’s a good question.
My suggestion: Create structure for the areas you need to maintain your life, to create space for deep focus.
For example, you might want to do things like:
- Have regular exercise & meditation
- Eat healthy meals
- Do admin work
- Do regular work tasks, calls, meetings
- Have time for reading and spending time with your partner and/or friends
- Do twice-weekly yoga or martial arts classes
And on top of that, you want to create one deeply focused project.
Here’s how you might structure all of that to give yourself that focus:
- Meditate & do a 15-minute exercise routine in the morning
- Create a handful of healthy meals and just plan to shop for, cook and eat those meals every day
- Block off time in the evening for reading and spending time with partner/friends
- Block off time during the week for your admin and other regular tasks (let’s say 1 hour every day from 11am-12pm)
- Block off time during the week for classes or other regular activities
- The rest of the time is all for your deep focus project
So this day is structured with a morning and evening routine, regular healthy meals, and some blocked off time for regular work. But the rest of the day is open, and in that open space, you only do your deep focus project. Don’t read, don’t look at stuff online, don’t do admin work. Just the deep focus project.
This eliminates the paradox of choice. You make your decisions ahead of time: when you’re going to do your reading, exercise, eating, admin work, etc. And so you don’t have to ask yourself, “Should I read right now or check email? Should I exercise now, meditate, or work on my deep focus project?”
The decisions are made. No constant choice, just doing.
Now you have to focus on keeping your word to yourself, sticking to those decisions, and finding that focus.
Zen Habits is about finding simplicity and mindfulness in the daily chaos of our lives. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what’s important, create something amazing, find happiness. My name is Leo Babauta. I live in Davis, California with my wife and six kids, where I eat vegan food, write, run, and read.
Source
Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!
Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below!
Latest Articles
Dive into the Mystical World of the Crystal Wind Oracle Deck!
Get All the Enchanting Details Now!
NEW Expanded Boxed Edition!
Now with 58 Cards for Richer Wisdom!
Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!
Epilepsy - Finding A Cure
Your donation can make a difference!
Help us find a cure – donate now!
Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!
Quake Watch
Follow Us!
Who is Online Now
We have 49128 guests and no members online
Featured This Month
Bright Beltane Blessings!
The wheel turns to Beltane, also known as May Day, ushering in summer in the... Read more
Taurus Mythology
The Taurus Myth The story of Taurus is most vividly tied to the tale of Zeu... Read more
Cartomancy - Fortune Telling Using Playing C…
Cartomancy is the act of divining using cards. Divining means to find out by... Read more
Frogs Return Moon
Beaver – Chrysocolla - Blue Camas – Blue April 20 – May 20 The Frogs Retur... Read more
The Seven Chakras and their Meanings
If you could imagine chakras as circles of energy, flowing all the way throu... Read more
The Time of No Time: Beltane!
Around the medicine wheel of life we go, from season to season (solstice to ... Read more
Sun in Taurus
Sun in Taurus April 21 through May 21 An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristi... Read more
The Crystal Wind Oracle Card Deck
The Crystal Wind Oracle™ The Crystal Wind Oracle Myth & Magic Card D... Read more