Erik Qualman: How to Improve Focus and Productivity in a Digitally Connected World

Episode recap: 

Whether you’re a programmer, mother, executive, teacher, or an entrepreneur, this episode is for you if ... 

1. You feel like you need five more hours in your day. 

2. You are being pulled in a million directions with no end in sight. 

3. Your life is BUSY instead of BIG. 

Erik Qualman, author of "The Focus Project," discussed strategies for improving focus and productivity in a digitally connected world. He shared insights from his personal focus experiment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing big goals, developing focus as a habit, and implementing systems to maintain concentration. Qualman provided practical tips for enhancing focus, including the “20/20 Rule” for taking breaks, setting clear success metrics, and starting with small, manageable goals to build discipline and achieve significant results. Want to take control of your life and master self-management in the digital age? This is the episode for you from a global authority.

Bio:

Erik Qualman is a #1 Bestselling Author and Keynote Speaker who has performed in over 55 countries and reached 50 million people. He was voted the 2nd Most Likeable Author in the World behind Harry Potter's J.K. Rowling. He is the host of the popular Super U Podcast and his work has been used by the National Guard to NBCUniversal to NASA. He is the author of "The Focus Project."

 

Quotes: 

• "Focus is really hard, but it can be learned—it can become a habit." 
• "If it's not a hell yes, it's a hell no." 
• "Focus on big things, not busy ones. Life is very short, and most of us think we'll have more time tomorrow to do something—but attack your dream today, even if it's just for a minute. Don't hold it off for tomorrow." 

 

Takeaways: 

• Start a one-minute daily focus ritual on your most important goal, whether it's writing a sentence, playing a guitar chord, or working on a passion project. 
• Audit your daily tasks and identify the single most impactful activity that, if done well, makes everything else easier or unnecessary. 
• Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, reducing eye strain and resetting mental focus. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] Welcome and Introduction 

[04:13] Introducing Erik Qualman 

[05:21] Why Focus Might Matter More Than Hustle 

[05:57] The Real Reason You Struggle to Stay Focused 

[09:22] What Happened When Erik Focused for 30 Days 

[13:31] Easy Focus Habits That Actually Work Daily 

[18:57] How to Stay Sharp When Tech Steals Your Time 

[21:29] What Leaders Can Do to Cut Noise and Prioritize 

[23:10] Focus on Big Things, Not Busy Ones 

 

Conclusion: 

Focus isn’t a fixed trait—it’s a skill that can be built with practice, even in a world full of distractions. People who achieve meaningful results often do so by creating clear systems that help them avoid busywork and stay centered on what matters most. Learning to say "no" to lesser tasks makes space for bigger, more important progress. And it doesn’t require massive effort—starting with just a minute each day can lead to lasting improvement. Small, steady actions often make the biggest difference. 

 

Links/Resources: 

Website: http://www.equalman.com 

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