175: The Timer Trick: How to Snap Into Focus in Seconds

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You don’t need more time, you need better focus.

In today’s Thrive in 5, I’ll show you how to use one of the simplest but most powerful productivity tools: a timer. You’ll learn why your brain responds to countdowns, how to use them for dreaded tasks, and how to create instant clarity when you’re stuck spinning your wheels.

What we cover:

• The brain science behind why timers work
• How to shift into “sprint mode” instantly
• The 2-minute rule for making decisions fast
• Action steps to try today, no overthinking, just action

🎯 Start the timer. Start the progress. Let’s go.

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
Ever sit down to work andsuddenly it's an hour later and
you've done everything exceptthe one thing you needed to do.
In today's Thrivent five, we'reusing a simple timer to laser
your focus and get real resultsfast let's talk about one of the

(00:43):
simplest productivity hacks outthere that actually works.
Setting a timer sounds way tooeasy, right?
That's the beauty of it.
Most of the time we don't needmore time.
We just need more focus with thetime that we already have.
Here's what happens.
You tell yourself you have 45minutes to do a task, but your
brain doesn't feel the urgency.

(01:05):
Now flip the script, set a timerfor 15 minutes.
Suddenly your brain says, let'sgo.
You enter.
Sprint mode, you eliminatedistractions.
You stop overthinking.
This isn't just a trick.
This is neuroscience.
A countdown activates yourbrain's focus mechanism, turning
your task into a game with afinish line.

(01:26):
You can even use it with tasksyou don't want to do.
Dreading a big project.
Set a timer for 10 minutes andjust start that initial momentum
often carries you way past thetimer, and suddenly you are into
the flow.
And guess what?
This works for decision fatigue.
Two.
Instead of staring at your to-dolist for an hour, deciding where

(01:47):
to begin.
Set a two minute timer andchoose Done Momentum built and
no more spinning your wheels.
If you wanna try this today,here are your action steps.
Pick one task that you have beenavoiding.
Set a timer for 15 minutes.
Yes, just 15 and start.
No multitasking, no excuses.

(02:09):
Just focus.
When that timer goes off, take aquick break or keep going If you
have hit your groove.
The goal isn't perfection, it'sprogress.
Time to focus is the differencebetween feeling overwhelmed and
feeling accomplished.
You are in control of your time,and you are in control of your
focus.
You've got this.

Speaker (02:31):
Thanks for tuning into the Thrive in Five podcast.
If you found value in today'sepisode, I'd love for you to
leave a review.
It helps more listeners discoverthe show and don't forget to
subscribe so you never miss adose of productivity,
motivation, and success tips.
And hey, share this episode witha friend that could use a little
extra inspiration.
Until next time, keep thriving.

(02:52):
And remember, you've got this.