The Hidden Cost of a Fragmented Mind
(And How to Finally Break Free)
I used to think productivity was about cramming more into each day.
Back when I was running my consulting business, bringing in six figures monthly, I was the master of multitasking. My calendar looked like a game of Tetris - every minute scheduled, every moment "optimized." I'd start each morning with a triple espresso and a to-do list longer than my arm.
From the outside, it looked like I was crushing it.
But inside? I was being crushed.
Here's what took me years of burnout, health issues, and a cancer scare to finally understand: True productivity isn't about doing more. It's about creating space for what matters most.
Let me tell you about the moment this really hit home.
It was 3pm on a Tuesday. I was juggling client calls, rushing between meetings, responding to "urgent" emails that somehow all needed attention RIGHT NOW.
My body was screaming for rest.
My creativity felt hollow.
I had that familiar tightness in my neck.
That's when I remembered something Michael Singer once shared: "My formula for success was very simple: Do whatever is put in front of you with all your heart and soul without regard for personal results."
But how could I put my whole heart and soul into anything when I was constantly fragmented?
This led me to begin implementing what I now call Sacred Focus Blocks.
Sacred Focus Blocks are exactly what they sound like - protected time blocks where you show up with your full presence, your complete attention, your whole heart.
Not for calls.
Not for emails.
Not for social media.
Just you and your most meaningful work.
Here's what I've discovered: When you create this kind of space, something shifts. The quality of your thinking deepens. Your creativity expands. Your energy aligns. Ideas that seemed scattered suddenly connect. Projects that felt overwhelming become clear.
But here's the key - Sacred Focus Blocks aren't something you find. They're something you create and protect.
For me, it's 5-7am. Before the world wakes up. Before my phone starts buzzing. Before my analytical mind kicks into overdrive. In those quiet morning hours, I can hear my own thoughts. I can feel my own rhythm. I can connect with the deeper purpose behind my work.
For you, it might be different. The specific time matters less than the commitment to showing up fully.
Three principles I've found essential:
Choose your time deliberately. Notice when your energy naturally peaks. When do you feel most clear? Most creative? Most connected? For some, it's early morning. For others, it's late at night. There's no "right" time - only your time.
Create strong boundaries. This is where most people falter. They set aside the time but don't protect it. Turn off notifications. Close the door. Let others know this time is non-negotiable. Treat it like you would a meeting with your most important client - because in a way, it is.
Show up with intention. Begin each Sacred Focus Block by connecting with why this work matters. What difference will it make? Who will it serve? This isn't about productivity for productivity's sake. It's about creating space for your most meaningful work to emerge.
The results can be profound.
One of our Sacred Growth Club members recently started protecting just one Sacred Focus Block each morning.
No email.
No phone.
No distractions. Just focused time to work on his business. Within weeks, he'd developed a clear vision for his business, launched a new offering, and most importantly - felt a deeper sense of purpose in his work.
Because here's what I know to be true: When we fragment our attention, we fragment our impact.
But when we create space for deep, meaningful work - when we approach our craft as something sacred - everything shifts. Your business becomes more than just a business. Your work becomes more than just work. Your impact grows not because you're doing more, but because you're showing up more fully.
This isn't just about time management. It's about energy management. It's about recognizing that everything is connected - your focus, your creativity, your well-being, your business success.
Want to experiment with this yourself?
Start small. Choose one 90-minute block this week. Protect it fiercely. Show up fully. Notice what changes.
Keep a journal of what you accomplish during this time. Not just the tangible outputs, but how you feel. What insights emerge? What becomes possible when you create this kind of space?
Because in my experience, the path to creating a Sacred Business starts with creating Sacred Focus.
This is where the magic happens. This is where clarity emerges. This is where you begin to bridge the gap between who you are and what you're here to create.
With deep appreciation,
Phil
P.S. If you're curious about how to align your energy with your business in even more powerful ways, I invite you to take our free Harmony Map Assessment. It's a tool we've created to help you visualize the connection between you, your business, and something greater than both.
P.P.S. Want to dive deeper into this work with other heart-centered entrepreneurs? Our Sacred Growth Club is a space where we explore these principles together, supporting each other in building businesses that honor both profit and purpose.
What’s next?
Carolina and I are ready to support you in creating a business that aligns with your heart's calling. Here's how we can help:
Discover Your Sacred Business Alignment (Free): Take the Harmony Map Assessment and read our Sacred Business Manifesto to understand where you are on your path and how to move forward with clarity and confidence. Perfect for entrepreneurs wanting to understand how everything in their business connects.
Read the Sacred Business Manifesto (Free): Learn the core principles of building a Sacred Business through our founding story and framework. See how we transformed our approach to business by understanding that everything is connected.
Sacred Business Network: Connect with heart-centered entrepreneurs who understand that success comes from alignment. Monthly connection circles, community workshops, and ongoing support through our private community space. Get the encouragement and collaboration you need to grow.
Join Our Next Implementation Challenges: Action-focused programs like the Sacred Business Planning Rituals Challenge and Substack Growth Challenge help you create real momentum in specific areas of your business. Free for Club members, discounted for Network members. Be sure you are subscribed to be notified when the next one is offered live.
Sacred Growth Club: A complete support system with weekly embodiment classes, live coaching calls, writing circles, and expert workshops. Designed for entrepreneurs ready to build sustainable success through proven practices while staying connected to their purpose. Includes full access to the Network and all challenges.
Be The Flow Coaching (1:1): Personal guidance combining strategic business planning with energy alignment work. Weekly coaching sessions plus full access to Sacred Growth Club benefits. Ideal for entrepreneurs seeking deep transformation and sustainable growth in their business.
Create a Sacred Business that is the unique expression of all your experience, gifts, and skills. Let's talk about how to make that happen.
I like this idea, there's always "something", an email, a text, a child asking a question, a colleague needs assistance.
Not that helping and being available aren't good things but having that uninterrupted block of time is something I'm going to try and incorporate into my day. Thanks Phil.