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Start loving Mondays! Join Marissa & Joel each week for practical strategies, weekly rhythms, and honest insights to help you slow down, show up, and live intentionally. Based on the proven Full Focus methods used in the Full Focus Planner™, each episode offers habits, mindset shifts, and real support so you can quiet the noise, follow through, and build a life that feels good to live. Ready to focus on what really matters?
- 608 - What's Actually Worth Your Time?
Not all work is created equal. Some of what fills your days is gold: high-value work that directly drives results. The rest falls along a spectrum, from full-on “fake work” to lower-leverage work that feels productive but simply isn’t as valuable. Today, Joel and Marissa get into how to pan for gold as they turn to the second consideration of the Priority Filter: ROI. They unpack what it looks like to weigh ROI at work and at home, and why a results-oriented mindset can help you cut back the activities that have overgrown your days. You can get the same (or better!) results in less time, but only if you know which results matter and how to achieve them most effectively. With that lens, prioritizing becomes a lot simpler.
You’re Paid for Outcomes. The doings that fill your days—meetings, emails, reports, and feedback—are activities. Your organization isn’t paying you for those finished tasks, no matter how hard you worked. You’re paid to create results: outcomes like customer satisfaction, conversion, and trust.Clarify Which Results You Own. Unless you’re in sales or marketing, the results you own might not be obvious. That means your first step is to figure out what a win looks like for your role. This might involve evaluating your job description, talking with your boss, or doing some deeper digging with the help of AI.Know What’s Most Important. You might have some obviously unimportant work in your role. But many things on your list likely add real value. The key: they don’t add equal value. Your job is to rank your work and spend your valuable time and skill on what’s most important.Low Leverage Can Feel Productive. Lower-leverage work can feel as responsible and productive as higher-leverage work. You’re solving problems—just ones that matter less. Give maintenance work its minimum viable dose; automate what you can. Investing less in low-leverage work frees you to invest more in high-leverage work.Find Your Personal ROI. The same principle applies at home. Most of us don’t slow down long enough to ask what we’re optimizing for right now—whether that’s health, connection, or peace. Get clear on the result you want, then choose what delivers it. Building a life you love living requires intention.
Key Takeaways
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/wsBS Jobsby David GraeberFake Workby Brent Peterson and Gaylan NielsonEverything Is Obvious by Duncan Watts
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 02 Nov 2026 - 607 - The Self-Awareness Advantage
“Know thyself.” It’s ancient advice that still applies in the modern workplace. In this episode, Joel and Marissa continue unpacking The Priority Filter by considering how self-awareness serves you on the clock and why it’s a key consideration as you determine what you do today. They dig into personality, proficiency, and passion, and what each lens offers as you redesign your work to maximize your contribution. If you’ve ever wondered why your days feel so full of friction, there’s a good chance there’s misalignment between the work you do and who you are. It’s time to close the gap.
You’re Wired for Some Work. Your personality informs the work you’re suited to do—whether you’re detail-oriented or visionary, cautious or risk-tolerant, novelty-seeking or consistency-loving. These patterns help you notice the work that fits who you are.You’re Paid for Proficiency. There are some things you’re truly good at. They’re the skills people actually pay you for, shaped by your aptitudes and past experiences. If your proficiencies are underutilized in your current role, that’s an opportunity.Passion Can Fuel Momentum. When you’re energized by your work, it can drive your success. The danger is losing yourself in work that sparks your interest withoutleveraging your skill. If you’re passionate but not proficient, you have to let it go.Treat Assessments as Signposts. There are so many assessments you can try: WorkStyle, StrengthsFinder, Working Genius, Kolbe, Enneagram, and more. Even if they’re not completely accurate, they’re often directionally right. Take what fits and leave the rest.Ask for Outside Eyes. As you explore what seems true about you, involve other people—a spouse, friend, boss, or close colleague. Ask where they see your strengths and where you get stuck. Other people often notice patterns you miss.Be You All the Way. Working with the grain of who you are maximizes your effectiveness. You don’t have to be good at everything. Spend more time where you add value, and problem-solve for the gaps.
Key Takeaways
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 26 Oct 2026 - 606 - The Difference Between Busy and Productive
You can work really hard on the wrong stuff. In fact, most people do. Unfortunately, work can lookand feelproductive without being productive. Most wasted effort happens because tasks pass two of the Priority Filter’s tests but fail the third. When that happens, you’re stuck in an overlap trap. In this episode, Joel and Marissa name the three overlap traps: Right Work, Wrong Time (YOU and ROI without NOW), the Comfort Zone (YOU and NOW without ROI), and the Delegation Trap (ROI and NOW without YOU). They share examples from work and home, explain why each trap pulls you in, and offer a way out.
Mind Your Timing. A task can fit your wiring and drive results yet still not be what this season calls for. Often, you’re avoiding something the moment requires because it’s stressful, difficult, or boring. Reassess the needs of right now, then schedule the other work for later.Motion Does Not Mean Results. The Comfort Zone holds work that’s yours and relevant but low leverage: the manager still doing individual contributor work, the perfect internal slide deck, the analysis with no endpoint. Delete or reduce this work, setting clear boundaries when you can’t eliminate it entirely.Don’t Do What Isn’t Yours. The Delegation Trap holds high-leverage, timely work that belongs to someone else. It usually sticks with you because it’s familiar, because you don’t trust others to meet your standard, or because you thinkthere’s no one to hand it to (think again).You Have Delegation Options. When you think you can’t delegate, ask, “What would have to be true for this work to be done without me?” AI, bartering, horizontal delegation, renegotiation, and better processes can all take work off your plate.Be Militantly on Your Own Side. None of these traps looks like failure, so other people won’t spot them for you. Protecting your list and your calendar is your job, and the work at the center of the filter is where you make your highest contribution.
Key TakeawaysResources
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 19 Oct 2026 - 605 - How to Decide What to Do Today
The average professional carries dozens of items on their to-do list, and not all of them are worth doing: you’re only doing them because someone asked, it caught your attention, you noticed it needed doing, or you’ve always done it. When our to-do lists are too long, we think working better and faster is the solution. But in truth, we need a shorter list. How can we get there?
In this episode, Joel and Marissa walk through the Priority Filter, a simple Venn diagram of three overlapping circles: YOU (Is it uniquely yours to do?), ROI (Is it high leverage?), and NOW (Does it matter now?). They unpack each test, showing how the filter scales from your Daily Big Three to your annual goals and revealing where each WorkStyle is likely to get stuck. Then, they boil the whole model down to one question you can use every time you need to prioritize.
YOU: Your Wiring Matters. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Ask whether a task fits your wiring and truly belongs to you. Capability, habit, and a visible need are not good enough reasons to take it on.ROI: You’re Paid for Results. ROI asks whether the return on results is worth your investment of time, attention, and energy. Consider the results you’re paid to deliver. Which activities drive those results?NOW: Relevance Beats Urgency. What does this moment call for? Look at the full context: which deadlines are truly fixed, what snowballs if delayed, what gets you in trouble, what advances your goals, and what helps you perform at your best.WorkStyles Have Different Sticking Points. Givers need the YOU filter—clarifying what's really theirs to do. Achievers and Optimizers need to reassess ROI—whether that checkmark or slight improvement is really moving the needle. And Jugglers and Improvisers need to weigh the full context of now—asking what the moment calls for, rather than reacting to urgency or novelty.Memorize This Question. Write it in your planner and keep it top of mind: What’s mine to do that drives results and matters now? Return to it when you choose your Daily Big Three, during your Weekly Preview, when you set goals, and any time you’re stuck on what to do next.
Key Takeaways
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 12 Oct 2026 - 604 - The Improviser: The Half-Life of a Good Idea
The Improviser follows curiosity wherever it leads (usually leaving a trail of half-finished projects behind them). They’re creative problem-solvers who see connections nobody else sees, forge new paths when the standard approach isn’t working, and can produce extraordinary work when the stakes are high. The downside? Novelty, curiosity, and Shiny Object Syndrome can lead to procrastination, turning important commitments into avoidable, unnecessary emergencies. In this episode, Joel and Marissa unpack what makes the Improviser tick, why their curiosity is such an asset, and where it’s most likely to get them into trouble. Then they sit down with three Improvisers to hear how they’ve learned to add just enough structure to make the most of the way they’re wired.
Interest Is Your On Switch. If you’re an Improviser, curiosity can make you unstoppable. When something captures your attention, you’ll research deeper, make unexpected connections, and find solutions other people miss. When it doesn’t? Getting started can feel like pushing a car uphill. That’s why you probably have more than a few projects sitting at 60%, 70%, or 80% complete.Your Double-Edged Sword: Curiosity. Curiosity is what makes your work exceptional. You can follow an idea farther than most people, forge new paths, and solve problems that leave everyone else scratching their heads. But curiosity can also make you exhausted. You chase the new idea until the old commitment becomes an emergency, resist work that feels tedious, and disappear down rabbit holes while everything else fades from view.The Cost Compounds Over Time. When novelty and urgency keep running the show, everything starts getting delivered at the last minute. Eventually, other people stop trusting that you’ll follow through—and you may start doubting yourself, too. Worse, all those fires crowd out the exploratory work where you provide the most value. Build Structure That Creates Real Stakes. Fake deadlines probably won’t fool you. Instead, create external accountability. Commit to a deadline someone else is depending on. Build rhythms around other people. Use enough structure to keep your attention pointed in the right direction without suffocating the flexibility you need. The goal is to create conditions where your improvisation can shine.Let Your Priorities Direct Your Curiosity. Your interests will always provide new paths to explore. Priorities tell you which trails are worth following. Ask what’s uniquely yours to do, what will produce the highest return, and what matters right now. That filter lets you conserve your energy for the ideas that matter most—so your newest ideas don’t sideline your best ones.
Key Takeaways
Special Thanks: To Jana P., Naomi C., and Tamia . for the generosity of their time and insight as episode interviewees.
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 05 Oct 2026 - 603 - The Optimizer: The Fine Print of High Standards
The Optimizer is quick to notice the gaps between what is and what could be, but they’re slower to recognize when finished work is good enough. They make sure the work gets done right, the first time. That’s a recipe for excellence, but also for exhaustion—often tied up with some unintentional self-shaming. In this episode, Joel and Marissa dive into what makes the Optimizer tick, why they’re a crucial part of our teams, and where they’re most likely to get stuck. Then they sit down with two Optimizers to talk about how it plays out at work and at home, and how they’re learning to work with the way they’re wired.
Optimizers Know About “Should.”If you’re an Optimizer, you know there’s a way the work shouldget done, and you’re committed to rising to the challenge. You spot the flaws before anyone else does and you’re always looking for ways to improve both your work andyour life. You’re committed to continuous improvement—and your results reflect that.Your Double-Edged Sword: High Standards. Your high standards make you exceptional. Your work is done impressively well, you need almost no oversight, and you improve processes nobody else thought were broken. Those standards are also what leave you exhausted, refining long past the point of necessity and interpreting every flaw in the work as indicating a flaw in you.The Cost Compounds Over Time. Your standards never lower, so the relief of finishing never comes. You can’t prove yourself to yourself, so you can’t win the game you set up. Meanwhile, the people around you start feeling the strain of expectations they can’t meet, and the work loses the joy that made you care about doing it well.Ration Your Excellence. Right now, you’re probably applying one standard to work of wildly unequal value. Instead, decide which few tasks deserve such high refinement. For the rest, when it’s 95% done, it’s done. This week’s challenge: pick one low-leverage task, notice the gaps, and send it anyway.Let Your Priorities Do the Deciding. Clarify what’s uniquely yours, what drives results, and what matters now. That discernment allows you to identify where you should channel your excellence, and where you can cut yourself (and your team) some slack.
Key Takeaways
Special Thanks: To Tina K. and Zoe L. for the generosity of their time and insight as episode interviewees.
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 28 Sep 2026 - 602 - The Juggler: The Gravity of Keeping Everything Airborne
The Juggler is the person you hand something to and never think about again—but they’re also the person carrying a load nobody around them can fully see. The relentless capability of this WorkStyle powers the Juggler’s ability to hold more than most people can track and pivot on the turn of a dime, but it’s also powered by an isolating belief that “It’s all on me.” In this episode, Joel and Marissa dive into what makes the Juggler tick, why they’re a crucial part of our teams, and where they’re most likely to get stuck. Then they sit down with three Jugglers to talk about how it plays out at work and at home, and how they’re learning to work with the way they’re wired.
Jugglers Scan the Horizon. Being a Juggler means you’re always at the ready for whatever's coming next. You’re used to life coming at you fast, and you’ve always trusted yourself (and really, no one else) to handle it. Now, you’re not the only one counting on you—lots of other people are, too. That’s a lot to juggle.Your Double-Edged Sword: Capability. Your capability makes you exceptional. You carry more at once than most people could track, you adapt quickly and without drama, and you’re the most resourceful person in the room when something doesn’t go according to plan. That’s also what leaves you exhausted, stuck with a mental load that never lightens or turns off.The Cost Compounds Over Time. You’ve built a life where everything relies on you. The result? Your own rest and desires get perpetually deferred. You white-knuckle instead of asking for help, leaving you stretched thin and profoundly alone. Over time, life becomes a series of trials to survive rather than an experience to enjoy.Invest in Receiving Help. Handing something off costs you time, communication, and trust—which is exactly why you keep doing it yourself. Ask for help anyway, and let someone else take a turn at thinking ahead. This week’s challenge: pick one thing you’re carrying and spend the time it takes to hand it off well.Decide What to Set Down. Not everything is created equal, not everything has to happen now, and not everything has to be done by you. Know what’s uniquely yours, what drives results, and what matters now. That helps you decide what to set down.
Key Takeaways
Special Thanks: To Claudia V., Monica V., and Crissy M. for the generosity of their time and insight as episode interviewees.
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 21 Sep 2026 - 601 - The Achiever: The Inertia of Being Unstoppable
The Achiever is the person to call when you want to expand the limits of what’s possible—but they’re also the person most likely to push past their ownlimits and ride their momentum right into the ground. The relentless drive of this WorkStyle powers the Achiever’s ability to finish fast and deliver results at scale, but also leads to frustration around delegation and higher risk of burnout. In this episode, Joel and Marissa dive into what makes the Achiever tick, why they’re a crucial part of our teams, and where they’re most likely to get stuck. Then they sit down with three Achievers to talk about how it plays out at work and at home, and how they’re learning to work with the way they’re wired.
Achievers Chase Momentum. The satisfaction of finishing lasts about a minute, because forward movement is more rewarding than a finish line. Slowing down sounds terrible (or terrifying), empty hours feel wasted, and even hobbies are primed to become self-development projects and side hustles. If that sounds familiar, you’re probably an Achiever.Your Double-Edged Sword: Drive. Your drive makes you exceptional. It’s how you finish fast, tackle impressive volume, and raise the bar on what everyone else believes is possible. It’s also what leaves you exhausted, sacrificing rest to close open loops and missing the signs of depletion until you’re nearly spent.The Cost Compounds Over Time. Every obstacle gets answered with more effort. Your recovery keeps losing to one more task, and your presence with the people closest to you erodes. Worst of all, your identity fuses with your output—so if you’re not producing, you’re not sure what you’re worth.Define Done in Advance. If you’re unstoppable, you have to choose to stop yourself. Decide what done looks like (for the day, the week, the project) before you start and then honor it. This week’s challenge: set your stopping time thirty minutes earlier than usual.Let Your Priorities Do the Deciding. When the check mark matters more than the ROI, you’re set up for burnout. Know what’s uniquely yours, what drives results, and what matters now. That’s how you get the satisfaction of a full day and permission to turn it off.
Key Takeaways
Special Thanks:To Sally S., Mekel H., and Vanessa B. for the generosity of their time and insight as episode interviewees.
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 14 Sep 2026 - 600 - The Giver: The Dilemma of Being Dependable
The Givers in our midst—the ones who anticipate needs, listen deeply, and jump in to help—are often the people holding our teams and our society together. But their generosity can be a double-edged sword, leaving them run-down while the people who depend on them fail to notice they’re flagging. In this episode, Joel and Marissa dive into the Giver WorkStyle, unpacking what makes Givers indispensable and where they get stuck. Then they sit down with four Givers to talk about how it plays out at work and at home, and how they’re learning to work with the way they’re wired.
Givers Center Others. Other people’s problems feel like your assignments. You’ve got a reputation for being a great listener. You anticipate needs before they’re spoken. And your own needs (rest included) feel a little selfish. If that sounds familiar, you’re probably a Giver.Your Double-Edged Sword: Generosity. Your generosity makes you exceptional. It’s how you create belonging, earn trust, and humanize work—more important than ever in an age of AI. It’s also what leaves you exhausted, absorbing costs that were never yours and sidelining your own needs.The Cost Compounds in the Background. Your calendar fills with other people’s priorities while your own projects get deferred. Unspoken resentment builds. You lose touch with what you actually want. And because you’re capable and you look fine, nobody checks in until you’re already past your limit.Pencil in Time for You. If you wait until everyone around you is okay, you’ll wait indefinitely. Grant yourself permission to center yourself. This week’s challenge: go into your calendar, schedule something that’s just for you, and protect that time.Leverage the Triage Principle. You can’t meet every need—so how do you choose well? Know what’s uniquely yours, what drives results, and what matters now. That discernment is the difference between effective and fried.
Key Takeaways
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
Special Thanks:To Adam H., Amy K., Dawnella B, and Channel G. for the generosity of their time and insight as episode interviewees.
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 07 Sep 2026 - 599 - Introducing Your WorkStyle: Why the Same Advice Keeps Not Working
You’ve tried the system, the reset, the earlier alarm, the batched tasks, the protected mornings—and somehow you keep landing in the same place. In this episode, Joel and Marissa return from hiatus to introduce the WorkStyle Assessment and explain why one-size-fits-all productivity advice keeps failing you. The truth underneath it: the challenges are universal, but you are particular, and the way you work is different from the person next to you. When you understand your own default mode, you can play to its strengths (and stop tripping over its traps).
The Challenges Are Universal. Everyone faces the same handful of realities: overload (too much to do), overwhelm (too much to handle emotionally), real human constraints, and a need for rest and clarity. Our individual experiences are all shaped by these universal challenges.But You Are Particular. How you got here and where you go next depend on who you are. We differ in what motivates us, where we get stuck, how we feel about rest, how we respond to help, and how we relate to uncertainty—so the productivity method that works for someone else may not work for you.Meet the Five WorkStyles. Each WorkStyle has a strength that makes them exceptional and, pushed too far, leads to their exhaustion: the Giver (generosity), the Achiever (drive), the Juggler (capability), the Optimizer (high standards), and the Improviser (curiosity). This is a default you return to under pressure—not your identity.Your Secondary Style Changes the Picture. The assessment gives you a primary and a secondary style, and the second one reshapes how the first shows up. Two jugglers can look completely different depending on what backs them up—which is what keeps you uniquely you.Do It With Your Team. Self-awareness is only half the payoff; the other half is empathy. When a whole team knows one another’s styles, you build trust, collaborate better, and can name the friction—because you’re guaranteed to work alongside every one of these styles.
Key Takeaways
Take the Assessment: fullfocus.co/ws
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 31 Aug 2026 - 598 - We're Back!Mon, 24 Aug 2026
- 597 - SUMMER REPLAY: How to Clear Your Calendar in Your Busiest SeasonsMon, 17 Aug 2026
- 596 - SUMMER REPLAY: Creating Effective Habits with Amy PorterfieldMon, 10 Aug 2026
- 595 - SUMMER REPLAY: 10 Activities to Get Off Your Screens and Back to Real LifeMon, 03 Aug 2026
- 594 - SUMMER REPLAY: Overcoming the Thinking That Holds You BackMon, 27 Jul 2026
- 593 - SUMMER REPLAY: Mastermind It: 4 Ways to Win with FriendsMon, 20 Jul 2026
- 592 - SUMMER REPLAY: 4 Tactics for Building Goal MomentumMon, 13 Jul 2026
- 591 - SUMMER REPLAY: Fireside Chat: Establishing Your Planner HabitMon, 06 Jul 2026
- 590 - SUMMER REPLAY: 6 Questions to Level Up Your Next QuarterMon, 29 Jun 2026
- 589 - SUMMER REPLAY: 4 Categories of Powerful Professional GoalsMon, 22 Jun 2026
- 588 - SUMMER REPLAY: Unlock the “Fresh Start Effect” with Weekly PreviewMon, 15 Jun 2026
- 587 - SUMMER REPLAY: Helpline: How to Make Progress on “Off” DaysMon, 08 Jun 2026
- 586 - SUMMER REPLAY: The Power of Constraints: Do Less, Achieve MoreMon, 01 Jun 2026
- 585 - What's Ahead This SummerMon, 25 May 2026
- 584 - What to Do When Life Hits the Fan?
Everyone has a plan until life punches them in the face. In this episode, Joel and Hannah tackle what to do when chaos strikes—a family crisis, a health scare, an unexpected bill, a work emergency—and how to stay productive, grounded, and sane while you're in the thick of it. The answer isn't pushing harder. It's doing less, on purpose, and protecting what keeps you human until you come out the other side.
Strategically Lower the Bar.When a crisis hits, scaling back your expectations is one of the smartest plays you can make. A Daily Big One executed faithfully beats an abandoned planner every time. Consistency at a lower level preserves momentum.Protect Your Rituals. The small, predictable rhythms of your day—morning coffee, an after-work walk, a bath before bed—are more important during chaos, not less. They cue your nervous system that you're safe, help you downshift, and keep you feeling like yourself.Reduce Decision Load. Decisions cost you something, even small ones. In a hard season, eliminate choices wherever you can (meals, outfits, routines) so you can protect your best thinking for the decisions that actually matter.Ask for Help. It feels counterintuitive, especially when you're most stressed, but people want to help. Feeling supported doesn't just feel better—it makes the problem itself feel more manageable, even when nothing about the problem has changed.Ask the Essential Question. "What's the most important thing I can do right now?" works in productivity, and it works in crisis management. It separates what's truly essential from what can wait, be rescheduled, or dropped entirely.
Key Takeaways
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 18 May 2026 - 583 - The Question That Cuts Through Everything
Most of us are working hard, but not always on the right things. In this episode, Joel and Hannah dig into the one question that cuts through overwhelm, busyness, and the pressure to do it all: What's most important right now? Simple to ask, harder to live—but the rewards on the other side are clarity, purpose, and a life that actually feels like yours.
Demands WillAlwaysOutpace Your Capacity. No amount of optimization will give you more than 168 hours in a week. The goal isn't to fit it all in, but to decide what belongs. That shift, from doing more to deciding better, is where real productivity begins.Priority No. 1: Escape “Downhill Work.” Answering email, clearing notifications, filling out reports—none of it is bad, but it's easy to fill an entire day with tasks that don't require your best thinking and don't move anything meaningful forward. Recognizing the difference is half the battle.It’s a Two-Part Question (Both Parts Matter). What's most important identifies high-leverage, values-aligned work. Right now grounds it in the actual constraints of the real time, energy, and attention you have today—not some ideal non-reality.Know YourYesBefore You SayNo. Saying no gets easier when you're clear on what you're protecting. When you know what you're committed to, the asks that compete with your priorities become much easier to renegotiate.Make It a Habit, Not Just a Question. The goal is to internalize this question until it becomes a filter: an automatic reflex that runs before you dive into your task list each morning. Tools like the Weekly and Daily Big Three exist to make that reflex concrete and repeatable.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/68IkYuC9gJw
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 04 May 2026 - 582 - The Human Superpower That's Making Life Harder
We’re wired to read other people's minds, or at least to think we can. And most of the time, we don't even realize we're doing it. In this episode, Joel and Hannah unpack the fascinating neuroscience behind mind reading, why it's both essential and deeply flawed, and what it actually costs us when we let our assumptions run the show. The good news: the solve is simpler than you think.
Mirror Neurons Are Almost Magic. In the 1990s, scientists discovered neurons that fire both when we perform an action and when we watch someone else perform it. These mirror neurons are the biological foundation of empathy. They’re alsopart of why we create stories about what other people are feeling and thinking.We Try to Read Other People’s Minds. Maybe you’re assuming everything is equally urgent (it’s not). Maybe you decide you’re in trouble (you’re not). Maybe you think others disapprove of your work (they don’t). These faulty stories burn emotional energy unnecessarily.We Expect Others to Read Our Minds. Not intentionally, of course. But the Curse of Knowledge can cause us to forget that other people don’t know what we know. The result? We leave other people guessing about important information, and the likeliness of miscommunication and relational tension skyrockets.Slow Down and Check the Story. Before acting on what you think someone means, ask. A little curiosity can create clarity that prevents stress, second-guessing, and conflict. Asking can sometimes take humility, but it beats the alternative.Make the Invisible Visible. Make your thinking obvious. “Show your work” and share your experience. Tools like the Vision Caster and the How to Work with Me Worksheet exist precisely to externalize the things we'd otherwise leave to mind reading. The more you make your thoughts and feelings explicit, the less you leave to chance.
Key TakeawaysResources
How to Work with Me Worksheet (Free)
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/6plem4A1qE4
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 27 Apr 2026 - 581 - Procrastination: The Dungeons & Dragons Edition
Procrastination has a reputation problem. We treat it like a character flaw, but what if some procrastination is actually the smartest move you can make? In this episode, Joel and Hannah borrow a framework from Dungeons & Dragons to map out four distinct types of procrastination. Once you know the difference, you can start being strategic about not just what you do, but when.
Lawful Good: Strategic Delay Is a Productivity Tool. Proactively putting something off—like waiting to give feedback until the timing is right or deferring a goal until you have bandwidth—is actually a form of good planning. This productivity strategy is wildly underused and incredibly simple.Lawful Evil: Just Because YouCanDoesn't Mean YouShould. This form of procrastination creates real harm for others, even if it’s technically in bounds. We’ve all done it: punting a meeting when everyone else is ready, sitting on a decision that affects your team, or RSVPing "maybe" when you know it's a no. You might not be footing the bill, but someone else is.Chaotic Good: Save Room for the Magic. Some people do their absolute best thinking on the edge of a deadline. That last-minute brilliance is real, but it causes ripples. The move isn't to eliminate it; it's to build in runway, communicate proactively, and keep it to a mindful minimum so the magic doesn't become a mess.Chaotic Evil: The Kind That Costs You. Some procrastination is reactive, avoidant, and genuinely harmful to others and to your future self. It includes: sitting on resentment until it explodes, ignoring the check-engine light on your body, not responding to a message until the relationship just quietly fades. This one deserves to be taken more seriously than most people take it.It's Not JustWhatYou Do, ButWhen. Getting strategic about timing, not just tasks, is what sets you up for a different kind of success. The Full Focus Planner's monthly calendar is a practical starting point for sequencing decisions and creating the margin you need to do your best work.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/yKvGXP4jiocThis episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 - 580 - Gremlins!Mon, 06 Apr 2026
- 579 - Work Is Never Finished (So Stop Waiting for It to Be)
Work is never really finished—so if you're waiting for the to-do list to run dry before you close your laptop, you'll be there all night. In this episode, Joel and Marissa tackle one of the most common struggles inside the Full Focus community: how to actually end your workday. From the always-on culture of remote work to the dopamine hit of checking dashboards after hours, the pulls are real. But so is your agency. With the right ritual and a few intentional shifts, you can stop letting work bleed into the rest of your life.
Work Doesn't Have a Natural Finish Line. Unlike a project with a clear deliverable, the workday as a whole never truly ends—there's always another email, another task, another initiative. That means you have to decide when done is, rather than waiting for it to arrive on its own.Remote Work Has Erased the Built-In Boundary. The commute home used to signal the transition. Now, work lives in your pocket 24/7, and every time you open your laptop (even for personal reasons), it's staring you in the face. Awareness of this is the first step toward protecting your evenings.Overwork Is Often a Symptom, Not the Problem. If you can't seem to stop before 7pm, the real issue is probably something upstream—unclear priorities, an inability to delegate, or projects that need to be eliminated altogether. Ask why you're overworking, not just how to stop.Schedule the Shutdown. Block the last 30 minutes of your workday on your calendar. Review your Daily Big Three, check email and Slack, capture any open loops in your planner, and set up tomorrow in advance. If your calendar is booked to the final minute, you'll never actually shut down on time.Your Body Doesn't Clock Out When You Do. Physiological arousal outlasts the workday. Even when the work hours are technically over, your nervous system is still running. You need a deliberate transition—a walk, a change of clothes, dimmed lights, a warm drink—to signal to your brain and body that the day is done.
Key TakeawaysWatch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/O6Kiahpv9nY
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 30 Mar 2026 - 578 - The Deeper Problem with Distractions
You know what distracts you. But do you know why? In this episode, Joel and Marissa dig into the real source of distraction—and it's not your phone, your boss, or the pile of laundry calling your name. Nearly half the time, we're interrupting ourselves. The good news: once you understand what’s driving your distraction, you can actually do something about it. Less white knuckling, more momentum.
You Are the Biggest Distraction. Research shows we self-interrupt about 49% of the time. External interruptions get the blame, but the real culprit is usually us—reaching for something easier the moment things get hard.Your Brain Is Optimizing for Easy. Distraction spikes when tasks get difficult, boring, or tedious. That pull toward Instagram or your inbox isn't laziness; it's your brain chasing a dopamine hit over a delayed reward.Design Your Environment to Win. Willpower runs out, especially as the day wears on. The smarter play is to remove temptations before they become a choice: turn off the phone, close the door, change your Slack status, and tell your team in advance when you're going dark.Lower the Bar to Raise Your Output. Making the hard thing more enjoyable is often more effective than trying to make yourself tougher. Temptation stacking, time-bounded work sessions, and background music might feel like cheating, but they’re actually strategic.Frustration Tolerance Is a Muscle. And like any muscle, you can build it. Every time you acknowledge that something is hard or boring and do it anyway, you're making it a little easier to do the next hard thing. That’s the essence of maturity: doing something you don’t like to get a result you dolike.A Real Break Is Productive. Distraction is sometimes your brain's way of signaling it's spent. A 10-minute walk, a snack, or even a bath beats scrolling social media—and you'll come back sharper for it.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Ozw8NflvpRw
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 23 Mar 2026 - 577 - Want to Succeed? Stop Thinking About Your Goal
What if the fastest way to reach your goals is to stop fixating on the finish line? In this episode, Marissa and Joel explain why goal-obsession leads to discouragement, procrastination, and rigidity — and why progress actually accelerates when you focus on the process. Nine times out of ten, you'll get further when you focus on the next right thing.
The Game Isn’t the Score. If you stare at the “scoreboard” of your goal, you lose focus on the next play—the only thing you can actually control—and miss out on the satisfaction of feeling yourself grow.Progress Happens in the Present. A compelling vision can motivate you to change, but it's what you do right now that determines whether that vision becomes reality.Excellence is Better Than Success. The happiness of the moment you achieve a goal is fleeting. Becoming the kind of person who lives in alignment with your values and pursues hard things—that’s always satisfying.Plan Your Next Play.Use your Weekly Big 3 and Daily Big 3 to let your goal inform today's actionable next step. Then, do it.Goals Can Change (And That’s a Win). As you move, clarity increases. Sometimes the goal you start with isn’t the goal you need.
Key TakeawaysWatch on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/QUvWUgkc3Ro
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 16 Mar 2026 - 576 - Spring Clean Your Life (for Your Sanity)
Spring is a natural reset—and not just for your junk drawer. In this episode, Marissa and Joel explore what it looks like to spring clean your life by removing what’s creating friction: too many goals, overly complicated routines, and nagging clutter that drains your attention. They talk about why subtraction often beats addition, how to build habits you can keep when life gets messy, and how a single clean-up win can create a ripple effect of momentum.
Subtraction is a Growth Strategy. When you want a better life, your instinct is probably to add more tools, more rules, and more effort. But subtraction often creates faster relief and better results.Fewer Goals = Better Progress. Trying to chase six priorities at once usually leads to shallow progress and burnout. Limiting yourself to a small number of goals isn’t quitting—it’s choosing focus now so you can win over time.Pick the Goal that “Tips the Row.” A domino-style goal (or “push goal”) has an outsized effect on everything else. Find the priority that makes other goals easier—or makes them unnecessary.Stop Hyper-Optimizing Your Rituals.If your morning ritual only works when nothing goes wrong, it won’t last. Sustainable rhythms start with real constraints: the time and energy you reliably have.Use a Ceiling + Floor for Habits. Your ceiling is the ideal version (when everything goes right). Your floor is the version you can keep on a hard day. When you define both, you protect consistency—and consistency beats intensityClean One Squeaky Wheel. Choose one physical or digital space that’s quietly nagging you (a drawer, a chair pile, a desktop, an inbox) and restore order. Closing one loop can give you immediate mental bandwidth back.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Qbvuzn3bDAo
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 09 Mar 2026 - 575 - Breaking Out of “Busy” (Planning 2.0 Pt. 2)
Do your weeks feel overstuffed—even when you’re trying to be intentional? In part two of this series, Marissa and Joel finish their conversation on Elizabeth Stanley’s Planning 2.0 (from Widen the Window) and get extremely practical: they break down how to use the Ideal Week as a “time budget” that creates margin, lowers stress, and helps you work with your energy instead of fighting it. You’ll learn how to build buffer for real life, knock out the nagging tasks that quietly tax your brain, and batch your work so your days stop feeling like mental pinball.
Expect the Unexpected. Planning 2.0 doesn’t assume life will unfold perfectly. It anticipates that things will go sideways—and intentionally builds in room to absorb the impact.Margin Is Strategic. Planning 2.0 treats interruptions, transitions, and basic human needs as part of the design, not evidence that the plan failed.“Squeaky Wheels” Quietly Undermine You. Clutter, unfinished chores, lingering repairs, and small tolerations drain mental bandwidth in the background. Capturing them in writing and scheduling time to address them restores both order and confidence.Batch by Energy. When your day ricochets between deep work, meetings, and admin tasks, your brain pays a switching cost. Grouping similar work together protects focus and helps you finish with strength.The Ideal Week Is a Flexible Template. Think of it as a reusable map for the season you’re in. Revisit it quarterly, and let it guide your decisions—without turning it into a rigid rulebook.
Key TakeawaysResources
Ideal Week PDFWiden the Window by Elizabeth StanleyWatch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Lv4DvAaIb9I
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 - 574 - Moving From Anxiety to Peace (Planning 2.0 Pt. 1)
How do we cope with an unpredictable world? Most of us overplan—rehearsing scenarios and bracing for every outcome—and then wonder why we feel anxious.
In this episode, Marissa and Joel contrast Planning 1.0 (fear-driven contingency planning) with Planning 2.0 (intentional, flexible planning rooted in clarity). Drawing on Elizabeth Stanley’s research, they show how the Weekly Preview helps you move out of survival mode and into focused action.
If you’ve ever felt behind before the week begins, this conversation will help you replace rumination with a plan you can trust.
Anxiety Feels Productive—But Isn’t.Catastrophizing and contingency planning can give you a sense of control, but they don’t create meaningful progress. Planning 1.0 keeps you stuck in a narrow window of tolerance, where you’re only okay if everything goes according to plan.Plan When You’re Calm. You make better decisions when you’re regulated and clear-headed. That’s why the Weekly Preview works best when done before the week begins—on Friday, Sunday, or early Monday—so you’re looking at the week, not scrambling inside it.If Everything is Important, Nothing Is. You can’t fit everything into one week. Making real progress requires real tradeoffs. The Weekly Preview forces the question:
Key Takeaways
What will I say no to so I can say yes to what matters most?Rest is a Strategy, Not a Reward. If you don’t plan for rest and rejuvenation, you default to survival mode. And survival mode shrinks your capacity to think clearly and act strategically.The Weekly Preview is the Pause You Need.It’s your opportunity to step back and shape the week with intention instead of urgency. You can’t control everything—but you can clarify what matters most and decide when you’ll move it forward. (That’s the kind of flexible plan that actually brings peace.)
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/UQjcqX24CEk
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 23 Feb 2026 - 573 - Your Energy Audit: Why Your Days Feel Harder Than They Should
You can’t manufacture more time—but you can restore and expand your energy. In this episode, Marissa and Joel explore the “time-energy paradox” and why so many productivity strategies backfire by leaving you exhausted. They unpack three major energy drains and share practical strategies to give your mind and body more opportunities for truly restorative rest.
Time Is Fixed. Energy Isn’t.You can’t add hours to your week, but you can bring better energy to the hours you already have.Screens Often Masquerade as Rest.Streaming and scrolling feel like “checking out,” but they overstimulate your brain. Instead? Get outside (trust us).Try Walking Meetings.When you can, take a meeting by phone and go for a walk. Less screen time, more oxygen, better energy.Information Overload Has a Cost. We’re not built to process constant updates, endless content, and every crisis on-demand. Consuming less information today is one of the simplest ways to have more energy tomorrow.Protect Sleep (For Real).Sleep is how your body and brain restore. Many people chronically undersleep, then wonder why everything feels harder than it should.Make Bedtime More Attractive.If there’s nothing attractive about your bedtime routine, you’ll resist sleep. Design a calming, simple, enjoyable rhythm you actually look forward to.Run an “Energy Experiment.”Don’t overhaul your life. Pick one change for one week (earlier bedtime, outdoor breaks, screen cutoff time) and see what happens.
Key TakeawaysWatch on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zL4lWd_fak
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 16 Feb 2026 - 572 - Your Worst Productivity Habit (It Isn’t Your Phone)
Most people blame their phones for their lack of productivity, but the real culprit is sneakier: overestimation. In this episode, Marissa and Joel unpack why we consistently plan for best-case scenarios and then spiral when real life doesn’t cooperate. You’ll learn how overestimating your capacity, self-control, productivity, and ability to “catch up” creates unnecessary stress, erodes trust, and drains your resources. Most importantly, they’ll show you how to set up a game you can actuallywin.
Plan for Reality, Not Best-Case Scenarios.We build days around “perfect conditions,” then feel behind by lunch. Assume interruptions, limited energy, and real-life constraints—and plan accordingly.Stop Overbooking Your Capacity.If your calendar has no margin, exhaustion is inevitable. Build buffers for transitions, downtime, and breaks so your day can breathe.Use Your Ideal Week to Set Pace, Not Max Output.The Ideal Week isn’t “How much can I cram in?” It’s “How do I work and live at my best?” Include recovery time and whitespace.Assume Self-Control Drops as the Day Goes On.Discipline is finite. The later it gets (and the more drained you are), the easier it is to binge, scroll, snack, or procrastinate. In response, design your environment to support your discipline instead of relying on it.Give Everything More Time Than You Think.The planning fallacy hits everyone. Add cushion so you finish more consistently. Practically, plan 150–200% of the time you think it will take.Make Room for “Stuff I Forgot to Plan For.”Surprises aren’t exceptions—they’re normal. Create a weekly block for the tasks and problems that inevitably pop up.Let the Daily Big 3 Keep You Grounded.Your Ideal Week is the vision. The Daily Big 3 is the reality check. If you’re not finishing, choose smaller targets and rebuild momentum.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/EdW89LAMJ90This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 - 571 - Work with Your Season, Not Against It
Would you plant flowers in December—or plan a ski trip in June? Probably not. But many of us do the equivalent with our goals: we try to force outcomes that don’t match our actual capacity, energy, or reality. In this episode, Marissa and Joel walk through five “seasons” you may find yourself in—sowing, fallow, tending, pruning, and harvest—plus the hidden danger in each one and the most effective response. You’ll also learn seven distinct kinds of rest and how to use the Weekly Preview to identify your season and take the right next step.
The Year is Full of Seasons. There’s a natural ebb and flow to life, not just nature. Acting like it’s spring when you’re actually in winter won’t help you. Name the season you’re in and orient around what’s true right now, not what the New Year says.Sowing Season: Choose Focus Over Frenzy. When you’re ready to start new opportunities, the danger is starting too many things while motivation is high. The fix: pick one or two goals that actually move the needle and let the rest wait.Fallow Season: Rest on Purpose. After a sprint (or a crisis), your system needs recovery. Choose the kind of rest you actually need—physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social, or spiritual.Tending Season: Reconnect to Vision. Don’t let “business as usual” make you forget why you started. Keep your why in view so you don’t drift off course.Pruning Season: Prevent Ineffectiveness. Just like plants, we become less fruitful when we’re trying to do too much at once. Pruning helps you create margin and center your energy where it can have the greatest effect.Harvest Season: Choose Boundaries (Fight FOMO). Momentum is great—overextension isn’t. Decide what must happen now, what can wait, and when the sprint ends.Align Your Plans and Your Season. During your Weekly Preview, name your season, watch for its danger signs, and plan your week accordingly. Work with the grain, and you’ll get fewer splinters.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/QpzDeHQIjmw
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 19 Jan 2026 - 570 - Your Essential Year-End Reset
2025 probably didn’t go according to plan—and that’s exactly why it’s worth paying attention to. In this episode, Marissa and Joel walk you through a simple reflection process for the last 11 months: naming what worked, facing what hurt, and deciding what you actually want to carry into 2026. You’ll learn how to work with your brain’s negativity bias, complete the stress cycle in your body, reframe regret as a helpful signal, and distill the year into a handful of lessons you can build on.
Start with What Worked.Brain dump the last 11 months and name your wins—at work and at home. Use your camera roll and planner as prompts to remember moments you’d otherwise overlook. Let those checkmarks and snapshots remind you: it wasn’t all bad.Don’t Waste the Bruises.List what didn’t go well—disappointments, losses, and the “mixed bag” moments. Instead of reliving them, acknowledge what happened, name the emotions, and ask what still needs to be grieved or processed so you’re not dragging raw hurt into 2026.Pay Attention to Avoidance.Notice the projects, tasks, or conversations you kept procrastinating. Treat that dread as data: Is this a skills gap, a misfit task you shouldn’t own, or something that needs to be rethought entirely? Avoidance is often a clue about what needs to change next year.Let Regret Invite a Do-Over.Treat regret as an “open loop,” not a verdict. If something from 2025 still nags at you, ask, “What unfinished business is this pointing to?” Look for one concrete action—an apology, a boundary, a new habit—that lets you close the loop instead of carrying it forward.Distill the Year into a Few Core Lessons.Turn all of this into simple statements you can act on, like: “My days go best when I start with a plan,” or “I can’t love well when I’m out of balance.” Those lessons become your guardrails and fuel as you design your goals and rhythms for 2026.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/hdmL3mfAyrcThis episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 - 569 - Do Less and Enjoy More During the Holidays
The holidays can feel like a sprint with a suitcase. Marissa and Joel show you how to lighten the load with four concrete moves: define non-negotiables, eliminate what doesn’t matter, delegate what doesn’t require you, and (yes) procrastinate strategically. You’ll get scripts, shortcuts, and a Not-To-Do list for creating breathing room—at work and at home.
Name Your Non-Negotiables. Brain dump everything for December, then identify the items that truly must happen. Accept that not everything will get done—and choose what will.Run the “Everything Must Go” Sweep. Cancel or reschedule recurring meetings, low-value check-ins, and nice-to-have socials. If it can be an email (or nothing), make it one.Resign as Chief Everything Officer. At home: potluck the menu, batch one meaningful gift for everyone, use gift bags, outsource a couple dishes, trade childcare. At work: hand off distinct slices of projects, hire a contractor for time-sinks, and coach for skill—not constant review.Procrastinate on Purpose. Push arbitrary deadlines to January. Ask, “What part truly must happen now—and what can wait?” Renegotiate timelines for excellence, not exhaustion.Keep Self-Care Simple. Downshift to minimums that maintain energy (a 20-minute walk, earlier lights-out, simplified meals). Save the “perfect routine” for January.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/dQpOs_bTd9g
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 01 Dec 2025 - 568 - The Gratitude Advantage
As we head into Thanksgiving (in the United States), Joel and Marissa get practical about gratitude—the tiny habit that expands your perspective, steadies your pace, and strengthens relationships. From a coffee-cup thought experiment to a one-line script you can use today, you’ll learn how gratitude fuels goal-pursuit, patience, and team trust.
See the Hidden Team. AJ Jacobs’ experiment widens your lens for the work that goes into a single cup of coffee, from baristas to farmers, drivers, even road-line painters. Gratitude makes interdependence visible—fast.Scarcity Shrinks, Gratitude Expands. Scarcity tightens and isolates. Gratitude opens possibility and connection. Choose the bigger frame.Use the Script. Turn everyday encounters into bright spots by acknowledging the importance of the work of those serving you. Try: “Thank you for choosing your profession.” You’ll change the atmosphere (and often the outcome).Make It a Planner Habit. Use the Weekly Preview’s blank pages for a running gratitude list. Log “wins” and your Daily Win through a gratitude lens—not just achievement.Results You Can Feel. Gratitude has a measurable impact on our success and relationships. It boosts engagement, trust, and goal progress—and even increases financial patience.Practice in Real Time. Shouldering something inconvenient? Reframe with gratitude (“What might this be protecting me from?”) and watch your state shift.
Key Takeaways
Thanks a Thousand by AJ Jacobs
Resources:
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/fAfPHbnoANw
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 24 Nov 2025 - 567 - Time Wasters Stealing Your Focus
Most stalled days aren’t about willpower—they’re about constant context-switching. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Joel Miller break down the science of interruptions, how internal distractions amplify them, and practical ways to protect your best hours. Expect notification triage, deep-work tactics, and a saner way to take breaks that actually refuel you.
Name the Real Culprit. It’s not laziness—it’s interruptions. Expect hits that derail you every 3–11 minutes, costing 20–30 minutes to fully refocus. How will you plan accordingly?The Difference Matters.Interruptions are external; distractions are internal. You can’t stop every ping, but you canstop taking the bait.Cut Notifications Ruthlessly. Turn off non-essential alerts across phone and laptop. Use Focus/Do Not Disturb so only true emergencies break through.Signal Deep Work Windows. Tell people when you’re dark and when you’re back: set Slack/Teams status (e.g., “Deep Work — back at 1:00 pm”) and stick to it.Remove Temptation. Delete or block high-hook apps/sites during work blocks (tools like Freedom help). Make distraction harder than staying on task.Sprint, Then Breathe. Work in focused sprints and replace “digital smoke breaks” with 3–5 minutes outside to reset your brain without derailing momentum.Protect Uphill Work. Tackle your Big 3 (creative/strategic) when you’re freshest; save downhill tasks like email/Slack for lower-energy windows.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/TIPbksG9_wI
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 17 Nov 2025 - 566 - How To Protect Your Priorities Before The Holidays Hit
Deadlines stack up. Daylight shrinks. Invitations multiply. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Joel Miller show you how to defend what matters—at work and at home—so you can enjoy the season and finish the year well. You’ll get boundary scripts, simple rituals, and a right-sized Ideal Week you can start using today.
Practice Self-Advocacy. Be militantly on your own side. Set and communicate clear boundaries—no evening or weekend emails, true sick time, and real OOO when you travel.Say “No” Without Drama. Use a simple “yes-and-priorities” script: affirm the request → “Based on prior commitments, I can’t take this on right now.” → offer an alternate timeline or resource.Enlist Help in Reprioritizing. Are your leaders piling on new priorities? Rather than saying “no,” enlist their help in deciding what shifts. Say: “Here’s my current slate—what should I sideline to make room for this?”Protect Your Rituals. Your Morning, Evening, Workday Startup, and Workday Shutdown rituals keep you grounded. Simplify if needed, but uphold them to protect your energy and self-care.Refine Your Ideal Week. Budget your time on paper first—work blocks, family events, recovery, errands—then mirror it to your digital calendar. Adjust for the season’s unique constraints and commitments.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/WUzUEVKA8Ls
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 10 Nov 2025 - 565 - The Daily Big 3: Your Key to Sanity
Long lists create stress and scattered effort. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Joel Miller show how the Daily Big 3 turns overwhelm into progress. You’ll learn a practical, repeatable way to choose three high-impact tasks each day—grounded in your Weekly and Quarterly Big 3—so you can be productive and peaceful.
Ditch the Club. The numbers say it all: everyone is stressed by their to-do list. But you don’t have to be a statistic.Stop the Crazy. Endless tasks split your focus and spike stress. Fewer, bigger priorities win.Process Your Priorities. Brain dump everything → review Quarterly + Weekly Big 3 → review calendar/energy → choose three realistic, high-leverage tasks.Break Free of Urgency. Ask, “Will someone notice today if this isn’t done?” and “If nothing else happens, what three things matter most?”Choose the Path to Peace. Finishing strong comes from focusing small—consistently.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/qEOn2Rk9MKU
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 03 Nov 2025 - 564 - The Double Win at Work and Home
Work–life balance is a baseline—flourishing is the goal. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Joel Miller unpack the evolvedDouble Win: 6 life-giving practices that move you toward joy. You’ll learn why different generations get stuck in opposite ditches, and the simple rhythms that help you feel present, energized, and purposeful at work and at home.
Key Takeaways
Too Much of a Good Thing.Work and life both matter, but we tend to overindex on one at cost to the other. We need to start by bringing them into balance—but that alone isn’t enough.The Call to Flourish. Living fully means moving beyond balance into purpose, contribution, and delight. It means savoring the good and intentionally making space for more of it.Six Practical Practices. Here’s what to make space for: tending to yourself, connecting with others, doing work that matters, prioritizing recreation, experiencing nature, and staying open to the sacred.Presence Over Perfection. Instead of treating the practices like a rigid checklist, think of them as invitations to be more present to your life, and to create opportunities for joy.Build In Resets. Try out an evening ritual to decompress, and build out an Ideal Week to guide your commitments with more intention.
Ideal Week
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/4H8dLPUFkIs
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 27 Oct 2025 - 563 - Winning Monday Starts on Sunday
Sunday scaries are real—but what if they don’t have to be? In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Joel Miller show you exactly how to win every Monday by doing a Weekly Preview by Sundays. You’ll learn why “the scaries” happen, how to calm your system with clarity, and the practical steps to enter every Monday confident, prepared, and focused.
Scaries are brain biology. Uncertainty spikes cortisol. Knowing what’s coming resets your body and your brain (even if you know the plan is prone to change).Celebrating wins matters. There’s more to celebrate than you realize, and noticing your wins helps you move naturally into gratitude—which comes with real benefits.Explore the Weekly Preview. Learn our simple process for learning from the past week and planning for the next. We break it down step-by-step.Make it a ritual. Choose your day, add music, grab a drink, and make it “a thing.” When you follow through on your ritual, you’ll notice a difference in your weeks.Share to stay aligned and accountable.Walk through the process with your spouse. Share your Weekly Big 3 with your team. Involving others can keep you on track.Mind your emotional contagion. Calm, prepared energy spreads—so does panic. Choose what you bring into Monday for yourself andfor others.
Key Takeaways
Friday Focus Playlist
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/dG9y7GJbk-sThis episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 20 Oct 2025 - 562 - Fall Reset: How to Recalibrate for Q4
Q4 can feel like calendar compression—year-end deadlines, next-year planning, and nonstop personal commitments. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Joel Miller share a clear, compassionate plan to reset for fall. You’ll explore six Practices of Flourishing, simple ways to reclaim presence, and concrete tactics to renegotiate commitments, right-size goals, and build momentum without burning out.
Name the squeeze. You know what’s coming: Q4 piles up at work andin extra pressures in life. Awareness is the first step to choosing differently.Use the six practices of flourishing. Restoring and protecting your well-being starts with six simple practices that move you toward flourishing. What are they? You’ll have to listen to find out.Good beats perfect. Swap all-or-nothing for small, consistent actions. Remember: the task is only as big as youdecide it is. Scale back intentionally.Decompress your calendar. Reassess goals and events. Create a Not-This-Year list (or move part of a goal) to protect what matters most now.Renegotiate with grace. Honesty + alternatives = powerful. It’s okay to change your mind. Model clarity and kindness when backing out.Use your filters. Let your Quarterly Big 3 and Weekly Big 3 guide your yes/no decisions—especially when FOMO kicks in.Build margin for presence. Schedule restorative windows (walks, baking, simple rituals) to counter the frantic pace and restore focus.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/-OW2_UJ6zp8This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 - 561 - Focus is Your Superpower
Focus on This is back with a brand-new season—and a brand-new co-host. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt welcomes Joel Miller, Chief Content Officer at Full Focus, to talk about why focus matters more than ever in 2025. Together, they unpack the state of distraction we’re all living in, the surprising science of attention, and why focus is the key to turning intention into results.
Meet Joel Miller. Get to know Marissa’s new co-host—his background, family, quirks, and why he’s the “word guy” at Full Focus.The State of Focus. Discover how modern life and work are designed to rob you of attention—and what it costs.Decisions Are Cuts. Every “yes” and “no” shapes your life. Learning to decide with clarity protects your energy and time.Focus Fuels the Double Win. Without focus, drifting is inevitable. With focus, you can win at work and succeed at life.What’s Coming This Season? Wondering what’s coming this quarter on Focus on This?Listen for a preview.
Key Takeaways
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/fJ1Vo1FBuDg
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 06 Oct 2025 - 560 - Taking a Pause!Mon, 14 Apr 2025
- 559 - 6 Questions to Level Up Your Next Quarter
The first quarter of 2025 is almost over. Are you where you thought you’d be? Whether you’re ahead of schedule or feeling behind, now’s the perfect time to reset. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire walk you through six essential questions to help you reflect on Q1, refocus for Q2, and build momentum for the months ahead.
Find the Bright Spots. Before focusing on what needs to change, take stock of what went right. Reviewing your calendar, camera roll, or planner can help jog your memory.Choose Small Shifts. Instead of overwhelming yourself with huge changes, tweak simple habits that impact your success.Prioritize With Intention.What truly matters in the next 90 days? Clarifying your top priorities will ensure your goals align with your values and vision. Refresh Your Rhythms.Whether it’s a morning ritual, a weekly planning session, or a bedtime routine—your habits shape your success.Remember the Big Picture. Your goals aren’t just about achievement—they’re about who you’re becoming. Make sure your short-term actions align with your long-term vision.Find Your People. Who are you journeying with? The right support system will push you forward and keep you accountable.
Key TakeawaysResources
Printable Ideal WeekLifeFocus Retreat | May 2–3, 2025Double Win Coaching Strategy SessionThe Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner CommunityWatch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/rx1F6Ilvc2c
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 - 558 - Need to Pivot Your Goals? Here’s How
We set goals—then life happens. So what do you do when you need to change course? In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire walk you through the four key elements you can revise when a goal isn’t working. Small changes can make a big difference—and ensure you don’t give up on your goals too soon. Stay in it. You can do this.
Key Takeaways- Revision Beats Quitting. The best goals are flexible. Instead of giving up, make adjustments that keep you moving forward.Time Matters. If your goal is too easy, shorten it. If it’s too hard, give yourself more time.Watch the Right Number. Is the metric you’re tracking actually undermining your success? Listen to learn how to know—and how to switch.Play the Long Game.Change takes time. The key is staying with it.Strategies Aren’t Sacred.Finding a better approach, accountability, or support system can make all the difference.
Double Win Coaching Strategy SessionThe Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on Youtube at: https://youtu.be/TQeKMMkEkUM
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 24 Mar 2025 - 557 - Quitting: Why We Do It (And How to Stop)
We’ve all been there—excited to chase a big goal, only to quit when things get hard. Why do we do it? And, more importantly, what can we do about it? In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire take a vulnerable, insightful look at what drives us to give up and reveal practical strategies for staying the course.
Key Takeaways
- You Can Do Hard Things. Big goals require big growth. You’re not yet who you need to become to achieve your goal. The key? Staying connected to your why. Progress Takes Time. Instead of getting discouraged, celebrate small wins and track how far you’ve come. If you quit too soon, failure is guaranteed.Focus On the Next Right Thing. Goals are supposedto be risky—and that can make them overwhelming. Choose simple actions that move you forward.Shame Will Try to Stop You. You’ll have to battle the belief that your worth is tied to your success (but don’t worry, we’ve got ideas to help).Growth Can Feel Isolating. Not everyone wantsto grow, because growth is uncomfortable. The key? Finding the right tribe to journey with you.
Resources
Double Win Coaching Strategy SessionThe Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/aXzs1mShBLs
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 17 Mar 2025 - 556 - 4 Questions for Your Ritual Refresh
Struggling to stick to your daily rituals? You’re not alone. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire break down the four key rituals that set the tone for your day—and how to refresh them without overcomplicating things. Whether you need a morning boost or a better work shutdown routine, this episode will help you make your habits work for you.
Key Takeaways- Shift From “Ideal” to “Realistic.” Setting a 2-hour morning routine? It’s probably not happening. Instead of planning for ideal, keep it simple. How much time do you really have?Make Space By Cutting.Overloaded routines don’t stick. Trim the excess so you can focus on what truly matters.Build Rituals You Love Keeping.If you hate waking up, add something you love—like a great playlist or a favorite drink—to look forward to.Keep Rituals Fluid.They’ll change with seasons of life, and that’s okay! Adjust them to fit your current reality. (We’ve got ideas to get you started.)
Resources
The Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/jmOiR3ZyK7U
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 10 Mar 2025 - 555 - Spring Clean Your Life
We all know how to declutter a closet—but what about decluttering our to-do lists, calendars, opportunities, and even relationships? In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire share the power of the Not-To-Do List and how subtracting things from your life can make space for what truly matters.
Some Tasks Should Have Been Retired Years Ago. Are you still doing things out of habit that no longer serve a purpose? It’s time for a reality check.Meetings Are the Biggest Time Thieves. Most recurring meetings don’t need to exist—or at the very least, they need a serious time limit.Who’s in Your Inner Circle? You’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with—so choose wisely.Not Every Opportunity is Meant for You. Just because you can say yes doesn’t mean you should. (Marissa shares why she had to say no to a dream trip.)Decluttering Creates Space for What Matters. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about making room for the things that actually move the needle.
Key TakeawaysResources
The Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/VeP-bC3H4Bs
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 03 Mar 2025 - 554 - 10 Activities to Get Off Your Screens and Back to Real Life
We all love our devices—but let’s be real, they’re stealing more of our time and attention than we realize. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire share 10 simple, engaging activities that help you step away from your screen and reconnect with the real world. Whether you’re looking for more focus, deeper connections, or just a break from the endless scroll, these ideas will help you reset.
Key Takeaways- The Reality We Ignore.Ken thought he was on his phone for about four hours a week. The reality? Four hours a day. If you’ve never checked your own stats, brace yourself.Handwriting Is a Superpower. A simple note can have way more impact than a text—and Ken’s unexpected reaction to a handwritten card proves it.Sourdough Is the New Tamagotchi. Marissa’s favorite hobby is oddly addictive, surprisingly meditative, and might just be the perfect way to reset your brain.Lose the Destination, Find Your Focus. Walking without a goal might sound pointless, but it could be the secret to clarity, creativity, and real connection.Try Something Totally Unexpected. Ken and Marissa each committed to one offbeat activity this week to unplug—will you take the challenge, too?
The Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/dZkjqk_6a04
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 24 Feb 2025 - 553 - The Secret Sauce for Achieving Your 2025 Goals
Most people have already abandoned their 2025 goals—but that doesn’t have to be you. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire reveal the four key actions you need to take to guarantee your success this year. Whether you’ve fallen behind or just need a boost of motivation, this conversation will help you get back on track.
Key Takeaways- Time Is on Your Side. Most people quit their goals too early, but there’s still plenty of time to turn things around.Clarity Drives Success. Connecting your goals to a bigger purpose makes them more meaningful—and more achievable.Identity Fuels Achievement. Knowing who you are and why you’re here can keep you connected to the vision you’re chasing.Intentionality Wins. Goals don’t accomplish themselves. A structured plan makes all the difference.
Life Focus Retreat (Early Bird Savings End Friday, Feb. 21!)The Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/sCocn6qxQ5w
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 17 Feb 2025 - 552 - Setting and Achieving #RelationshipGoals
Relationships are one of the most important areas of life—but they rarely get the same level of attention and intentionality as work or health. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire break down how to set and achieve meaningful relationship goals—whether it’s with your partner, family, friends, or community.
Time Builds Connection. The best way to strengthen a relationship is by prioritizing it on your calendar.Knowledge Creates Depth. The more you learn about yourself and others, the richer your relationships become.Shared Experiences Bond Us. Trying something new together strengthens relationships in ways that routine can’t.Intentionality Matters. Great relationships don’t happen by accident—setting clear goals makes all the difference.
Key Takeaways
Free Date Night QuestionsThe Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/Kt9wVaflLh8
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 10 Feb 2025 - 551 - Building a Balanced Life: 9 Domains You Need
Are you building a life that feels balanced and fulfilling—or just busy? In this episode, Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire explore the nine life domains that influence your success, happiness, and well-being. You’ll learn how to assess where you’re thriving, where you’re struggling, and how to create goals that lead to real transformation.
The 9 Life Domains:They include body, mind, spirit, love, family, community, money, work, and hobbies.The Importance of Integration: Who you are, how you relate, and what you do all matter. How do you hold room for each?How to Identify Your Growth Areas:Use the LifeScore Assessment to pinpoint your biggest opportunities for change.Small Adjustments, Big Impact: The secret to long-term balance is intentional, consistent action.
Key Takeaways
The LifeScore AssessmentThe Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/K6Z-87EHJaU
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 03 Feb 2025 - 550 - 3 Questions to Power Ongoing Growth
Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire finish out the month with a simple, transformative strategy: reflecting on your week to drive growth. They break down three simple questions to help you learn from your experiences, identify what’s working (and what’s not), and create an action plan for success—all in less than an hour.
Key Takeaways- Reflection Unlocks Growth: Your experiences teach you only if you take the time to analyze them.Simplicity Scales: Over-complicating your goals creates unnecessary hurdles—keep it straightforward.Small Changes, Big Impact: Incremental adjustments lead to exponential results.Focus on Preparation: Being ready for the week ahead is morethan half the battle—and the foundation for success.
The Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/9kMPNMKT1Ec
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 27 Jan 2025 - 549 - Our Best Strategy for Living Less Stressed
Marissa Hyatt and Ken Freire are back in action for the new year! In this episode, they share their go-to strategy for reducing stress and achieving your goals with ease: the Daily Big 3. Learn how this simple yet effective system keeps you focused, eliminates overwhelm, and sets you up for success—all without burning out.
Consistency Builds Results. Big wins come from daily, intentional actions. The Hidden Productivity Trap. One of the sneakiest obstacles to productivity? Your long task list. Energy Matters More Than Time. Notice how you feel to decide what you’ll do—and when.Aim for Manageable, Not Perfect. Don’t plan for an ideal day, because we live in an unideal world.Embrace the Unideal. Even the best plans can derail when unexpected challenges arise—and that’s okay.
Key Takeaways
The Full Focus PlannerThe Full Focus Planner Community
ResourcesWatch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/q4Frx6Xa3YU
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
Mon, 20 Jan 2025 - 548 - 3 Actions to Build Goal Momentum Today
The first few weeks of the year are critical for building momentum toward your goals—but how do you make progress that lasts? In this solo episode, host Ken Freire shares three simple actions to help you start strong and stay on track in 2025. These practical tips are easy to implement and designed to keep you motivated all year long.
Key Takeaways- Start Immediately. Procrastination kills momentum. Take a small action today—even if it’s as simple as doing one squat or buying a journal.Make Your Goals Visible. Keep your goals front and center by posting them where you’ll see them daily—on your phone, bathroom mirror, or workspace.Write Down Next Steps. Break your goals into actionable steps, starting with the first three. Focus on one step at a time to maintain clarity and progress.Celebrate Small Wins. Sharing milestones with someone helps build motivation and accountability.Find an Accountability Partner. Share your next step with a friend, family member, or the Full Focus Planner Community to stay committed.
Full Focus PlannerFull Focus Planner Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/jPIVQNAWdiI
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 13 Jan 2025 - 547 - How to Avoid 4 Common Goal Setting Mistakes
The new year is here, and so is the opportunity to achieve your biggest goals. But too often, common mistakes hold us back. In this solo episode, host Ken Freire breaks down four goal-setting pitfalls and shares practical strategies to overcome them.
Key Takeaways- Clarity is Key: Avoid vague resolutions and define clear, SMARTER goals.Don’t Play It Safe: Risky goals inspire growth. Safe goals keep you stuck.Take Action: Announcing goals isn’t enough—daily action is the real game-changer.Find Your People: Accountability and support are crucial for staying on track.
Full Focus PlannerFull Focus Planner CommunityDouble Win Coaching Program
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/1hKiE64_YyI
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 06 Jan 2025 - 546 - A Visualization for Dreaming Bigger
Visualization can feel a bit “out there,” but it’s a secret weapon used by top athletes like Michael Phelps and LeBron James to focus on their future goals. In this episode, Marissa Hyatt leads a guided visualization exercise designed to help you reconnect with your dreams, clarify your goals, and step into the future you’ve been waiting for. Whether you’re new to visualization or already a fan, this is your moment to dream big for 2025.
Visualization Works: Top performers use it to create the future they want.Your Focus Shapes Your Path: Life follows the direction of your thoughts—so focus on what you do want.Start Small: Begin by visualizing the week ahead, then dream bigger for the year to come.Gratitude Anchors Growth: Ground yourself in thankfulness to fuel your forward momentum.
Key Takeaways
Your Best Year Ever
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/8CmoOsSlNvw
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 16 Dec 2024 - 545 - Time to Triage Your Calendar
The holiday season is here, and with it comes packed schedules and mounting demands. In this solo episode, host Marissa Hyatt shares her four-step framework for performing a calendar triage that clears your schedule, reduces stress, and makes space for what matters most.
Key Takeaways- Cut the Inessential: Say goodbye to unnecessary meetings and obligations.Defer When Possible: Push non-urgent tasks into the new year.Batching is Your Friend: Group similar tasks together for peak productivity.Protect Self-Care: Prioritize sleep, exercise, and downtime to stay healthy and energized.
Ideal Week Template: fullfocus.co/idealweek
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/x4VmPXBWM_M
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 09 Dec 2024 - 544 - 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before the New Year
In this episode of Focus on This, Marissa and Ken dive into 10 thought-provoking questions to help you reflect on the past year and prepare for an intentional and successful 2025. From identifying what made you feel most like yourself to dreaming big for the future, these questions are designed to inspire clarity and action as you wrap up the year.
Whether you prefer journaling, a reflective date night, or a meaningful family conversation, these prompts will guide you toward a more focused, purposeful new year.
Key Takeaways- Reflect on the Past to Celebrate and Learn. Looking back helps identify your wins, lessons, and what truly mattered most.Clarify What (and Who) Matters Most. Define the people, priorities, and activities that align with your values and energize you.Let Go and Make Room for Growth. Release habits, beliefs, or clutter that no longer serve you to create space for what’s next.Dream Boldly and Act Intentionally. Imagine your best year yet and take concrete steps to make it happen, guided by clarity and purpose.
Full Focus Planner
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/uNekuoX8kEk
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 02 Dec 2024 - 543 - End the Year Strong (And Set Yourself Up for Success in 2025)
In this episode, Marissa and Ken discuss four powerful actions to help you finish the year strong and set the stage for a successful 2025. They’ll help you narrow your focus, turn experience into a plan, power the energy you need—and use it all to start dreaming big for 2025.
Key Takeaways- Define Your One Thing: Simplify by focusing on one impactful goal for the rest of the year. Choose a goal with a "domino effect" that will positively influence other areas in 2025.Stop and Recalibrate: Conduct an After Action Review with the KISS method (Keep, Improve, Start, Stop) to reflect on the past few months and prioritize what matters most.Protect Time to Connect: Connect with the people who matter most to you andwith yourself to give you the energy you need to finish well this year.Start Dreaming for Next Year: Open your mind to possibilities in 2025. Suspend limiting beliefs and allow yourself to think big. Listen to learn the question that unlocks possibility.
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/mRQbAktDVWo
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 18 Nov 2024 - 542 - What to Do When You Miss a Goal
In this episode, Marissa and Ken dive into the universal experience of missing a goal, showing why even the most driven people face setbacks. They share strategies for navigating the emotions that come with falling short and explain how to turn those moments into valuable growth opportunities. If you're ready to see missed goals as fuel for resilience and progress, this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways- Recognize You’re Not Alone: Everyone misses goals, even the most successful people. Give yourself grace and take a breath.Let Regret Be Your Teacher: Instead of dwelling on the loss, use regret to reconnect with what matters and fuel future efforts.Use the After Action Review: Assess your approach by asking what worked, what didn’t, and what you can do differently next time.Commit to Dreaming Again: Embrace the courage to set new goals, knowing that setbacks are stepping stones in your journey.
Your Best Year Ever Live Event | January 3-4 | fullfocus.co/bestyearever
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/zCmzjzXmZt4
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 11 Nov 2024 - 541 - 4 Reasons People Quit Their Goals
In this episode, Marissa and Ken reveal the four most common reasons people abandon their goals and share strategies to overcome each one. They discuss practical ways to reignite motivation, stay realistic, beat overwhelm, and find the support needed to pursue what matters.
Key Takeaways- Lack of Motivation: Goals without personal meaning are easy to abandon. Reflect on why the goal matters to stay inspired.Unrealistic Expectations: Expecting too much, too quickly can lead to burnout. Set achievable steps, celebrate progress, and be kind to yourself.Overwhelmed by Complexity: Big goals can seem daunting. Break them down into manageable steps, focusing on progress over perfection.Lack of Support: Pursuing a goal alone can be isolating. Build a support system or find an accountability partner to help you stay on track.
Double Win Coaching | fullfocus.co/strategy
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/qlc4kTMa1m4
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 04 Nov 2024 - 540 - 4 Fears Undermining Your Success
In this Halloween-themed episode, Marissa and Ken explore the four fears that might be quietly undermining your success. They discuss why fear is normal (and designed to keep us safe), but also how it can lead to inaction if left unchecked. They break down why these four fears are so pervasive—and what you can do to overcome them.
Key Takeaways- Fear of Failure: If we’re scared to fail, we’ll be scared to try. Normalizing failure can be the key to progress.Fear of Letting People Down: Overcommitting can lead to burnout. Setting healthy boundaries starts with self-awareness.Fear of the Unknown: It’s natural to crave control, but true growth happens when you embrace uncertainty and focus on what you can control.Fear of Success: Success can be intimidating if you believe it will change how others see you. Define success on your own terms to stay grounded.
Resources
Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John TownsendCodependent No More by Melody BeattieFull Focus Planner CommunityWatch this on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/4FsCkU3MMDM
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 28 Oct 2024 - 539 - 3 Changes to Embrace This Autumn
In this episode, Marissa and Ken explore the three key changes you need to embrace this autumn to end the year on a high note. To manage the end-of-year chaos, they explore how to move from burnout to balance, embrace "good enough" over perfection, and end the drift so you can design your days with intention.
Battling Burnout.You have permission to slow down. (It’s what Mother Nature is telling us to do.) “Good Enough” is Good Enough. Don’t make it perfect. Make it done.Design, or You’ll Drift. If you don’t take control of your time, it will disappear. Now more than ever, you need to be intentional with your calendar.
Key Takeaways
The Miracle Morning by Hal ElrodFocus on This Facebook Community
Resources
Watch on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/wcQeC5e8x90
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 21 Oct 2024 - 538 - Powering Your Goal Achievement with AI
Everybody’s talking about it—and in this episode, Ken and Marissa join the AI conversation, exploring how you can leverage AI to power your goal success. From idea generation to staying on track with your goals, AI can be your secret weapon for faster, smarter results. They cover tips on how to get the best output from Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and introduce specific strategies for leveraging AI’s help to reach your goals. Whether you’re new to AI or use it every day, this episode offers actionable steps to level-up your AI application.
AI for Idea Generation: Use AI to brainstorm creative goal ideas and strategies, whether related to health, finances, or personal development.Refining Goals: Learn how to make your goals SMARTER (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Risky, Time-bound, Exciting, and Relevant) using AI prompts.Next Steps and Rewards: Discover how AI can generate personalized next steps and rewards to keep you motivated.Overcoming Obstacles: Get AI-powered solutions for staying unstuck and overcoming challenges along your goal achievement journey.
Key Takeaways
ResourcesYour Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt (book)
ChatGPT (AI tool)
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW SoundMon, 14 Oct 2024 - 537 - Summer Plans: How to Take a Break to Truly Recharge
Marissa and Ken share with you how to plan a summer break that leaves you refreshed and ready to tackle anything.
Mon, 10 Jun 2024 - 536 - The Ultimate Guide to Time Blocking: How to Create Your Ideal Week
Do you struggle with constant interruptions, endless meetings, and finding time for deep, creative work? If so, this episode is your lifesaver! Today, Marissa and Ken dive into the power of time blocking.
Mon, 03 Jun 2024 - 535 - 5 ADHD-Friendly Tips for Sticking With Your Planner
Full Focus Planner Certified Pro Kristina Proctor joins us on this episode to break down simple strategies to help you get the most out of your planner and achieve your goals, even if you have ADHD or just feel perpetually disorganized.
Mon, 27 May 2024 - 534 - One Planner For All Seasons: How One Planner User Conquered College, Career, and Entrepreneurship
Nick talks to Madelyn Victoria about how she has used her planner (well, planners) to help her move from college, to her first job, to her first business.
Mon, 20 May 2024 - 533 - Avoid These 5 Mistakes To Crush Your Health GoalsMon, 13 May 2024
- 532 - Three Months Later: Our Three Planner Users Update Us On Their Big 2024 Goals
Back in January, we spoke with three Full Focus Planner users about their biggest 2024 goals. Today, we find out how it's going.
Mon, 06 May 2024 - 531 - 7 Questions to Change Your Life
It sounds big and bold, but it's true: In today's episode, Marissa and Ken share 7 questions that, if answered thoughtfully, could change the trajectory of your life.
Mon, 29 Apr 2024 - 530 - 3 Habits to Optimize Your Health
Marissa and Ken talk you through the Daily Big Three of the Full Focus Wellness Challenge and provide some of the science behind why these specific practices were chosen.
Mon, 22 Apr 2024 - 529 - Marissa & Ken Share Their Morning Routines
Marissa and Ken share their ideal morning routines, practical tips for creating a morning ritual that works for you, and how to overcome common obstacles.
Mon, 15 Apr 2024 - 528 - Let's Talk About Your Productivity Hacks
Today, Marissa and Ken discuss topics ranging from the power of ChatGPT for spreadsheets to the magic of starting messy.
Mon, 08 Apr 2024 - 527 - The Pranks Hustle Culture Plays On YouMon, 01 Apr 2024
- 526 - Let's Do Our Quarterly Previews Together!
Marissa & Ken walk you through the entire quarterly preview process and offer tips on how to complete each section.
Mon, 25 Mar 2024 - 525 - What Happens When You Have Bailed On Your Goals?
Marissa talks about the unraveling of Hot Girl Winter and Ken discusses what went wrong with his family SOP. What we do know is that something WILL get in the way of your goals, but the most important question is: How do you move forward from here?
Mon, 18 Mar 2024 - 524 - How to Hack Your Google Calendar for Productivity
Google Calendar Superstars, Marissa and Ken, talk you through their favorite tips for maximizing your digital calendar and how to use it in conjunction with your paper planner.
Mon, 11 Mar 2024 - 523 - The Best Apps To Help You Be Productive in 2024Mon, 04 Mar 2024
- 522 - Planner Hacks for the Next 10 YearsMon, 26 Feb 2024
- 521 - What Difference Does a Life Plan Actually Make? (Spoiler: It's more than you realize.)
Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller are in-studio today for the first time to help answer one simple question: How can you set big goals if you don't even know where you want to be in 10 years?
Mon, 19 Feb 2024 - 520 - How to Develop and Maintain Deep Relationships
Marissa and Ken explore how to cultivate deep relationships with others and also how to maintain them. (And, yes, this is an episode about goal achievement.)
Mon, 12 Feb 2024 - 519 - Want to be productive? You need to Life Plan. (Seriously.)
Ken is joined by Full Focus' Chief Content Officer, Joel Miller. Joel highlights how having a larger vision for your life helps you to succeed at your daily tasks.
Mon, 05 Feb 2024 - 518 - Are You Setting The Right Goals For Yourself?
Full Focus Founder Michael Hyatt drops by to talk about the five hidden costs of *not* having a life plan.
Mon, 29 Jan 2024 - 517 - Three Planner Users Share Their Big 2024 Goals With Us
Three members of the Full Focus Planner Community on Facebook join the show to share their big goals for 2024.
Mon, 22 Jan 2024 - 516 - How to Crush Your Goals in 2024
Marissa & Ken talk you through some of the critical elements of the Full Focus Planner. They also answer a couple of questions from the Full Focus Planner Community on Facebook.
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 515 - How to Use Your Full Focus Planner to Maximize Your Goal Achievement
Marissa and Ken share some of the habits and resources that you should use in order to achieve your goals this year. They also share a couple of their own Q1 goals!
Mon, 08 Jan 2024 - 514 - Kickstart 2024 with Marissa & Ken: Essential Planner Tips for a Successful YearMon, 01 Jan 2024
- 513 - Christmas Morning with Marissa & Ken ❤︎
Marissa & Ken pop into the podcast feed to wish you a Merry Christmas, banter about favorite gifts, and to put one eye on this crucial week between Christmas and New Year's Day as you start refining your 2024 goals.
Mon, 25 Dec 2023 - 512 - Using an Annual Review to Power Your Way Into 2024
Marissa and Ken talk you through completing an annual review to set yourself up your best year ever.
Mon, 18 Dec 2023 - 511 - The Beginner's Guide to Goal Setting
Marissa and Ken talk you through all of the basics of writing great goals that will set you up for success.
Mon, 11 Dec 2023 - 510 - Confessions of a Reluctant Goal Setter with Gail Hyatt
Marissa's mom, Gail, stops by the show to share what it's like to not be a goal setter in a family that literally wrote the book on goal setting.
Mon, 04 Dec 2023 - 509 - Marissa & Ken Finish Answering Your Questions!
After running long in part one, Marissa and Ken finish answering listener questions directly from the Full Focus Planner Community on Facebook.
Thu, 30 Nov 2023
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