In the fast-paced world we live in, distractions lurk around every corner, demanding our attention and stealing our focus. If you’ve found yourself struggling to stay productive amid the chaos, you’re not alone. The key to reclaiming your time and supercharging your productivity lies in embracing the concept of Sacred Hours.
What are Sacred Hours?
Sacred Hours are not just any hours; they’re dedicated, uninterrupted blocks of time that you carve out specifically for your most important work. Picture it: no notifications, no responsibilities, just you and your tasks for a minimum of two undisturbed hours. The concept is simple yet transformative.
Finding Your Sacred Hours
Discovering your own Sacred Hours involves a thoughtful look into your personal productivity patterns, reflecting on two critical questions:
1. What time of day am I most productive?
2. What time of day can I be least responsive?
Your Sacred Hours lie at the intersection of these two times.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer; it’s a personal journey that may require some experimentation. (journaling or leveraging the Daily Mindset Pocket Planner for a few days can help.)
For example my schedule differs based on the day of the week:
- 4 to 8 am on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- 4 to 6 am on Sun, Tue
Originally I started at 5am. Over time through experimenting, I found starting at 4am was more productive for me.
Once you identify your optimal intersection, block out a two-hour chunk on your calendar.
Maximizing Your Sacred Hours
The term “Sacred Hours” is intentional; you must treat them as sacred. Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of this dedicated time:
- Clean and organize your workspace: A clutter-free environment fosters focus.
- Use a website blocker or turn off Wi-Fi: Minimize digital distractions.
- Place your phone on airplane mode in another room: Distance yourself from potential interruptions.
- Wear noise-canceling headphones with a focused playlist: Create an atmosphere conducive to deep work.
Visualize your workspace as an airplane cabin – a zone free from distractions, no internet, much like where writers often find their best creative flow according to author, Dickie Bush.
“A fun way to think about this: design your workplace like an airplane cabin. There’s a reason people get their best writing done on airplanes! No distractions, no internet, and nothing else to do but work.” – Dickie Bush.
The Art of Deep Work
Blocking out Sacred Hours on your schedule is the first step, but the real magic happens during the work itself. Sacred Hours are reserved for high-leverage, creative, deep work that truly moves the needle.
In the grand scheme of things, time is the great equalizer. Regardless of who you are, you, like Elon Musk, have the same number of hours in a day. However, what sets individuals apart is how they invest those precious hours. Will you squander them day in and day out, or will you harness the magic of compounding 2 or 3 hours of focused work daily, investing them wisely in the direction of your goals?
The choice is yours: let your hours slip away, or make them sacred and watch the compounding results unfold. The power to transform your productivity and achieve your goals lies within the intention of your Sacred Hours.
Obsessed with your goals and dreams,
