Reflections from my TEDx Journey (Part 2 of 10)
Image Credit: Brett Deneve
Protecting My Time: Fokus’d Growth in a Busy World
The Reflection:
Balancing a full-time business leadership role with a professional creative career can feel overwhelming. Not to mention, I’m also a wife (love you, JuJu!) and a mother — parenthood is one of the most beautiful yet chaotic journeys in life. Over the years, I’ve learned that strategic fokus is essential. Juggling multiple initiatives requires not just time management, but also being intentional with priorities. During my TEDx preparation, I forced myself to carve out dedicated time to develop my speech — and it made a huge difference. I say “forced” because, honestly, many times I intend to “take time” to fokus, but I end up working myself right out of that goal. This time, I was at war with myself, and I was determined to win.
That inner war can be suffocating. Many leaders in organizations and businesses carry a heavy weight, and often we don’t take the time to fokus on our own needs. The idea that taking time off means you’re not being productive is getting old. I’ve noticed more people leaving that mindset behind. The “busybody” era seems to be fading, and leaders are taking control — prioritizing rest and rejuvenation.
Right now, I’m dealing with the challenges that come with raising a strong-minded, intelligent, and creative teenage boy. It breaks my heart to watch him approach life in ways I worry might lead to difficulties. I have to endure this journey and coach him where he’s at. My mind is there AND projects to manage, contracts to finish, invoices, meetings, checks to write, a whole husband and a 9 year old daughter with unlimited energy… I’m human. I’m tired — not necessarily physically, but mentally and emotionally. That’s why I chose to extend grace to myself and take the time to do something that gave me a breath of fresh air.
It’s crazy to think that I took 2 weeks away from business… I can’t lie to you there were a few times I peeked at emails and handled a few to-do items. It’s easy to fall into the trap of multitasking, however creating space to fokus on my message allowed me to craft a stronger, clearer presentation while also bonding with my family. It’s a lesson in intentionality: carving out time for what matters most improves both quality and impact. I’m proud I gifted myself that time. You should do the same.
The Supporting Data:
According to the American Psychological Association's 2020 Stress in America™ report, individuals who actively prioritize their tasks and establish clear boundaries experience lower stress levels and are more productive. The report also highlights that distractions and an inability to disconnect from work contribute significantly to increased stress. On the other hand, fokusing on deep, fokus’d work—free from interruptions—has been shown to improve the quality of work ethic and it intensifies that “creative juice”.
Sooo… It’s funny how we can have this knowledge and the statistics to back it up but still fall into the trap of procrastination and “busy bodyness”. Yep… I’m right there with you, guilty.
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Sources for Data and Statistics:
Source: American Psychological Association. (2020). Stress in America™ 2020 Report.
The Takeaway:
Prioritizing my speech development was a strategic move that paid off—not only in successfully delivering my talk but also in allowing myself to fully experience the moment without overworking. Fokusing on high-impact initiatives/involvements can lead to better results, both personally and professionally. Now trust me I will probably continue to procrastinate in some areas and fill up my already busy schedule but just know that like you, I’m human.
Let’s Collaborate!
If my journey resonates with you and you’re seeking support in storytelling, speech development, or performance, I’m here to help you find and share your authentic voice. As a dedicated creative consultant and coach, I work with individuals, organizations, and businesses to craft compelling stories, develop impactful speeches, and enhance performance skills.
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