What if the secret to better focus isn't blocking out distractions, but locking into what you actually want?
In Part 2 of this conversation on the Time Billionaires podcast, performance psychologist Sandy Cohan flips the script on how we think about focus, anxiety, and momentum. Instead of fighting negative thoughts (which only makes them stronger), Sandy reveals why your brain needs "to-dos" not "don't-dos."
Rebecca and Sandy explore the power of refilling your glass instead of debating if it's half full or empty, why asking "what if it all works out?" changes everything, and how measuring gains instead of gaps can shift your entire perspective in under five minutes.
What You'll Learn:
- Why focus is about locking in, not blocking out
- How "don't-dos" sabotage your performance (and what to do instead)
- The refillable glass mindset: Moving beyond half full or half empty
- Why your brain can't process negative commands (the tree branch effect)
- The "what if it all works out?" game to counter anxiety
- How to measure gains, not gaps, when you're feeling stuck
- The "now what?" reframe for building momentum in challenging moments
- A 5-minute practice to acknowledge wins and build confidence
If you want to break free from spiraling negative thoughts, build unshakeable focus, and turn anxiety into momentum by training your brain to lock into what you want instead of what you fear, this episode gives you the mental reframes and micro-practices to shift your mindset immediately.
Timestamps:
01:19 - What's the smallest action to create momentum when you feel stuck?
02:15 - The refillable glass: A third perspective on optimism
04:20 - The tree branch effect: Why "don't-dos" backfire
06:15 - Why telling yourself "don't be nervous" makes you more nervous
07:10 - The "what if it all works out?" game
07:45 - Why we don't play the positive what-if game
08:34 - The mountain hike perspective: Looking down vs looking up
09:11 - Dan Sullivan's Gap and the Gain concept
10:03 - How much time do we spend acknowledging wins?
11:45 - The "now what?" reframe for any situation
Connect with Sandy!
Sandy’s Website: https://sandycohan.com/
Sandy’s Books: https://sandycohan.com/books/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-cohan-138a54193/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandycohanofficial/
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