--- title: "Chris Bailey on Focused Attention, Productivity Improvement, and His Latest Book – Episode #116 | The Sales Blog" description: Chris Bailey is an author, speaker, and expert on productivity improvement. He is Anthony’s guest on this episode of In the Arena, and it’s an actionable conversation you don’t want to miss. Chris unveils insights from his latest book, “Hyperfocus,” and explains two main types of focus that you need to be leveraging in your […] image: https://www.thesalesblog.com/hubfs/The%20Sales%20Blog-2.jpg --- ### [Now booking SKO meetings for 2026/27! 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He is Anthony’s guest on this episode of In the Arena, and it’s an actionable conversation you don’t want to miss. Chris unveils insights from his latest book, [“Hyperfocus,”](https://www.amazon.com/Hyperfocus-More-Productive-World-Distraction-ebook/dp/B077LWZC6Q) and explains two main types of focus that you need to be leveraging in your life and work. You’ll also hear about a strategy that will help you prioritize the most important tasks in your work and why multitasking isn’t always a bad thing. For the full story, be sure to give this episode your full attention. [Don’t miss @Chris_Bailey, founder of @ALOProductivity, share his thoughts on focused attention, #productivity improvement, and his latest book, all on this episode of #InTheArea with @iannarino. Listen now! Click To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=Don%E2%80%99t+miss+%40Chris_Bailey%2C+founder+of+%40ALOProductivity%2C+share+his+thoughts+on+focused+attention%2C+%23productivity+improvement%2C+and+his+latest+book%2C+all+on+this+episode+of+%23InTheArea+with+%40iannarino.+Listen+now%21+&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2018/10/20/chris-bailey-on-focused-attention-productivity-improvement-and-his-latest-book-episode-116/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ## Productivity improvement doesn’t mean making more to-do lists! Productivity is so much more than simply making to-do lists and maintaining inbox zero. It can be an entire lifestyle choice that allows you to focus deeply on what matters most while setting everything else aside. Chris and Anthony both agree that “The state of our attention dictates the state of our lives.” Adding value, creating, and facilitating change all start with productivity, and this interview with Chris can help you get a jump start on making effective changes in the way you operate. Listen now! ## Use this strategy to determine what tasks and work add the most value to your life On this episode, Anthony asks Chris about his Eisenhower Matrix, an identification system that breaks down tasks into 4 main categories: things that are productive, things that are core and essential to your work, those that are attractive to you, and those that are unattractive. The challenge lies in “value judgments,” and discerning if the tasks that take up so much of your time are actually productive in the truest sense of the word. In order to make these determinations, start by writing out all of the tasks you’re responsible for in a given period of time (weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.). Then, identify which top 3 tasks add the most value to your workplace and allow you to create the most. Everything else falls into a subcategory of distraction, and from there you can create systems to help you avoid distractions when it matters most. [Use THIS strategy to determine what tasks add the most #value to your life and work! Developed by #productivity expert @Chris_Bailey of @ALOProductivity, it’s sure to help you streamline your work. Hear all about it on this ep of #InTheArea with @iannarino.Click To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=Use+THIS+strategy+to+determine+what+tasks+add+the+most+%23value+to+your+life+and+work%21+Developed+by+%23productivity+expert+%40Chris_Bailey+of+%40ALOProductivity%2C+it%E2%80%99s+sure+to+help+you+streamline+your+work.+Hear+all+about+it+on+this+ep+of+%23InTheArea+with+%40iannarino.&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2018/10/20/chris-bailey-on-focused-attention-productivity-improvement-and-his-latest-book-episode-116/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ## The difference between hyperfocus, scatter focus, and why both are important Chris tells Anthony that people often revert to focusing on what’s urgent, latest, and loudest if given the chance. To change this pattern of attention, Chris has defined two main areas of focus: hyperfocus and scatter focus. The former is comprised of sections of time (often 90 minutes) that are wholly dedicated to deep, creative work and thought. Scatter focus, however, is the time when you allow your mind to freely wander. Considering people think about their futures and longterm goals 14 times more often when they’re not focused on one particular project, it’s easy to see how both strategies complement one another and result in an overall productivity improvement. ## Learn how to tame distractions so you can devote deliberate attention to your work Whether you’re spending time on hyperfocused or scatter focus projects, another critical piece to productivity improvement is limiting distractions. Constant emails, tweets, and notifications pull your attention away from the task at hand and prevent you from working optimally. You have to know how much collaboration, distraction, and focus you can balance in your day to day workspace, or you’ll never work in your fullest capacity. To learn how Chris manages his distractions, don’t miss this episode. [Constant emails, tweets, and notifications pull your attention away from the tasks at hand & prevent you from working optimally. Discover a solution developed by @Chris_Bailey of @ALOProductivity on this insightful episode of #InTheArea with @iannarinoClick To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=Constant+emails%2C+tweets%2C+and+notifications+pull+your+attention+away+from+the+tasks+at+hand+%26amp%3B+prevent+you+from+working+optimally.+Discover+a+solution+developed+by+%40Chris_Bailey+of+%40ALOProductivity+on+this+insightful+episode+of+%23InTheArea+with+%40iannarino&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2018/10/20/chris-bailey-on-focused-attention-productivity-improvement-and-his-latest-book-episode-116/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ## Outline of this great episode - Meet Chris Bailey, productivity expert, author, and entrepreneur - Chris’ new book, Hyperfocus, and why it was a book he needed to write - Use this strategy to determine what work adds the most value to your life - Chris’ insights on multitasking, keeping habits, and more - What does hyperfocus mean? - Taming distractions so you can devote deliberate attention to your work - What is a second-distractions device, and why should you use one? - There’s value in scatter focus in your workforce - The state of our attention dictates the state of our lives ## Resources & Links mentioned in this episode - [Chris’ website](https://alifeofproductivity.com/welcome/) - [Connect with Chris on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrbailey/) - [Follow Chris on Twitter](https://twitter.com/chris_bailey?lang=en) - Chris’ book: [“The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy”](https://www.amazon.com/Productivity-Project-Accomplishing-Managing-Attention/dp/1101904038) - Chris’ latest book: “[Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction”](https://www.amazon.com/Hyperfocus-More-Productive-World-Distraction-ebook/dp/B077LWZC6Q) - Anthony’s upcoming book: [“Eat Their Lunch: Winning Customers Away from Your Competition”](https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Their-Lunch-Customers-Competition/dp/0525537627) - SPONSOR: [Mail Tag](https://www.mailtag.io/) The theme song “[Into the Arena](https://soundcloud.com/ohhushmusic/sets/songs-ive-written-produced)” is written and produced by Chris Sernel. You can find it on Soundcloud ## Connect with Anthony [Website](http://thesalesblog.com/) [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/Iannarino) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/iannarino) [Twitter](https://twitter.com/iannarino) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannarino) ## Tweets you can use to share this episode [On this episode of #InTheArena with @innarino, you’ll hear #productivity expert @Chris_Bailey of @ALOProductivity share his insights from his latest book, “Hyperfocus.” It’s an episode not to be missed - listen now!Click To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=On+this+episode+of+%23InTheArena+with+%40innarino%2C+you%E2%80%99ll+hear+%23productivity+expert+%40Chris_Bailey+of+%40ALOProductivity+share+his+insights+from+his+latest+book%2C+%E2%80%9CHyperfocus.%E2%80%9D+It%E2%80%99s+an+episode+not+to+be+missed+-+listen+now%21&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2018/10/20/chris-bailey-on-focused-attention-productivity-improvement-and-his-latest-book-episode-116/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) [#Productivity improvement doesn’t mean making more to-do lists! Learn the secrets behind true optimal workflow on this episode of #InTheArena with @iannarino and guest expert @Chris_Bailey of @ALOProductivity. Listen now!Click To Tweet**](https://twitter.com/share?text=%23Productivity+improvement+doesn%E2%80%99t+mean+making+more+to-do+lists%21+Learn+the+secrets+behind+true+optimal+workflow+on+this+episode+of+%23InTheArena+with+%40iannarino+and+guest+expert+%40Chris_Bailey+of+%40ALOProductivity.+Listen+now%21&via=iannarino&url=https://thesalesblog.com/2018/10/20/chris-bailey-on-focused-attention-productivity-improvement-and-his-latest-book-episode-116/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialWarfare) ###### Tags: [Sales](https://www.thesalesblog.com/blog/tag/sales) [2018](https://www.thesalesblog.com/blog/tag/2018) Post by [Anthony Iannarino](https://www.thesalesblog.com/blog/author/anthony-iannarino) on October 20, 2018 Written and edited by human brains and human hands. ![Anthony Iannarino](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hubfs/ai-blog-profile-crop.jpg) Anthony Iannarino is an American writer. He has published daily at [thesalesblog.com](https://www.thesalesblog.com) for more than 14 years, amassing over 5,300 articles and making this platform a destination for salespeople and sales leaders. Anthony is also the author of four best-selling books documenting modern sales methodologies and a fifth book for sales leaders seeking revenue growth. His latest book for an even wider audience is titled, The Negativity Fast: Proven Techniques to Increase Positivity, Reduce Fear, and Boost Success. Anthony speaks to sales organizations worldwide, delivering cutting-edge sales strategies and tactics that work in this ever-evolving B2B landscape. He also provides workshops and seminars. Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn, X or Youtube. You can email Anthony at [iannarino@gmail.com](mailto:iannarino@gmail.com) [Follow me on my website](https://www.thesalesblog.com/anthony-iannarino) [Follow me on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/thesalesblog) [Follow me on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/iannarino/) [Follow me on Twitter ](http://www.twitter.com/iannarino) [![AISA-square-ad-SKOs-26-27](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AISA-square-ad-SKOs-26-27.jpg?width=400&height=400&name=AISA-square-ad-SKOs-26-27.jpg)](https://www.thesalesblog.com/authority) [![ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1.jpg?width=318&height=179&name=ai-cold-calling-video-sidebar-offer-1.jpg)](https://www.thesalesblog.com/free-cold-calling-video) ![salescall-planner-ebook-v3-1-cover (1)](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/salescall-planner-ebook-v3-1-cover%20(1).jpg?width=768&height=994&name=salescall-planner-ebook-v3-1-cover%20(1).jpg) ### Free Sales eBook: Sales Call Planner Planning your sales call improves the likelihood of making a successful call, and it demonstrates to your dream client your professionalism. [![DOWNLOAD EBOOK](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2922376/c9f553be-fbba-4813-9199-95c1603472e7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2922376/c9f553be-fbba-4813-9199-95c1603472e7) ## Are You Ready To Solve Your Sales Challenges? ![Anthony-Solve-Sales](https://www.thesalesblog.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Anthony-Solve-Sales.png?width=290&height=221&name=Anthony-Solve-Sales.png) Hi, I’m Anthony. I help sales teams make the changes needed to create more opportunities & crush their sales targets. What we’re doing right now **is working**, even in this challenging economy. **Would you like some help?** [![Solve for Sales](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2922376/d3a4938b-2008-4a27-8b44-7b2223f6d035.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2922376/d3a4938b-2008-4a27-8b44-7b2223f6d035) ### Join my Weekly Newsletter for Sales Tips Join 100,000+ sales professionals in my weekly newsletter and get my *Guide to Becoming a Sales Hustler* eBook for FREE! --- ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org/", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Anthony Iannarino" }, "dateModified" : "2021-06-15T5:30:08 PM", "datePublished" : "2018-10-20 14:26:30", "description" : "Chris Bailey is an author, speaker, and expert on productivity improvement. He is Anthony’s guest on this episode of In the Arena, and it’s an actionable conversation you don’t want to miss. 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