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Life as an entrepreneur is rarely predictable. Deadlines move, markets shift, people disappoint, and plans fall apart. And when you’re trying to build something from the ground up, chaos isn’t the exception—it’s the environment. Over the years, I’ve learned that staying focused when everything feels out of control is less about willpower and more about structure, perspective, and a few key habits that I now treat as non-negotiable.
Let me walk you through what I do to stay grounded and productive even when things seem to be spinning.
1. I Begin Each Day with a Non-Negotiable Morning Routine
For me, how the day starts often dictates how it unfolds. My mornings in Salt Lake City begin early, usually with a walk or some light cardio to get the blood flowing. I then sit with a notepad and outline the 3 things I must complete that day. Not 20. Just 3. That small act of prioritization keeps me from drowning in busywork.
I also avoid checking emails or news first thing in the morning. Chaos loves a window, and I don’t want to give it one.
2. I Ruthlessly Control My Calendar
If it’s not on the calendar, it doesn’t happen. If it is on the calendar and not urgent or critical, I move it. Time blocking has saved me. I break my days into 60- to 90-minute focus sessions and build in breaks like I would for a workout. You can’t sprint all day—you’ll burn out.
This structure gives me a sense of order even when the world outside feels disorderly. When chaos hits, I simply look at my schedule and ask, “What’s next?” That small prompt realigns me.
3. I Practice the 80/20 Rule Relentlessly
In chaotic periods, it’s tempting to react to everything. But I’ve learned that not all fires deserve to be put out. I constantly ask: What 20% of actions are driving 80% of results? I double down on those.
This mindset has helped me cut through noise. Whether I’m consulting with a business owner, evaluating a financial strategy, or navigating a football season’s crunch moments, I look for leverage.
4. I Build and Lean on Systems
Chaos thrives in the absence of systems. I’ve built templates, checklists, and standard operating procedures for most of what I do—from client onboarding to content creation.
The more decisions I automate or standardize, the more energy I save for big-picture thinking. Systems don’t just save time; they save sanity.
5. I Regularly Step Back to Zoom Out
Sometimes, the best way to gain focus is to walk away—even briefly. I take a weekly half-day with zero meetings and no tasks. I use this time to reflect on where things are going. This keeps me aligned with the bigger picture and prevents me from getting buried in details that don’t matter.
Final Thought
Focus isn’t about ignoring chaos; it’s about outmaneuvering it. Over time, I’ve realized that most external disorder can be neutralized by strong internal systems. So even when things get loud, I trust the structure I’ve built, fall back on my routines, and keep moving forward.
That’s the real edge—and it’s available to anyone willing to build it.
Travis L Wright’s POV’s Summed Up in Words
https://medium.com/@travis_l_wright/travis-l-wright-5-entrepreneurship-tips-for-newbies-b7d90b2e20a3
https://www.zupyak.com/p/4585099/t/travis-l-wright-entrepreneurial-biography
https://travislwright-er.weebly.com/blog/travis-l-wright-the-importance-of-grit-in-entrepreneurship
https://travislwright-er.hashnode.dev/travis-l-wright-how-i-recovered-from-early-business-failures
https://travislwrighter.wordpress.com/2025/05/16/travis-l-wright-entrepreneurship-and-my-career/
https://travislwright-er.mystrikingly.com/
https://travislwright-er.blogspot.com/2025/05/travis-l-wright-what-id-tell-my-younger.html
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