I made my phone work for me (not against me)

Hey there,

I used to check my phone constantly throughout the day, switching between work apps and social media without any rhyme or reason.

It was exhausting. I'd be trying to focus on important work, but LinkedIn was right there next to my notes app. During family dinner, work notifications would pop up and completely derail my attention. I realized my phone was working against me instead of for me.

So I figured out how to make my phone smarter about what I actually need at different times.

• I created separate setups for different parts of my day

• My phone now shows me the right apps at the right time automatically

• No more decision fatigue about which apps to open

Here's exactly how I set this up.

3 Steps To Double Your Focus With iPhone Settings Even If You Switch Tasks Every 10 Minutes

To achieve peak performance, you need your phone to adapt to your workflow instead of fighting against it.

Here's the framework that turns your phone from a distraction machine into a productivity multiplier.

Step 1: Map Your Day Into Focus Modes

Write down 4-6 core parts of your day where you need access to different apps.

For example:

• Work

• Creative

• Gym

• Family

• Sleep

Below each mode, list out the specific apps you use most often. Ex. (Work: email, Slack, CRM. Fitness: MyfitnessPal, Gym timer, music, etc., etc.)

Next, we’ll create designated setups for each zone.

Step 2: Build Mode-Specific Home Screens

Create a dedicated home screen with the apps or widgets you need for each focus mode.

Here’s a quick video if you’re not familiar with how to do this:

Step 4: Create a new Focus

Go to settings → Focus → + to create a new focus mode.

You can use either one of the suggested options or create a “custom” mode.

Next, follow the on-screen instructions to allow notifications from selected people and apps while the focus mode is active.

Under “Customize Screens,” choose the screens you created in the previous step.

Step 3: Automate Your Focus Modes

This step is optional, but helpful.

Under “Set a Schedule,” select “Add schedule”.

Here are some examples:

Time-based: Every morning at 6:30 AM activate “Gym”

Location-based: When I arrive at work, activate “Work”

Here's what you learned today:

• Map your day into distinct focus modes that require different apps

• Create optimized home screens that eliminate friction for each type of work

• Use automations to transition between modes based on time, location, and activity

Your phone should speed up your workflow, not slow you down with irrelevant distractions.

Start with two zones this week: Work and Personal. Set them up tonight and watch much faster you move through your day.

Community Systems Spotlight

Interested in having your system featured? Learn more here:

Hit reply or comment below and let us know why.

PS...If you're enjoying The Systematic Sales Leader, please consider recommending this edition to a friend.

^{This issue may contain affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love.}