EPISODE · Mar 11, 2026 · 12 MIN
90 Seconds to Momentum: Sandy Cohan on Quick Focus Wins — Part 2
from Time Billionaires: Mindset and Time Management for Work & Life · host Rebecca Shaddix
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/ For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
What this episode covers
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/ For more insight on making the most out of the small moments in your day, follow Rebecca and the Time Billionaires Podcast on LinkedIn! And if you liked the show, subscribe to follow it.
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90 Seconds to Momentum: Sandy Cohan on Quick Focus Wins — Part 2
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