I’ve been thinking a lot about productivity lately. Not in the hectic, drink-a-latte-at-4am way. More like… how do I significantly move forward without burning out?
Jay Shetty dropped something a while ago that really stuck with me:
There are only two directions when it comes to productivity.
Traction and Distraction
That’s it.
Traction pulls you toward your goals.
Distraction pulls you away from them.
It’s such a simple frame, but once you apply it to your day, it's wild how clear things get.
Like tire traction, it’s the grip that keeps you on the road. Without it? You’re skidding all over the place, even if you’re technically "moving."
TRACTION IN REAL LIFE
In my agency, Alchemia, this shows up constantly.
When I’m deep, zoned-out in a build, mapping out a GHL funnel, setting up automated SEO systems, or spinning up a product launch for a client I’m in traction.
It’s creative, flowy, aligned. Time flies, and stuff gets shipped.
But then there's the other stuff.
Endless tab-switching.
Over-researching.
Clicking into apps when no one contacted me.
Distracting myself with “work” that doesn't move the needle.
You know the feeling.
LIVING WITH ADD
And here’s where I gotta be uncomfortably honest: as someone with a (professionally identified) A.D.D., traction can feel like facing Mount Everest for a climb without training.
My brain LOVES novelty. It wants to chase shiny things and open tabs and half-started ideas.
So I constantly have to leverage systems to protect my traction. Not just willpower.
Because in the business of creating, launching, and scaling, staying on path is everything.
A FEW THINGS THAT HELP ME STAY IN TRACTION:
Visual Roadmaps
I like dashboards. They're like mini digital highways. If I can see the road, I stay on it. Bonus: I often repurpose these frameworks for clients.Two-Tabs Max Rule
This one is new to me and nearly impossible lol. No more bouncing between 12 things. One for work, one for reference. That’s it. No exceptions."Is this traction or distraction?" Post-it
I have this note stuck on my monitor. Every time I find myself drifting, I glance at it. Just asking that question re-centers me fast.Body as a source of guidance
Tap in. When I feel overwhelmed, I don’t push harder. I get up. Move. Breathe. Half the time, distraction creeps in when I’m out of sync with my body.
YOUR TURN
This week, try using:
Is this action creating traction or distraction?
Don’t judge yourself. Just notice.
Over time, that awareness is the traction.
Because when you catch those micro-moments and pivot back toward your mission, that’s how momentum gets built.
Keep building,
- Nick.
Helping small businesses and massive people build online.
