Have you ever been interrupted by a phone call, an email, or a family member just as you were about to dive into work? You know, that moment when you’re finally sitting down to focus on your business idea or a project, and then—bam!—something pulls you away? If you nodded yes, you’re definitely not alone.

Interruptions and distractions happen to all of us. Whether you’re a busy entrepreneur, a work-from-home parent, or someone just trying to carve out time to pursue a dream, distractions are inevitable. But here’s the good news: there’s a simple way to reset and refocus when life pulls you off track.

The Power of 15 Minutes

A while ago, I stumbled upon a concept that completely changed how I work—it’s called the power of 15 minutes. Instead of waiting for large chunks of uninterrupted time to get things done, you can use small pockets of time—like 15 minutes—to refocus and get back on track.

This method is a game-changer, especially if you’re building a service-based business. If you’ve ever struggled with getting back into a productive rhythm after being interrupted, keep reading—I’m going to walk you through exactly how to reset and refocus in just 15 minutes.

A Personal Story of Distraction

Let me tell you about a day that tested my focus. A few weeks ago, I decided to work from my local library for a change of scenery. I was excited to outline some new content for my business. I got settled, opened my laptop, and was ready to dive in when—ring!—my phone went off.

It was my co-founder reminding me about a meeting I had completely forgotten about. Just like that, I was pulled out of my deep work zone. After the meeting, I sat back down, but I felt completely derailed. My mind was scattered, and I had no idea where I left off.

Sound familiar?

That’s when I remembered the power of 15 minutes. I decided to follow a simple five-step process to reset and refocus. And guess what? It worked! Within minutes, I was back on track.

Now, I want to share this process with you.

How to Reset & Refocus in 15 Minutes

If you ever find yourself distracted and struggling to regain focus, here’s what you can do:

Step 1: Set a Timer for 15 Minutes

The first thing you need to do is set a timer. I use a free online timer called e.ggtimer.com. You just type in “15 minutes,” and it starts counting down.

Why a timer? Because it gives your brain a clear deadline and helps you shift into focus mode. Plus, 15 minutes feels short and manageable—so you’re more likely to commit to it.

Step 2: Check Your Calendar & Remove Distractions

Before diving in, make sure there aren’t any more surprise interruptions lurking around the corner. Check your calendar to confirm that you don’t have any upcoming meetings or commitments.

Next, put your phone away. If you need to let family or colleagues know you’ll be unavailable for a little while, do that now. Then, turn off notifications on your computer to minimize distractions.

Step 3: Turn on Focus Music

This step is optional, but I find it super helpful. I like to listen to instrumental worship music—it helps me create a calm, focused environment. You can try classical music, jazz, or white noise—whatever helps you concentrate.

YouTube has great focus playlists—just search for “study music” or “focus music,” and you’ll find plenty of options.

Step 4: Close Unnecessary Tabs

If you’re like me, you probably have a dozen browser tabs open at any given time. But too many tabs can be overwhelming and distracting.

Before you start working, close every tab except the one you need. This helps eliminate mental clutter and keeps you focused on the task at hand.

Step 5: Review Your Last Action

Now that you’ve set up your focus-friendly environment, take one to two minutes to review what you were working on before the interruption. Ask yourself:

• What was the last thing I did?
  
• Where did I leave off?
  
• What’s the next small step I can take?
  

By simply refreshing your memory, you make it easier to jump back into work.

Why This Works

This 15-minute process works because it’s simple, structured, and intentional. It helps you:

✅ Regain focus quickly after distractions
✅ Eliminate unnecessary interruptions
✅ Create a work-friendly environment
✅ Get back into flow without wasting time

And the best part? You don’t have to wait for a “perfect” time to start. Whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or even on a lunch break, you can use this method anywhere.

A Quick Recap

Let’s go over the five steps one more time:

1️⃣ Set a timer for 15 minutes
2️⃣ Check your calendar and put away distractions
3️⃣ Turn on focus music to set the mood
4️⃣ Close unnecessary tabs to reduce mental clutter
5️⃣ Review your last action to pick up where you left off

Final Encouragement

I love this verse from Joel 2:25:
“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”

If you’ve ever felt like distractions have stolen your time, remember that God can restore what was lost. The key is to take small, intentional steps—like using the power of 15 minutes—to get back on track.

So the next time you get interrupted, don’t panic. Just take a deep breath, follow these five steps, and watch how quickly you reset and refocus.

Let’s Stay Connected!

If this method helps you, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to connect with me on Instagram @chichiukomadu and share your experience.

And if you found this post helpful, share it with a friend who needs help staying focused on their business goals. Let’s build something amazing—one focused step at a time!

You have everything you need to start that business. Let’s go!