“When I’m on a plane, I’m highly focused and able to tackle the tasks that require the most time and attention.”
This comment from a client during a recent session got me thinking about how to improve focus in our daily lives and how to replicate those ideal conditions even when we’re far from the cabin of an airplane.
The Productivity Paradox of Flying
It’s fascinating how, in an unusual setting like a flight, we can be incredibly productive, yet in our daily routines, we struggle to find that same focus. During the session, we explored this paradox: Why do we work so well on a plane? And how can we bring that experience into our everyday lives?
What Makes Flying Ideal for Focused Work?
Flying offers almost perfect conditions for focused work:
1️⃣ Fewer distractions: No phone calls, notifications, or interruptions from colleagues.
2️⃣ Defined time frame: You know exactly how long the flight will last, allowing you to plan clearly.
3️⃣ Clear objectives: You often board the plane with a specific idea of what you want to accomplish.
These elements create a bubble of productivity that seems impossible to replicate on the ground. But is it really?
The Challenge of “It’s Not Possible”
When I asked my client, “How could you replicate the flying experience in your daily routine?” the answer was a familiar list of obstacles:
- “It’s not possible; clients are always calling.”
- “Emails can’t wait.”
- “My schedule is already full.”
This is a common challenge: we convince ourselves that our daily environment is unchangeable, that distractions and interruptions are inevitable. But that’s not entirely true. The goal isn’t to eliminate every barrier but to transfer the conditions that work in one context into our daily reality.
A Lesson to Take Back to Earth
Working with Oliver François during my time at Citroën was an extraordinary experience—not just professionally but also for the productivity lessons I observed. During his flights back from Paris, Oliver used the time to write meeting reports. Once the plane landed, he would send the document to his assistant, giving the team immediate clarity on the discussions.
This approach aligns with the broader concept of leveraging travel time for productivity, as discussed in this article. https://hbr.org/2012/01/train-your-brain-to-focus
This simple yet powerful strategy freed up his time to focus on other priorities once he was back in the office.
How to Replicate the “Airplane Experience”
Here are three steps to bring the ideal conditions of flying into your everyday life:
1️⃣ Reduce distractions
Like on a plane, create moments where external communication is blocked. Turn on “Do Not Disturb” mode, disable email notifications, and let others know you’re unavailable for a set period.
2️⃣ Block time on your calendar
Treat your schedule like a flight plan: reserve a “virtual flight” of 60-90 minutes to focus on an important task. Add this block to your calendar as a non-negotiable appointment.
3️⃣ Set a clear goal
On a plane, you know exactly what you want to accomplish: reading, writing, or planning. Bring the same level of clarity to your daily work by setting a specific objective for each focused work session.
Conclusion: What’s Your “Flight”?
As you begin to create the conditions for better focus and replicate what works for you, you might notice greater control, improved concentration, and a stronger sense of effectiveness.
When you allow yourself the time and space to focus, your energy aligns better, and the quality of your work reflects this positively across everything you do.
This week, take a moment to reflect: What are the conditions where I feel truly effective? What small steps can I take to recreate them in my daily life?
If you’d like to share your experience, feel free to reach out—I’m curious to hear what works for you.
Until next time, 👋🏼
Massimo