Scatter focus: the value of mind wandering

Chris Bailey is the bestselling author of The Productivity Project, Hyperfocus, How to Calm Your Mind, and his newest release, Intentional.

In this episode, Chris joins Andrew Coates to explore why so many capable, driven people still feel stuck, scattered, or unfulfilled—and how the issue is often not effort, but misalignment between goals, values, and intentions.

Drawing from years of research and personal experimentation, Chris explains how clarity around values changes decision-making, why many popular productivity frameworks fail long-term, and how intention-based thinking can help you finish what you start and do more of what genuinely matters.

IN THIS EPISODE, CHRIS SHARES INSIGHT ON:

• Why many people struggle with success despite working hard

• How misaligned values quietly sabotage progress

• The importance of getting clear on your core values

• How to align goals with values for sustainable momentum

• The 12 evidence-based primary goals people tend to pursue

• What an intention stack is and how to use one

• Why people are better at starting than finishing

• Why goals are better viewed as predictions, not promises

• The importance of continual course correction

• Why the SMART goals framework lacks strong evidence

• How rigid goal-setting can hurt long-term success

• The productivity and mental health benefits of meditation

• Why letting your mind wander boosts creativity

• Chris’s personal experiences as a long-term author

• And much more

I hope you will check out Chris’s brand new book: Intentional

Instagram: @chrisbaileyauth

CHAPTERS

00:16 Meet Chris Bailey: Author and Productivity Expert
00:57 Understanding Intentionality
04:02 The Role of Values in Setting Intentions
10:17 The Intention Stack: Aligning Values, Priorities, and Goals
17:44 The Science of Goal Attainment
26:49 Personal Practices for Emotional Wellbeing
27:31 The Benefits of Meditation
28:54 Strategic Use of Caffeine
29:39 Sponsorship Aspirations
31:05 Saying No to Stay Productive
31:34 The Trap of Success
34:19 The Power of Scatter Focus
38:14 Book Sales and Expectations
47:47 The Flaws of SMART Goals
52:22 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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