Learn to Think in Color

  Why are some people more annoying than others? It’s not just them — it’s also your brain, your boundaries, and the situation teaming up. Big Picture Why this question matters We all know a few people who feel instantly more annoying than others: the coworker who overshares, the neighbor who talks too loudly, the friend who always runs late. “Annoying people” are usually a mix of clashing expectations, habits that add friction, and your own state of mind. This piece explains why certain people trigger you, when annoyance is a real red flag (not just a pet peeve), and how to respond more intentionally instead of just simmering or avoiding them. Annoyance is a feature, not a bug Annoyance is your brain’s low-level alarm system. It pops up when a boundary is brushed, a norm is broken, or your attention is stretched too far. That talkative colleague or interrupting friend isn’t just “annoying”—they’re a signal that something in the interaction doesn’t match what you expected or can ha...

How do you create boundaries that protect your focus at work? March 18, 2025 | Continuous Improvement, Flow State, Professional Development, Question a Day, Strategy, Time Management, Workplace Culture Question a Day   Protect Your Focus: How to Set Boundaries and Get More Done In today’s always-on, notification-filled world, staying focused at work feels like an extreme sport. Between endless emails, chat pings, unnecessary meetings, and that one coworker who needs "just a minute" (which is never just a minute), your brain feels under siege. The secret to deep focus isn’t just time management—it’s boundary management. Without clear boundaries, your productivity will always be at the mercy of others. Here's how to set strong boundaries to protect your focus, reduce burnout, and boost effectiveness. 1. Identify Your Biggest Focus Killers Spot the enemies of your deep work: 🚨 Constant Slack or email notifications? 🚨 Unplanned meetings? 🚨 Multitasking? Example Boundary:  ...