How to Focus! (Build a Routine Around Five Prayers, Not Social Media)

Ever wonder why specialty coffee tastes different from instant coffee?

It’s not just the beans—it’s the process. The slow, intentional brewing that unlocks the full flavor. The same goes for creativity. The difference between grinding out quick, mediocre ideas and brewing a masterpiece lies in how you focus and nurture your mental clarity.

Let’s break it down.

You know those ultra-productive people—the ones who seem to turn every challenge into gold, create like they’re on fire, and build legacies? It’s not magic. It’s about the habits they’ve mastered. And no, they don’t have dont work 24/7.

They’ve perfected a set of practices that are as rooted in science as they are in spirituality.

Here’s how you can unlock your creative genius:

1. Experiment with New Skills
   Just like brewing coffee takes time and skill, growing your creative power requires experimentation. Whether it’s learning a new technique, exploring a different medium, or conducting a social experiment, take time to stretch your boundaries. Innovation is born from curiosity and trying something different.

2. Take a Tech-Free Day
   You wouldn’t drink instant coffee every day—why run on constant digital stimulation? Take a device-free day, ideally on Fridays, to recharge and reset. This isn’t just about unplugging; it’s about reclaiming your focus and letting your creativity flow naturally.

3. Meditation
   Hit pause on life’s noise and dive deep into meditation (or Muraqaba). It’s like giving your brain a reset button. The Prophet ﷺ practiced it, science backs it, and your mind will thank you for it. The more you clear the clutter, the clearer your creative vision becomes.

4. Journaling
   Your journal isn’t just for capturing thoughts—it’s a creative playground. Reflect on your progress, jot down new ideas, and track your growth. Neuroscience says it helps with mental detox and decluttering, so make journaling part of your daily routine.

5. Walking
   Walking isn’t just about moving your body; it’s a creative exercise for your brain. Lace up and step outside. Science shows it boosts creativity and enhances mental clarity. Every step is a mini-break for your mind, leading to more focused, inspired work.

6. Planning
   A well-thought-out plan is your roadmap to success. Just like crafting the perfect cup of coffee, planning your day with intention clears the mental fog. Neuroscience supports it—structure fosters focus—so plan like you're building an empire. Because you are.

7. Minimize Digital Distractions
   Constant notifications are like adding sugar to your coffee—sweet in the moment, but it ruins the overall taste. Turn off those pings and dings. Embrace the power of focus fasting. Your attention is your most precious resource—protect it.

8. Monotasking
   Multitasking is a myth. The true magic happens when you give one task your full focus. Just like savoring a perfect cup of coffee, take each task one at a time, and pour your creativity into it. Brain science says monotasking delivers better results.

As a content creator and entrepreneur, your daily routine can make or break your success. We all know how easy it is to get lost in the endless scroll of social media or become overwhelmed by the never-ending demands of running a business. But what if I told you that building your routine around something more meaningful—like the five daily prayers—could help you regain mental clarity, sharpen your focus, and actually boost your creativity?

Start Your Day with Clarity and Purpose

The first step to a successful day starts with Fajr. It's not just an obligatory prayer; it’s a spiritual reset. Fajr offers peace and perspective, helping you connect with your purpose before the distractions of the day begin. By prioritizing this sacred time, you set the tone for the rest of your day. When you start your day with intention, clarity follows.

This quiet time helps you center yourself mentally and spiritually, ensuring that the rest of your routine unfolds with focus and purpose.

 Energize Your Body and Mind

As a creative entrepreneur, long hours of sitting and staring at screens can drain both your body and mind. To combat this, it’s essential to move first thing in the morning. Whether it’s a walk, light stretching, or a quick workout, getting your blood flowing will energize you and prepare you for the creative work ahead.

Pair this movement with a nourishing breakfast. Opt for foods like dates, nuts, and oats—they offer long-lasting energy and help maintain mental clarity throughout the morning. This combination of physical and mental nourishment will set you up for sustained focus and productivity.

Maximize Your Focused Time

As content creators, we often struggle with distractions that derail our flow. That’s why it’s critical to carve out uninterrupted blocks of time for deep work—whether that’s filming, writing, designing, or strategizing. When you focus solely on one task, you honor your creativity and allow your mind to dive into the work without interference.

Consider scheduling your most important creative tasks during times when your mind is fresh—typically after your morning routine and before the day's distractions set in. This focused time will help you generate your best ideas and execute with precision, allowing you to make the most of your creative flow.

Reconnect with Allah and Reset Your Intentions

Your spiritual health is just as important as your mental and physical well-being. Incorporating Dua (supplication) and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) throughout your day is a powerful way to reconnect with your purpose. These moments of reflection offer a sense of calm, helping you reset your intentions and stay grounded in what truly matters.

When you take time to pause and reflect, you clear mental clutter and strengthen your focus. This connection to Allah shields you from distractions, negative emotions, and burnout—allowing you to stay aligned with your goals, both in business and in life.

Strengthen Your Connections

In the hustle of building a creative business, it’s easy to forget the importance of nurturing relationships. However, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and practicing gratitude (Shukr), can have a profound impact on your emotional resilience. Gratitude not only uplifts your spirits but also releases oxytocin, which strengthens your emotional bonds and enhances your ability to persevere through challenges.

By showing appreciation for the blessings in your life, you build a strong foundation of support that fuels your creative journey. Plus, a heart full of gratitude makes it easier to stay focused and motivated, even during tough times.

Boost Your Brainpower and FOCUS

If you’re finding it hard to focus, it could be due to imbalances in key hormones that impact motivation and mood. Here’s how to fix your focus:

- Serotonin: Boost your mood and mental clarity with sunlight, exercise, and tryptophan-rich foods like oats, turkey, and nuts.

- Dopamine: Keep motivation high by setting small, achievable goals, listening to uplifting music, or practicing meditation.

- Oxytocin: Strengthen your focus by bonding with loved ones, practicing gratitude, and maintaining healthy relationships.

Your brain is waiting for the right boost—so take control of your routine and set the stage for better focus, productivity, and creativity.

Take these habits on with intention.

Experiment, plan, disconnect, and let your creativity brew—just like that perfect cup of coffee. 

Focus is the secret ingredient.

Tawakul is the foundation.

Stay tuned to access to the creative journal I’m using to improve my mental clarity . It will be published soon.