There are certain undeniable realities when it comes to personal effectiveness. Much like the laws of nature—such as gravity—some principles are simply irrefutable. In my experience, the most effective people are the ones who respect these "laws."

This isn't an exhaustive list, but these are the laws that have made the most difference for me.

1. Focus and Attention Are Finite Resources

People often approach me with requests, opening with, "I know you're busy, but..." A few years ago, I realized something: I'm not busier than anyone else. I might overcommit or miscalculate how much time something will take, but the issue isn’t busyness—it’s focus. When someone asks for my attention, they’re asking me to shift focus from what I’m doing to their task. So, before I redirect my focus, I always ask myself: Do I have a choice, and what am I choosing to do? Just like any other resource, focus should be treated with care.

2. Habits Have Seasons

We all develop habits that eventually outlive their usefulness. Every new role or season in life requires a review of your workflow: What can be eliminated? What needs tweaking? What should be added?

 Last year, I got stuck in a routine of starting my weekdays with 7 AM meetings, convincing myself I’d block off 9 to 10 AM for personal time—only to end up glued to my computer for hours. That was a disaster, and I promised myself I’d never repeat it. So far, I haven’t.

3. The Reward for Good Work Is More Work

Many people expect acknowledgment, praise, or promotion, but the reality is that the reward for good work is often simply more work. This can be a tough pill to swallow. If you're already stretched thin, you must negotiate for more time or delegate tasks. Managers are often just trying to get things done and can’t always gauge how much work is too much for their team. They’ll keep adding to your plate until you speak up—so, before you reach your breaking point, raise the white flag and set boundaries.

4. Interruptions Are the Enemy of Productivity

It’s a common knowledge that interruptions disrupt productivity, yet many still allow them. Managing distractions—like notifications—is critical.

 In Creating Minds: An Anatomy of Creativity, Howard Gardner illustrates how incredibly productive individuals (from Freud to Gandhi) protected their work time by delegating daily tasks to others. These individuals had the support of those around them, enabling uninterrupted focus. The takeaway for me is that if you're trying to accomplish something significant, you must protect your time.

 One tool that’s worked for me is the Pomodoro Technique—set a timer for 25 minutes, eliminate distractions, and focus completely on your task. Afterward, take a break to check emails or notifications.

5. Your Brain Can Only Handle So Much

Research shows that after six hours of heavy cognitive work, the buildup of glutamate in your brain impedes judgment and decision-making. To combat this, you need breaks. Exercise, meditation, or even a good night’s sleep can help reset your brain. Taking time to eat, hydrate, and rest throughout the day will produce far better results than trying to power through.

6. Do the Hard Stuff First

Mental tasks that require deep focus—analysis, strategy, conflict resolution—consume significant cognitive energy. So, tackle these at the beginning of the day when your brain is fresh. Save less demanding tasks, like answering emails or scheduling, for the end of the day when your energy is lower.

7. Everything Takes Longer Than You Think

Anyone who’s renovated a house or written a book knows this lesson well: things always take longer than expected. And yet, we still underestimate. To counter this, I’ve learned to add 30% more time to my initial estimate. For home renovations or tasks with children, I add 50%.

8. Build a Reserve

I learned this from my mentor, Thomas Leonard. In the early '90s, when Coach University started, he insisted that everyone keep extra rolls of fax paper in case of emergencies. I thought it was silly until I realized how often I run out of printer ink or need batteries at inconvenient times.

 People who are consistently effective plan ahead. Whether it’s spare phone chargers, a backup lunch, or extra gas in the car, they anticipate what they need and make sure they’re prepared.

9. Make a List

The simple act of writing down your goals can help you stay focused. Start with your long-term goals for the year, then break them down by quarter, month, week, and day. What must get done today, no matter what?

 While lists can sometimes feel overwhelming, creating a mind map can be a game changer. Map out all the things that matter to you—home, health, work, relationships—and break down the tasks associated with each category. This visual approach helps calm the chaos and provides a clear roadmap for the day. If you’re not a fan of digital tools, old-school flip charts or legal pads work just as well.

Ultimately, the most effective people are those who honor their time and energy, take responsibility for their goals, and respect the boundaries that help them thrive. No one else can do this for you. It’s up to each of us to protect our genius and make the most of our resources.