Managing Digital Distractions: Insights from Mister Productivity (Part 2)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Release Date: 12/04/2025
Managing Digital Distractions: Insights from Mister Productivity (Part 2)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In part 2 of our Building Better Developers conversation with we shift from foundational habits to the modern reality of our digital world. With smartphones, notifications, social media, and AI competing for every second of our attention, managing digital distractions has become one of the most important productivity skills of our time. Mark pulls back the curtain on how our devices keep us hooked—and offers practical, simple steps to regain control of our attention before the noise takes over. About Mark Struczewski Today, we're joined by Mark Struczewski—pronounced...
info_outline
Staying Focused in a Noisy World: Lessons from Mister Productivity (Part 1)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, part of our Building Better Foundations season, and sit down with , better known as Mister Productivity. His passion is helping people get unstuck—whether through time management, clarity, or intentional focus. And in today’s always-on environment, staying focused is one of the biggest challenges professionals face. The first half of our interview explores distraction awareness, practical habits, and foundational techniques for staying focused in a world full of interruptions. About Mark Struczewski Today, we're...
info_outline
Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers: A Moment to Reset and Appreciate
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this special holiday episode of the Building Better Foundations season of the Building Better Developers Podcast, hosts and pause their usual deep-dive discussions to share meaningful Thanksgiving reflections for developers. This annual tradition goes beyond technology and process—it centers on gratitude, growth, and the people who shape our journeys. Why Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers Matter Even though the recording takes place before the holiday, the episode releases just as listeners gather for Thanksgiving. Rob’s signature “gobble gobble” sound kicks...
info_outline
Thanksgiving Tips for Developers: How to Reset, Recharge, and Enjoy the Holiday Break
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Thanksgiving week is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for developers to slow down, unwind, and refocus. In this special pre-holiday episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob and Michael step away from the regular Building Better Foundations theme to talk about travel mishaps, gaming plans, personal downtime, AI experiments, and practical Thanksgiving tips for developers who want to rest and still grow. Whether you’re staying home, traveling, or juggling family plans, this episode delivers simple and meaningful insights to help you make the most of the...
info_outline
Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: Insights from Our Interview with Charly Leetham (Part 2)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Choosing the right pricing model can make or break a project, and understanding fixed bid vs time and materials is essential for developers, consultants, and business owners alike. In Part 2 of our Building Better Foundations interview with , we explore the complexities behind scoping work, managing expectations, and balancing fairness with sustainability. This conversation dives into real experiences—both successful and painful—that highlight how important clarity is when building custom software or digital solutions. About Charly Leetham Charly Leetham brings more than 40...
info_outline
Strategic Foundations for Business Growth – Interview with Charly Leetham (Part 1)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Building a strong company starts with strategic foundations for business growth. In Part 1 of our interview with , we explore how clarity, customer understanding, and simple systems help businesses grow with confidence. Her insights show how the right strategic groundwork leads to long-term success. About Charly Leetham Charly Leetham brings more than 40 years of hands-on experience in building practical, reliable systems for small businesses. She earned her amateur radio license at 13, became an electronic engineer by 21, and completed her MBA while working full-time and raising...
info_outline
Automating Quality: Greg Lind on AI, Testing, and Continuous Improvement
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this Building Better Foundations episode, hosts and continue their conversation with , founder of and . They explore how automating quality in software development changes the way teams build and test software. Greg explains that AI and automation can improve collaboration and prevent errors before they happen. As a result, teams can deliver code faster, maintain consistency, and build stronger foundations for long-term success. Greg’s experience across startups and open-source projects has shown him one simple truth: quality can’t be bolted on at the end—it must be built into...
info_outline
Bridging the Gap Between Product and Development: Building Better Foundations with Greg Lind
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In part one of this Building Better Foundations interview, hosts and talk with , founder of and , about bridging the gap in software development through AI, automation, and collaboration. Greg shares how modern teams can overcome silos, strengthen communication, and build transparency into their workflows — creating stronger, more adaptive foundations for success in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world. “We wanted to bring developers and product managers into one tool—so they could build together rather than as two separate teams.” — Greg Lind About the Guest —...
info_outline
WordPress SEO for Developers: Tools vs. Building Your Own with Wes Towers (Part 2)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this follow-up episode of Building Better Developers, Wes Towers returns to share his hands-on approach to WordPress SEO for developers. From choosing lean tools like Kadence and Rank Math to using AI for faster content creation, Wes explains how developers can simplify design, speed up performance, and stay visible in an AI-driven search world. Key Idea: Smart WordPress SEO for developers isn’t about more plugins—it’s about clarity, speed, and content that stands out across search and AI platforms. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift...
info_outline
Niching for Developers: Lessons from Wes Towers (Part 1)
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this Building Better Foundations episode, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche talk with Wes Towers of Uplift360, a Melbourne-based digital agency serving the construction and trades industry. The discussion centers on niching for developers—how focusing on a specific audience helps software teams and agencies communicate better, deliver faster, and build lasting client trust. Key Idea: Niching for developers isn’t about limiting opportunities — it’s about amplifying your expertise and clarity in the markets that need you most. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes...
info_outlineIn part 2 of our Building Better Developers conversation with Mark Struczewski (Mister Productivity), we shift from foundational habits to the modern reality of our digital world. With smartphones, notifications, social media, and AI competing for every second of our attention, managing digital distractions has become one of the most important productivity skills of our time.
Mark pulls back the curtain on how our devices keep us hooked—and offers practical, simple steps to regain control of our attention before the noise takes over.
About Mark Struczewski
Today, we're joined by Mark Struczewski—pronounced STRU-CHESS-KEY—better known as Mister Productivity. This Houston-based coach and host of the Mister Productivity™ Podcast, with over 1,340 episodes and thousands of downloads, equips busy professionals to crush overwhelm and reclaim focus. Drawing on his corporate grit and daily running discipline, Mark shares his proven 'Distraction Detox' framework to turn digital chaos into high-impact action. Please welcome Mark!
Twitter/X, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, SnapChat
Turning Off the Noise: First Steps in Managing Digital Distractions
Mark starts with a surprisingly bold recommendation: turn off vibration mode—permanently.
Even if your phone is “muted,” vibration keeps your brain on high alert. Removing it creates true silence and removes the physical stimulus that pulls you out of focus.
He also stresses the importance of auditing every app notification you have. Most people tap “Allow” without thinking, and developers take full advantage of that. Mark insists you go through each app and ask:
- Does this notification serve me?
- Or is it another distraction stealing my focus?
In most cases, you’ll turn off 90% of them.
A Notification Is a Demand for Your Attention: If your phone decides what you do next, you’re not in control—your apps are.
Advanced Techniques for Managing Digital Distractions
Beyond simple notification hygiene, we explore more powerful ways to reinforce boundaries.
1. Use Focus Modes Intentionally
Newer smartphones allow you to block almost everything while allowing a short list of apps or people through. It turns your phone into a calmer, quieter version of itself—ideal for deep work.
2. Block Websites at the Router Level
Michael shares how he blocks entire sites like Facebook or news apps from his entire home network. This prevents drifting into distraction, no matter which device he picks up.
3. Silence Individual Contacts
If someone sends constant memes or random texts, you can mute their message sounds without blocking them. Messages still arrive, but they don’t interrupt your work.
These tools aren’t “nanny features”—they’re modern essentials for managing digital distractions in a tech-saturated world.
Social Media Boundaries: Build the Muscle, Not the Habit
One area where many people struggle is social media consumption. Mark shares that he only spends 3–4 intentional minutes on platforms like X or Instagram before moving on.
How? He uses scheduling tools—Meta Business Suite, Buffer, TikTok Studio—to create content in batches and avoid the endless scroll.
His rule is simple:
- Use social media as a tool,
- Not as a default habit.
And if he’s with people in person? The phone goes away—no exceptions. If someone picks up their phone mid-conversation, he stops talking or walks away. For Mark, presence is respect.
True Focus Requires Presence: Being fully present strengthens your attention—even when you’re not working.
The AI Overload Problem
We also explore a growing concern: the overuse of AI tools as substitutes for real thinking. Mark notes that people are starting to treat AI chatbots like best friends, therapists, or decision-makers.
The risks include:
- Reduced mental engagement
- Outsourcing problem-solving
- Losing the ability to think deeply
- Feeling “validated” by an algorithm programmed to agree with you
Studies show that too much AI reliance leads to dramatically lower cognitive activity, essentially putting the brain into a passive state.
Managing digital distractions now includes managing AI—and knowing when to step away.
Why One-on-One Coaching Works Best
Mark explains that when it comes to overcoming distraction and productivity issues, individual coaching surpasses group settings. In groups, people hold back. They don’t want coworkers or managers hearing their real struggles—especially when those struggles involve digital habits.
One-on-one conversations create a safe space for honesty, clarity, and real change.
He even offers a free Productivity Scorecard on his website to help people understand their strengths and weaknesses. But he emphasizes: awareness is only the first step. Improvement requires action.
Ending the Day Right: A Shutdown Routine for Fewer Distractions Tomorrow
Mark ends with one of his most powerful recommendations: a shutdown routine.
This routine creates an intentional gap between screens and sleep—a crucial part of managing digital distractions at night.
His routine includes:
- Turning off screens at a set time
- Listening to calming music
- Journaling a few final thoughts
- Reading a book
- Going to sleep with a quiet, settled mind
A rested brain resists distraction better, thinks more clearly, and starts the next day stronger.
Better Sleep = Better Focus: Managing digital distractions starts with how you unplug at night.
Managing digital distractions isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about using it on your terms. With the right boundaries, tools, and habits, you can reclaim your focus, protect your time, and build a healthier relationship with the digital world around you.
Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community
We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development.