top of page
It’s clear: with countless distractions vying for every second of every darn day, how do we focus on the things that really matter—the so-called “green light” initiatives that demand our undivided attention?
That search for the answer is the driving force behind “No Distractions: a twice a week 5-minute focus to excel amid life’s challenges.”
You're joining Dan Stamm on a journey where he shares stories about how distractions drain attention and how top performers maintain focus.
All Posts
Avoid Distractions Now - Your Future Self Will Thank You
It's the small choices we make that can cause us to be less focused in the short-term future. You walk in the door, throw your keys down, toss off your shoes and drop your bag on the couch. Future you will not be happy. Where did I leave my keys? I often do little things in a rushed manner, or put them off as "a future me problem." But here's the issue with going to sleep with a sink full of dishes, an empty toilet paper roll or a washer full of damp clothes: You’ve distracte
danstamm9
Jan 83 min read
Focus on New Year’s Resolutions
The focus as 2025 gives way to 2026? New Year’s resolutions and how we can turn them into healthy routines. “I will lose weight.” “I will read from a book every day.” “I will drink less.” “I will work out more.” “I will eat healthier.” “I’m gonna spend more time with my family.” “I’m going to give up sweets.” “I’m going to change my job.” Any of those sound familiar during this reflective time of the calendar? As 2025 gives way to 2026, millions of Americans are making New Ye
danstamm9
Dec 31, 20253 min read
No Room for Distraction on the Slopes
For this edition Dan turns to a professional for help as he hits the slopes in the latest “stressful leisure” paradox. I’m spending this end-of-year holiday week away in the mountains. The mountains are a place that inspires and focuses so many artists, musicians and athletes. Up here it’s gorgeous, tranquil and—if you’re lucky enough—snowy. But let’s be honest: skiing is a stressful event. You have to drive to the mountain (without forgetting any gear). You have to drop off
danstamm9
Dec 28, 20252 min read
Distracted Driving to Grandma’s House?
This holiday season, tens of millions of Americans will hit the road. Before you get behind the wheel, let's put the focus on distracted driving. Been here, done that? When you hear the word “distracted,” what word naturally flows next? For me, it’s driving. The deadly toll of distracted driving Distracted driving has numerous PSA campaigns , each geared to put your focus back on the road. The thought of your teen driving while distracted by their phone or the big fancy cons
danstamm9
Dec 24, 20253 min read
'No Distractions' in the Pool. Not for this guy
Jumping in is easy, avoiding distractions is not Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe. Don’t stop kicking… are my toes pointed? Am I slapping the water or guiding it? I recently restarted swimming laps indoors as an exercise and well-being tool after spending much of the summer swimming outdoors. Swimming is good for you – duh! The health benefits—both physical (just look at the bodies of Olympic swimmers) and mental—are well documented. As a post on the United Kingdom’s Northern
danstamm9
Dec 22, 20253 min read
It’s Clear: ‘When Preparation Becomes a Form of Procrastination’
“When preparation becomes a form of procrastination, you need to change something.” Those are the words James Clear uses in one of the many anecdotes he shares in his must-read (or must-listen, in my case) book, “ Atomic Habits .” ‘When Preparation Becomes a Form of Procrastination’ I recently wrapped up reading—ahem, listening on Audible —the book that strikes at the core of our very makeup. That one line had me pushing the “30 seconds back” button several times. I wrote it
danstamm9
Dec 17, 20252 min read
But I just came in for milk, fruit: Family trip to the grocery store
Hello from the ultimate test of focus – the grocery store. I write this from my local Whole Foods in Philadelphia , surrounded by strategically-placed items all aimed at getting me to grab them, even though I just came in for some fruit and milk. Maybe grab some ready-made food. (See, there I’m already adding to my grocery list in real-time.) The whole goal is to sell you on a product Entire executive education programs are based on this exact premise. End cap? Top shelf? W
danstamm9
Dec 14, 20253 min read
‘I Quit’
This edition focuses on a big distraction where distraction is normally discouraged: work. Arguably the biggest attention drain in our lives takes the greatest amount of actual focus – our jobs. Outside of (maybe) sleeping, we spend more of our time working – about 40 hours a week – than mostly anything else. Add in the more than 27-minute commute to and from the office – for anyone not working at home – and you can tack on another nearly five hours to the workweek. Many hi
danstamm9
Dec 11, 20256 min read
What to Expect from ‘No Distractions’
Dan "No Distractions" Stamm I’m Dan Stamm, a data-driven communications expert with more than 20 years of major-market media experience launching a newsletter about the one thing that constantly gets in our way: distraction. In the time between introducing myself and actually writing that sentence, I purchased a website domain, peered down at my phone to check my fantasy football roster, took a sip of seltzer and clicked on the wrong opened tab on my web browser more than o
danstamm9
Dec 9, 20252 min read
Next Chapters
For the first time in my post-collegiate life I’m truly a free agent. I have chosen to resign from NBC10 after 21-plus years serving the Philadelphia community with vital news and information. This decision to leave the Peacock after two decades was a difficult one that came amid some deep soul searching after I stepped back earlier this year to reevaluate my life and career. I didn’t come to it easily, nor do I take the ramifications of my choice lightly. NBC10 is a special
danstamm9
Dec 8, 20254 min read
bottom of page