{"id":7070712,"date":"2026-10-01T02:43:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T02:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7070712"},"modified":"2026-10-01T02:43:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T02:43:14","slug":"the-essential-ingredient-full-focus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7070712","title":{"rendered":"The Essential Ingredient | Full Focus"},"content":{"rendered":"


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If you\u2019re aiming for the Double Win\u2014winning at work and flourishing in life\u2014margin is one of the most important strategies to get you there.<\/p>\n

Simply put, margin is the extra space in your life. It\u2019s the breathing room that allows you to be proactive instead of reactive, handle life\u2019s surprises with ease, and invest in what matters most outside of work.<\/p>\n

Without margin, achieving the Double Win feels impossible. But with it? Margin is the key that unlocks both professional success and personal fulfillment.<\/p>\n

Before we dive into how to create more margin in your life, let me ask you: What could more margin make possible for you? I want to hear what matters to you\u2014make your answer specific.<\/p>\n

When we talk about the Double Win, what does that look like for you in real, practical terms? It\u2019s easy to throw around generic phrases like \u201cwork-life balance,\u201d but unless you have a clear vision of what more margin would allow you to experience, it\u2019s hard to stay motivated to create it.<\/p>\n

You might be wondering, \u201cMegan, if the Double Win is the goal, just tell me how to get it! Why do I need to understand what it would mean for my life?\u201d<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why: If we start with the \u201chow\u201d before the \u201cwhat,\u201d we often stop before we even begin. Why? Because all we see are obstacles.<\/p>\n

Right now, if you start thinking about how to free up time for your priorities outside of work, your brain might immediately list all the reasons it\u2019s impossible. Maybe you have a new baby at home, or your boss expects you to work sixty-hour weeks. Perhaps financial constraints make it hard to outsource tasks or join a gym. Wherever you look, the challenges feel overwhelming.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s what I\u2019ve learned: Solutions follow commitment. Or, as my dad often says, \u201cResources follow vision.\u201d The creative solutions, fresh ideas, and unexpected opportunities don\u2019t show up until you decide they\u2019re necessary.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why I want you to first envision what margin would mean for you. Before jumping into how to create it, let\u2019s start by going back to my question: What would more margin allow you to do that you can\u2019t do right now?<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re struggling with an answer, here are four reasons you need more margin in your life\u2014reasons that may help you catch a vision for what the Double Win could look like for you.<\/p>\n

1. Time to Be Proactive about Your Health<\/h2>\n

When we\u2019re running on empty, our health is often the first thing to suffer. Skipping workouts or grabbing fast food because we\u2019re too exhausted becomes the norm. But when we don\u2019t take care of ourselves proactively, we often end up reacting to bigger health issues down the road.<\/p>\n

What if you had enough margin to care for your health before it became a problem?<\/p>\n

In our book Win at Work and Succeed at Life<\/em>, my dad and I discuss how investing in your physical well-being is crucial for long-term success in both work and life. With more margin, you\u2019d have time to prioritize sleep, exercise regularly, and cook nourishing meals\u2014things that may feel impossible when you\u2019re running on fumes.<\/p>\n

More margin means time to schedule that overdue doctor\u2019s appointment, prioritize a morning workout, or simply get the rest you need. When you\u2019re proactive about your health, you\u2019re not just avoiding future crises\u2014you\u2019re giving yourself the energy and resilience to thrive.<\/p>\n

2. Time to Invest in Your Relationships<\/h2>\n

When life gets busy, relationships often take a hit. It\u2019s hard to be fully present with your spouse, kids, or friends when your mind is juggling work or your to-do list. And without enough margin, relationships suffer. We can\u2019t nurture what we don\u2019t have time for.<\/p>\n

Relationships are the foundation of a meaningful life. As we highlight in Win at Work and Succeed at Life<\/em>, success at work should never come at the expense of the people who matter most. But when time is tight, we end up skimming the surface with those we love instead of connecting deeply.<\/p>\n

Imagine what more margin could make possible for your relationships. You\u2019d have time for a long, unhurried dinner with your spouse, quality time with your kids, and moments to catch up with friends. Meaningful relationships thrive on intentionality, and margin gives you the space to make the people in your life feel truly seen, heard, and valued.<\/p>\n

3. Time for Personal Growth<\/h2>\n

One of the greatest casualties of a packed schedule is personal growth. It\u2019s hard to grow when you\u2019re barely keeping your head above water. But here\u2019s the thing: Without margin, you miss out on opportunities to invest in yourself.<\/p>\n

More margin allows you to focus on activities that help you grow\u2014learning new skills, reading, or reflecting on your goals. Tools like the Full Focus Planner can help track your progress, not just your tasks.<\/p>\n

Clarity and intentionality lead to breakthroughs, but only if you have the margin to focus on them. With more margin, you could invest in personal passions, hobbies, or professional development that enrich your life as a whole.<\/p>\n

4. Time to Handle the Unexpected<\/h2>\n

Life is full of surprises\u2014both good and challenging. Without margin, even small disruptions can throw your entire day, week, or month into chaos. When every minute is spoken for, there\u2019s no room to handle the unexpected.<\/p>\n

But with margin, you have the flexibility to navigate life\u2019s twists and turns without losing your balance. Whether it\u2019s a family emergency or an unexpected opportunity, margin gives you the space to respond with grace instead of scrambling to catch up.<\/p>\n

Success isn\u2019t about avoiding challenges; it\u2019s about having the capacity to handle them well. When you have margin, you can pivot when necessary without sacrificing your priorities.<\/p>\n

So, have another look at that question: What could more margin make possible for you?<\/p>\n

Before we dive into how to create more margin, spend some time reflecting on what more space in your life would allow. What would it open up for you? How could it help you win at work and succeed in life? Once you\u2019ve decided that margin is necessary, you\u2019ll find the solutions to create it.<\/p>\n

OK, back to my question. Now it\u2019s your turn: What\u2019s one thing more margin would make possible in your life?<\/p>\n

AI Disclosure: This newsletter was written by a human\u2014me\u2014for a human\u2014you! I sometimes use AI for research, to critique my writing, or to proofread before I publish. But the words I choose, the sentences I write, and the ideas I share come from my brain and out through my fingertips onto the keyboard before they find their way to your inbox. If that ever changes, I’ll tell you. Thanks for reading, and thanks for being a human.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Last modified on September 29th, 2026 at 12:11 pm<\/p>\n

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we use and believe will add value to our readers. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re aiming for the Double Win\u2014winning at work and flourishing in life\u2014margin is one of the most important strategies to get you there. Simply put, margin is the extra space in your life. 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