How to Protect Your Focus Without Burning Bridges

Eyal addresses the social problem under the productivity problem: the colleagues, friends, and family members whose drop-bys, pings, and "quick questions" make deep work impossible. Rather than retreat into silence (which damages relationships) or accept every interruption (which destroys your day), he advocates for "schedule sync" rituals, pre-committed availability windows, and a short repertoire of polite scripts that explain when and how you can be reached — so colleagues feel respected and your focus remains intact.