Focused As A Bee: Six Buzzworthy Strategies To Thrive In A Distracting World

by Jones Loflin, Sydney Loflin

What could you accomplish if you improved your ability to focus?Imagine what your life would be like

You had the satisfaction of completing your goalsYou had perfect clarity on your priorities and your daily decisions were aligned with themYou had a system to manage the countless distractions coming at you each day
Focused as a Bee tells the story of Sydney, an ambitious young woman who is feeling overwhelmed with work and life.Constant distractions, a lack of clear priorities, and the failure to make progress on her goals are wreaking havoc on her self-confidence and work satisfaction. The future she envisions seems out of reach. She carries guilt for not improving her career success, but figuring out what needs to change remains a challenge she hasn’t yet overcome. And now she has a new distraction… A swarm of honeybees in her backyard!

Reaching out to her beekeeping best friend Alicia, Sydney hopes she will get rid of them ASAP. Instead, Alicia invites Sydney to explore how the work of the bees might offer insights on improving her current work life dilemma.

As Sydney becomes comfortable with the bees, she realizes that the secret to their incredible productivity and success lies in their ability to focus. With Alicia’s guidance, Sydney learns six permissions that enable her

Complete her “one jobs” and stay focused on outcomesReduce the temptation to shift her attention to less important activitiesMake changes to stay present in any momentBe patient with herself as she applies these new skills
Focused as a Bee is a fun and essential guide for those tired of the status quo. Aren’t you ready to experience the buzz of success more often?

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

Jones Loflin is an internationally recognized author, speaker and corporate trainer with 30 years of experience in helping people achieve excellence. He is best known for his unique ability to develop and deliver practical solutions that specifically address the complex needs of an organization. Jones also believes that when people are laughing, they are learning.

You can learn more about him at www.jonesloflin.com

Jones is no stranger to using the power of story with engaging parables, real-life experiences and an exceptional ability to draw individuals into the story line. Jones is the co author of two books; the award-winning book, Juggling Elephants, a witty and profound parable about one man's search for solutions for the struggle of too much to do, and Getting to It, a field guide to accomplishing what is most important. He is also the author of Getting the Blue Ribbon, a unique story offering simple strategies to get better results in your work and life. Always Growing tackles a common leadership challenge: How to successfully motivate, develop, and empower a diverse group of people to work together and achieve remarkable results.

Jones' newest book, Focused As A Bee, addresses how to accomplish what is most important in a world of constant distractions.

Jones lives with his family in North Carolina.

Reviews

[Arthur Salyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Jones and have read all of his books. This new book is once again a great read. He addresses a complicated issue faced by most all of us… how to stay focused, be more efficient with our time, and be more productive in general. In this book once again he teaches using a story which makes his advice interesting and much more of a compelling read. Even more interesting is that he is integrated his daughter as an author into his coaching. It is an interesting and easy read but carries Down to earth Messages that can easily be implemented.

This is a book for Busy people… Both in their professional and personal lives. Jones has once again hit the target on pragmatic, actionable help.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone whose CliftonStrengths profile ranks Focus at #34, staying on track has always been a challenge. But as I step into 2025 with my word of the year—Actualize—this book couldn’t have come at a better time.

My first “aha” moment? Realizing I’ve been giving myself permission to be distracted—and that I could just as easily give myself permission to focus. That insight landed within the first few pages and has reframed how I approach my daily priorities.

Throughout the book, Jones and Sydney outline six tangible strategies for focus—real, actionable tools that are simple enough to implement immediately for a better today, yet solid enough to anchor long-term projects and create a smoother work-life flow.

The brilliance of Focused As A Bee lies in its relatability and readability. We’ve all felt like Sydney—overwhelmed, anxious, and maybe even intimidated by the “bees” in our lives. Watching her journey reminded me that focus isn’t about flawless execution; it’s about consistent intention. And Sydney's story? It’s a sweet, engaging narrative about friendship, resilience, and an unexpected twist that keeps the lessons grounded and memorable.

This book isn’t just a quick read—it’s a practical guide I’ll revisit throughout the year as I work to Actualize my goals.

[Dave Herpy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focused As A Bee by Jones and Sydney Loflin is a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their focus, productivity, and overall sense of purpose. Drawing inspiration from the hardworking and disciplined nature of bees, the authors expertly weave together engaging stories, actionable insights, and practical strategies to help readers achieve their goals with clarity and determination.

What sets this book apart is its relatable and down-to-earth approach. Jones and Sydney Loflin break complex ideas into bite-sized, manageable concepts, making it easy for readers to implement positive changes in their personal and professional lives. The book is packed with tools and tips that feel attainable and sustainable—perfect for navigating the often chaotic demands of modern life.

Whether you're a professional aiming to improve your time management or someone looking to find deeper meaning in your daily routines, Focused As A Bee offers guidance that is both inspiring and grounded. I couldn't put it down and have already started incorporating some of the principles into my own life with great success.

Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to work smarter, live better, and maintain laser-sharp focus on what truly matters. Buzz into this book—you won't regret it!

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focused as a Bee by Jones Loflin and Sydney Loflin is a refreshing parable-style book packed with practical insights for thriving in a distracted world. The story follows Sydney, who feels lost in a new role, and through lessons drawn from the behavior of bees. Sydney's friend, Alicia shares wisdom that Sydney—and readers—can apply to both life and work.

What sets this book apart is its seamless integration of actionable insights into the narrative. One standout lesson for me was the permission to plan. Too often, we assume we know the plan and skip this crucial step. This simple shift has helped me focus better and achieve goals more intentionally.

I also loved the emphasis on permissions rather than boundaries or borders. Permissions feel freeing, empowering, and growth-oriented, making them a refreshing time and energy management approach.

This quick, engaging read delivers wisdom that lingers. Even if you apply just one insight, it can make a significant difference in your focus and productivity. I highly recommend grabbing a copy—you’ll find yourself thinking about its lessons long after you finish.

[Daniel Schroer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like reading books, you will love this one. I got an advanced copy of "Focused as a Bee" written by Jones Loflin and Sydney Loflin. I cannot tell you how motivated this book has made me in developing my 2025 and how to clarify my priorities, align my daily choices with them, and manage all distractions. The "distraction" issue actually has given me some ideas that I implemented in the last week. I already know that I will be more productive and happier thanks to the knowledge gained from this book. I give this book my highest recommendation!

[Douglas Zabonick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a longtime fan of Jones Loflin and his latest book is another outstanding effort. Written in the popular "business novel" approach with his daughter, the narrative is both entertaining and educational. More importantly - immediately actionable. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to accomplish their goals but struggles with being too "busy". I am already seeing better results after applying the techniques outlined in the book. As an added bonus, I gained a new appreciation for bees and their behavior.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot share how important this book is as you start 2025 to bee focused. I have read all of Jones' other books and this new one with his daughter Sydney is no exception. The six permissions take you on a journey to learn how to stay focused and bee productive in 2025! This needs to be on your must-reads of 2025!

[Jan Greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book includes so many helpful strategies for time management, setting priorities and generally getting things done. I recommend this highly accessible book for teens up to mature adults.

[Jill Risberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focused as a Bee described so clearly the struggle I was having staying focused at work and at home. Jumping from task to task without clear direction. I was making lists - but getting nowhere. This was an easy read and really gives insight in how to slow down and stop ineffective multi tasking. I’ve read it through once and now I’m going back and taking notes and getting ready to give myself some permissions! Great read that is super applicable to todays social media information overload that can be overwhelming. I highly recommend it.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focused as a Bee is an inspiring and transformative book that cuts through the noise of our distraction-filled lives. Written with warmth and wit, it presents principles that feel not only relatable but entirely achievable. The "6 Permissions" are practical, actionable steps that empower readers to reclaim their focus and re-engage with what truly matters. If you're tired of feeling pulled in every direction and are ready to refocus your energy, this book is your guide. Highly recommend!