EPISODE 8: MINDSET & PRODUCTIVITY

One Powerful Shift Every Distracted Mom Needs | I Don’t Technique & Lion Time™

Sept 8, 2025

This episode introduces a powerful language shift—the “I Don’t” technique & Lion Time™—that helps moms stop distractions, reclaim focus, and stay present during back-to-school chaos.
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Lion Time™ Protect your focus—Guard your presence.

Lion Time™ is your boundary—the sacred block where you guard what matters most. Just like a lion protects its territory, you protect your attention.


This is also where the “I Don’t” technique comes in.

When distractions sneak up—the phone buzzes, the to-do list spirals, the kids tug at your sleeve—you whisper: 

“I don’t get distracted during Lion Time.”


It’s not about being perfect. It’s about drawing a clear line in the sand and choosing to return, again and again.

Lion Time™ reminds you: this moment is worth guarding.

For The Full Experience 

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Click play to watch on YouTube & join me face-to-face on this journey.

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 LISTENER PRAISE

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"Such an easy, inspiring listen—uplifting tips, practical advice, and so relatable that you feel truly connected."

Shift from “I can’t” to “I don’t!”

—  It seems small, but the difference is everything.


“I can’t” makes it sound like someone else is in charge. Like there’s a rule outside of you keeping you from doing something.

“I don’t” is different—it’s a boundary you choose. It puts you back in control.

Think of it this way:

Saying “I can’t check my phone right now” feels weak, almost like you want to but you’re not allowed.

Saying “I don’t check my phone during this time” feels strong. It’s your standard. Your choice. Your lion’s roar.

That tiny shift in words turns distraction into a decision point—and you’re the one holding the power.

Takeaways From This Episode

Language matters. Swapping “I can’t” for “I don’t” shifts you from powerless to powerful.

Distractions are inevitable. But you always have the choice to return to what matters.

Boundaries protect focus. “I don’t” creates a personal standard, not an outside restriction.

Lion Time™ = Guardrails. Set aside small blocks where your attention is non-negotiable.

Presence grows with practice. Each time you say “I don’t,” you’re strengthening your focus muscle.

Why Listeners Keep Tuning In

Love this! Thank you for this episode Anya! l appreciate the tips for how to encourage creativity. I love the idea of using hands-on learning and experimentation, imagination, senses, asking open-ended questions, observing, offering freedom in choices, having them practice, problem-solve, and letting them fail!

Kayla Linares

Exactly What Homeschooling
Parents Need! This podcast is a breath of fresh air! Anya's passion is contagious. If you're looking for clarity, confidence, and connection in your homeschooling journey-this is the podcast for you!

Anastasia Larsson

Wow, this is amazing! I loved hearing this — it’s so true. Creativity really does get snuffed out as we grow older unless we actively work to preserve, protect, nourish, and let it flourish.

Melanie Beers-Quinn

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW

If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe to the Anya Garcia Show and leave a review on Apple Podcast! Your support helps us reach more parents like you who need these insights. 

Here’s how: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Tell me what resonated most—I love hearing your biggest takeaways!

Thanks for tuning in and I will see you next week!

RESEARCH & SOURCES MENTIONED

Fogg, B. J. (2019). Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Patrick, V. M., Hagtvedt, H., & Park, C. W. (2012). “I Don’t” versus “I Can’t”: When Empowered Refusal Motivates Goal-Directed Behavior. Journal of Consumer Research, 39(2), 371–381.

Clear, J. (2018). Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. New York, NY: Avery.

Wood, W. (2019). Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Meet Anya

Winner of the 2025 Global Women Changing the World in Education Award and named the #1 Key Early Learning Influencer in North America, Anya Garcia helps you parent with purpose and live with intention.


After walking away from a high-powered legal career, she entered her true calling—shining the light on the early years, a period rich with potential, transformation, and often-overlooked power.

Blending neuroscience, evolutionary insight, and practical strategies, Anya helps children thrive and adults evolve. You will find mindset-shifting tools and science-backed insights to inspire lasting change. 

This Show is where mindset meets motherhood, education meets empowerment, and transformation begins now—one child, one parent at a time.

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