Curiosity In Motion: Mastering Deep Work, Leadership Shifts & The Psychology of Pricing

Welcome to this edition of Curiosity in Motion! In business and leadership, the smallest shifts can create the biggest impact. Whether it’s how you manage your focus, how you lead your team, or how you price your products/services, subtle adjustments can unlock huge results.

This week, we’re exploring how top performers master deep work, the silent mindset shifts that shape great leaders, and the psychology of pricing—how small tweaks can boost sales without changing your costs.

Let’s get into it.

➡️ Mastering Deep Work: 3 Habits That Separate Top Performers

In a world filled with distractions, finding 2+ hours of focused time daily is becoming rare. But top performers don’t work longer—they work smarter. Here’s how they create deep focus:

✅ The 90-Minute Focus Block

• Your brain operates in ultradian rhythm cycles, meaning 90 minutes of deep work is more effective than 3 scattered hours.

• Block out uninterrupted time for high-impact tasks—no meetings, no distractions.

✅ The Notification Detox

• Turn off all non-essential notifications and check messages at set times.

• Keep your phone physically away during deep work sessions—proximity kills focus.

✅ The 3-2-1 Planning Method

• 3 main goals for the week

• 2 critical tasks per day

• 1 non-negotiable priority first thing in the morning

💡 Key Takeaway: Deep work isn’t about working harder—it’s about protecting your attention. The difference between average performance and elite performance is the ability to sustain high-quality focus.

➡️ Leadership Mindset Shifts That Transform Teams

Only 7% of leadership effectiveness comes from visible actions. The rest? It’s the invisible mindset shifts that change everything.

Here are two powerful shifts that elite leaders master:

1️⃣ The Confidence Paradox

Most leaders believe confidence comes from always having the right answer. The best leaders know it comes from asking the right questions.

✔ Acknowledge uncertainty openly—confidence isn’t pretending to know everything.
✔ Express conviction in direction, not details—focus on where you’re going, not micromanaging how to get there.
✔ Ask questions when others expect declarations—leaders who ask better questions make better decisions.

2️⃣ The Attribution Reversal

Team loyalty isn’t built through motivational speeches—it’s built through who takes credit and who takes blame.

✔ Take full responsibility for failures. If the team misses a goal, own it.
✔ Give away all credit for wins. When things go well, highlight the team, not yourself.
✔ Watch team trust transform overnight. People will go the extra mile for leaders who elevate others instead of themselves.

💡 Key Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about making the right mindset shifts behind the scenes.

➡️ The Psychology of Pricing: Small Shifts That Boost Sales Without Changing Costs

Many businesses struggle with pricing because they assume it’s all about costs and margins. But the truth? Pricing is about perception.

Here’s how small tweaks can drive more sales—without raising costs.

✅ The Power of Anchoring
The first price customers see sets their expectations—so always introduce a high-priced option first.

Example: A service page that first shows a $10,000 offer makes a $5,000 package feel like a bargain.

Why it works: People judge value relatively, not absolutely. Setting the right reference point increases perceived value.

💡 Key Takeaway: Pricing is a psychological game. Subtle shifts in presentation and structure can dramatically impact sales—without changing your costs.

✅ Remove the Dollar Sign ($) Where Possible
Studies show that prices without dollar signs feel less painful to buyers. Restaurants and high-end brands do this because it subconsciously reduces spending hesitation.

 Why it works: Customers perceive less price resistance when numbers stand alone, without the psychological association of “spending.”

✅ Charm Pricing vs. Rounded Pricing
Not all numbers feel the same. Prices ending in .99 or .95 feel smaller, while rounded numbers feel premium.

✔️ Use .99 for everyday purchases – Works best for B2C or impulse buys.
✔️ Use whole numbers for premium offers – High-end brands and services often round up for a luxury feel.

Why it works: A price like $299.99 feels more affordable than $300, but a $10,000 coaching package feels more premium than $9,999. The context of the purchase determines which approach works best.Saying no, surviving the startup grind, and making smart hiring decisions all come down to the same thing—being intentional with how you use your resources, whether it’s time, money, or energy.

From protecting your time to leading with impact and pricing strategically, small shifts lead to massive results.

Which area do you need to adjust first—your focus, your leadership, or your pricing strategy?

Let us know your thoughts & stay tuned for more insights in the next edition of Curiosity in Motion! 🚀