“Inspired by a Classic. Rebuilt for Today.”
FocusMaster™ Is the Modern Revival of the Beloved Action Machine Software — Rebuilt, Simplified, and Enhanced for Today's Digital Creators and Tech Professionals.
Attn. Ambitious Digital Creator
From the Desk of Gabriel Aguiñaga
Re: How a Beloved Productivity Tool Came Back to Life
Hey, it's Gabriel here 👋🏼
Before I tell you about my software, I need to give credit where credit is due...
You see, I wish I could say FocusMaster™ was 100% my idea.
The truth is...
It is actually a modern revival of a brilliant little Windows program that I absolutely loved: The Action Machine.
(The Action Machine — the classic software that inspired FocusMaster™)
For years, The Action Machine was my secret weapon.
It was simple, effective, and it kept me laser-focused.
But then, one day, it just… stopped.
The developers abandoned it.
My computer wouldn't run it anymore, and I was crushed.
No Other Tool Came Close.
Planners were too complicated, browser timers were unreliable, and nothing captured that same mix of simplicity + power that made The Action Machine so good.
So, since I had become a software developer by then, I asked myself:
“What if I just rebuilt it?”
That is exactly what I did.
I took the core features I loved most, stripped away the clutter, added my own improvements — and that is how FocusMaster™ was born.
Now, I use it every single day to stay on top of my work, and it has transformed the way I operate.
But most importantly...
I believe it can do the same for you.
But here's the deal: this is not for everyone, and that is on purpose.
Let me quickly tell you who my new software is designed for, so that if it is not a match for you, you can quickly bounce back to whatever you were doing (no hard feelings).
In short, FocusMaster™ is designed for people who spend the majority of their day working on their computer and are looking for ways to maximize their productivity.
This includes digital creators such as:
- Online Entrepreneurs & Marketers
- Content Creators (Writers, Graphic Designers, Music Producers, Video Editors)
- Tech Professionals (Developers, Web Designers, Data Analysts)
- Essentially, if your work orbits a computer, FocusMaster™ is for you!
If you have ever found yourself lost in the maze of time-management and goal-setting...
Just imagine that sweet feeling of victory as you begin conquering your daily tasks, knowing your progress toward your big goal is no longer in doubt.
Just imagine getting that sweet feeling of victory as you begin conquering your daily tasks, knowing that achieving your BIG goal is an inevitable fact.
But let's pause for a second.
FocusMaster™ is not just another trendy app that will sit unused on your desktop.
It is built on the foundation of a proven system I relied on long before I became a software developer.
The Action Machine gave me the structure to stay focused, crush my goals in college, and thrive later at General Motors.
When it disappeared, I had no choice but to create my own version — keeping the proven system that worked so well, but rebuilding it in a simpler, modern way.
This Is Not Just Theory.
I lived it.
FocusMaster™ became my daily weapon for staying on track, and it played a huge role in what I am about to share with you...
See that guy in the photo?
That's me, grinning from ear to ear. 😁
I returned to the classroom at 34 and emerged just three years later, not just with a Computer Science degree, but as a Summa Cum Laude graduate.
Now, I mention this not to boast—I promise—but to set the stage for a vital question:
How Does Someone, Who Just Scraped By In High School, Return To The University Arena Years Later And Totally Crush It?
First things first: All glory goes to God. 🙌
As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me." 😊
Now, onto the tactical element that set me on this academic high....
Timeboxing! 🥳
I'll dive deeper into the finer details of Timeboxing and its roots shortly.
For now, understand that it's a tried-and-true method—endorsed by pros like Elon Musk—but most importantly, it sharpens your focus like a laser beam.
Perhaps you've already heard of Timeboxing, or even gave it a whirl without much luck.
But stick with me.
What I offer is a fresh perspective and a transformative software tool that you won't find anywhere else
Here's the bottom line:
Equipped with the right strategy and tools, there's nothing you can't achieve.
And here's more proof:
After university, I landed a Software Developer role at a multibillion-dollar company.
I put my Timeboxing system to the test—and it delivered astounding results, yet again.
Keep reading, and I'll spill the details soon!
But, this isn't about me.
If you, like me, find your office is basically your computer, then listen up, because…
I am confident that my FocusMaster™ Productivity System can make a real difference in how you approach your work, without the hassle of complicated scheduling or annoying planners.
(Say Goodbye to Complex Schedules and Annoying Planners)
Let me tell you a story...
Upon joining the multi-billion-dollar company, General Motors, my first self-imposed task was to improve my productivity strategy.
You see, after steamrolling through college, I entered the workplace feeling like Hercules in terms of productivity. 💪
Even so, I knew it was time to take my productivity game to the next level.
Especially, if I planned to keep up with all my young and fresh teammates (most in their early 20s), and whose brain cylinders were most likely firing faster than mine.
Additionally, I was now living with my wife.
So, the concept of "work-life balance" was also at the forefront when refining my strategy.
For sure, I knew Timeboxing was to take the center stage.
Now, staying true to my word, here's the rundown on Timeboxing...
Timeboxing sprang from the fast-paced world of software development.
Picture it as a secret hack developers use to churn out quality code even when the clock's ticking fast.
Pretty cool, right?
And here is the good news...
Timeboxing is not only useful for software developers.
It can be applied to any field or project that requires creativity, discipline, and efficiency.
For example, you can use timeboxing to:
- Write a blog post in one hour
- Study for an exam in 30-minute intervals
- Clean your house in 15-minute chunks
- Read a book in 15-minute sessions
- Take an online course for 30 minutes
Here's how timeboxing works in just three simple steps:
-
Assign a beginning and end time for your task
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Start a timer and give your full focus to the task during that window
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Conclude your work once the timer rings, and either start a new task with a fresh timer or take a break to recharge
Why does this simple strategy work so well?
There are a few powerful principles at play.
Author Nir Eyal (Hooked, InDISTRACTable) explains it like this:
"Timeboxing uses a psychological principle called setting an 'implementation intention' — which is just a fancy way of saying planning out what you're going to do and when you're going to do it."
Another explanation comes from Parkinson's Law:
"The time it takes to complete a task expands to fill the time available for its completion."
In other words…
If you do not set a specific window of time, procrastination slips in and your work drags on longer than it should.
Here's my personal take:
The real magic of Timeboxing is that you train yourself to focus fully on one task for a set period — usually 25 to 60 minutes.
This builds laser-sharp concentration.
And as research shows, both psychology and natural laws are working in your favor, pushing you toward maximum productivity.
The best part?
You don't need complicated schedules or endless hours of grind. Just simple, focused work sessions — and the results can be extraordinary.
In fact...
Rising Above Average May Be Easier Than You Think.
I have a confession to make:
"My Productivity Strategy Was Inspired By A Disturbing Fact."
Did you know the average office worker is productive for just 2 hours and 53 minutes per day?
Disturbing, I know.
And do you remember how earlier I mentioned that the first thing I did upon joining General Motors was devise a productivity game plan?
Well, aware of the low-efficiency pandemic plaguing our workforce, along with the insights of a wonderful book written by a fellow software developer, Deep Work...
Deep Work for Unlocking Your Flow State
In his bestseller, Deep Work, Cal Newport explains that dedicating just three to four hours of focused, distraction-free work each day can produce remarkable results. When you engage in this level of concentration, your brain can enter what psychologists call the flow state.
Flow is that mental zone where time seems to disappear, distractions fade, and your best work happens naturally.
FocusMaster™ helps you reach this state more consistently by creating structure through its proven timeboxing system. Each focused session builds momentum and keeps your attention fixed on a single goal until completion.
This is not about working longer but about working with clarity, rhythm, and control. It is how digital creators, professionals, and anyone who works on a computer can achieve peak performance and finish each day with genuine satisfaction.
If this was true...
I theorized that by committing myself to a dedicated four (4) hours of laser-focused work each day, I could not only set myself apart but also maintain a balanced lifestyle.
And as an added bonus, I'd also be putting Mr. Newport's claims to the test.
How exciting! 🤓
You see, although I had already used Timeboxing to absolutely crush it in college…
I hadn't been trying to Timebox for a specific amount of time each day...
Instead, I was just setting a timer and focusing on my work until the timer rang.
This time was different.
I was now going to keep track of the amount of hours I remained focused each day.
And since the average worker is only productive 2 hours and 53 minutes per day, I committed myself to rising above average.
In a nutshell, my "genius" strategy boiled down to this:
Dedicate at least four hours every day to deep, focused, uninterrupted work.
That's it!
In its simplest form, the goal was to be productive for just 1 hour and 7 minutes above the average.
The first year was riddled with trial and error as I struggled to track my focused work sessions consistently.
I kept thinking back to The Action Machine — the tool that once made it all so effortless.
I knew what it felt like to have structure. To feel in control.
And now, I was chasing that same feeling again.
But no matter what I tried — from basic timers to advanced “Pomodoro” apps, from browser-based tools to clunky desktop widgets — none of them came close.
They were missing the one thing The Action Machine had nailed: the perfect balance of simplicity and power.
And over time, two critical realizations hit me:
- I needed more than a timer. I needed a task manager, too.
- I needed a tool that worked offline, right from my desktop. No browser lag, no connectivity issues, just reliability.
So I did what any sensible human would do. 🤓
I set out to create my own tool! 🥳
And three months later, my rendition of The Action Machine, FocusMaster™, was born!
And when I finally put it to the test, everything changed.
Tracking my hours, organizing my days, and CRUSHING MY TO-DO LIST was no longer an uphill battle.
I was now consistently clocking in four (4) hours of uninterrupted work per day, and I was no longer under unhealthy levels of stress or feeling overwhelmed.
What's more, I finally felt like I had total control over my to-do list, and for the first time in a long time:
I Felt Like I Was Winning At The End of Each Day!
"Then Came A Surprise..."
Real Results at General Motors
At the end of my second year with General Motors, my year-end review came with a rare accolade:
"Exceeded Expectations."
Even surrounded by brilliant programmers, many far smarter than me, I still stood out.
Not because of superior intellect — but because of better time-management skills and my secret weapon: FocusMaster™.
Today, I can confidently say I would not pursue any goal without this simple yet powerful tool.
In fact, I am using it right now to stay focused while writing this letter to you.
Is FocusMaster™ Right For You?
Frankly, I cannot guarantee this tool, or even any other tool, is right for you, but...
I can assure you it is worth exploring. I've been using FocusMaster™ myself for over five years, and it continues to be an essential part of my daily workflow.
Who is FocusMaster™ for?
FocusMaster™ is perfect for anyone spending most of their day working in front of a computer:
Online entrepreneurs, software developers, graphic designers, writers, coaches, freelancers—this is for you!
Still unsure about the power of focus in this digital age?
See what these leading minds have to say on the subject...
Brian Tracy (acclaimed author and motivational speaker) once said:
"Your ability to discipline yourself to focus on a single task without diversion will have more of an impact on your success than any other skill you can develop."
Arianna Huffington (co-founder of The Huffington Post) stressed the importance of single-tasking:
"Single-tasking is the new multitasking. We need to be more mindful of where we are placing our focus."
And who can forget Bruce Lee's iconic quote:
"The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus."
All in all, we cannot deny that our ability to focus is important, yet, sadly...
It is growing increasingly difficult to remain focused and fully engaged for even five minutes (due to the many distractions of this digital age).
That is why FocusMaster™ is a true must-have for Digital Professionals looking to significantly improve their productivity using a proven, battle-tested method such as Timeboxing.
So, if you're interested in unlocking the true potential of your productivity through the power of focus...
Keep reading to learn more about FocusMaster™ and how it can transform your workflow and help you overcome procrastination.
But before we go on, see if any of these questions strike a chord with you:
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Do you often feel overwhelmed by your to-do list?
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Do you struggle with staying focused and maintaining your productivity throughout the day?
-
Does it seem that despite your best efforts and hard work, you're still left with a nagging feeling that you haven't done enough?
Well, I have been in your shoes, and in the next 5 minutes, I am going to reveal to you...
How FocusMaster™ boosted my efficiency, putting an end to the frustrations I faced with managing tasks and staying focused.
But most importantly, you will discover how this simple tool can boost YOUR productivity too, empowering you to reach your goals faster than ever before.
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