Shot of a beautiful smiling young sportswoman resting after workout outdoors with smartwatch getty

With the rise of AI-powered smartwatches like the Pixel Watch, professionals are discovering new ways to stay focused, stick to their goals, and reduce distractions, without relying on their phones. Yes, my smart watch has become my accountability partner.

Staying productive in today’s distraction-heavy world requires more than just good intentions. Most professionals I coach are looking for more innovative ways to manage their time and energy, but often find that technology works against them. A glance at a notification can easily turn into 30 minutes of scrolling social media or replying to Slack messages, without even noticing it.

That’s where wearable tech can step in as an efficient accountability partner. With the latest updates to the Pixel Watch and Pixel Phones—including Gemini on Wear OS—Google is turning smartwatches into AI-powered focus tools. These innovations are helping users stay on task, reduce phone dependency, and support routines like timeboxing without the usual distractions.

1. Timeboxing With Smartwatches Equals Less Disruptive Reminders

Timeboxing, a method I use to schedule specific tasks into blocks of time on my calendar, is much easier to follow when you have reminders on your watch. With your calendar synced, you no longer need to rely on loud phone alarms or risk opening your phone and getting distracted by other apps. You can check your timeboxes directly on your watch and stay focused on the task at hand.

The Pixel Watch not only displays your calendar but also the first two tasks on your Google Tasks app. If you’ve set a date and time, those tasks appear on your calendar too, effectively becoming timeboxes. And now, Google is also rolling out a wearable Gemini assistant. With conversational AI on your wrist, you can ask for updates on your agenda, draft quick reminders, or adjust plans without opening an app or browser. For professionals on the move, this creates a more seamless and intentional workflow that supports your goals without disrupting your momentum.

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And if you also like to work out, the watch helps you quickly track calories, cardio load, and on the Pixel Watch, your fitness readiness. Now you can even start or pause your workout, or ask Gemini to create a playlist for that sprint, just by talking to your watch. That way, you can make time for a workout when your body needs it most and stay on track with both your fitness and timeboxing goals.

2. Less Screen, More Focus

One of the most common productivity challenges is the “phone trap,” where you check your phone for a specific reason only to get pulled into notifications, social media, or unrelated apps. This type of context switching can cost more than 20 minutes of productive time to regain flow, according to studies on cognitive load.

Smartwatches help avoid this trap by showing essential information, such as calendar events, reminders, and messages with minimal disruption. Instead of unlocking your phone and falling down a rabbit hole of distractions, you can quickly glance at what matters and move on.

New features like Circle to Search, now enhanced with AI Mode, offer an added layer of utility. You can ask follow-up questions or dig deeper into a topic—whether researching a client, reviewing a concept, or solving a quick tech issue—without switching tabs or picking up your phone. The result: more uninterrupted focus time.

If you’re using a Pixel 9 Pro, there’s also an added bonus: you get a full year of the Google AI Pro subscription at no cost. That includes access to advanced tools in the Gemini app like Veo 3 , which lets you describe an idea and turn it into a high-quality short video, complete with natural audio. Whether you’re preparing a presentation, creating content, or pitching a new concept, this can help you communicate your vision faster, without toggling between tools or apps.

3. Smartwatches Can Help You Create New Habits

Many people assume that having a smartwatch on your wrist will only increase distractions. But the opposite can be true when you use it intentionally. In my experience, by turning on Do Not Disturb during deep work or workouts (I keep it on during my tennis classes, coaching sessions, and writing sprints), and limiting interactions to quick glances or reminders, you can stay on track without falling into unnecessary scrolling.

Why Smartwatches Make a Difference for High Performers

In high-pressure roles and extremely busy family schedules where every minute counts, having a system that gently keeps you accountable can lead to more consistent performance, better boundaries, and ultimately, greater satisfaction with how you spend your time.

Smartwatches are valuable not because they introduce more tech into our lives, but because they help reinforce mindful habits. Used intentionally, wearable tech becomes more than a convenience, it becomes a catalyst for focus, alignment, and sustainable habits