Not only is seeking relief, rather than the manifestation, a good approach, I would say it's the only approach :)

Every transformational process has an emotional component whether it is openly acknowledged or not.

Even just taking physical action to get what you want has an emotional component to it because it makes you feel better to take the action (for what you want).

This is what Manifesting Experiment 3 - Vibrational Goal Getting will be about...when I actually manage to find the time to finish writing the software to go with it :)

In fact, there isn't a single thing that anyone wants for any other reason than to feel better or, to put it another way, seek relief from a less-good-feeling emotion.

So the physical manifestations that so many are chasing are really only things for them to observe in their reality and then feel better anyway. It's easier to just feel better first, don't you think? :)

If you can make your manifesting efforts purely about the better-feeling emotion and not the physical end-result, you've got it absolutely nailed

... because that constant attention to the lack of the physical manifestation is what keeps the lack of the physical manifestation in your experience.

By leaving the physical manifestation out of it, you by-pass that problem completely. It's exactly what I do and it is highly effective.

As for how often to do Focus Blocks (or any other manifesting method), do them as often as you feel you need to, to keep yourself generally feeling good in your life.

Some kind of vibrational work on a daily basis (meditation at a minimum) is ideal because your Vortex is in a constant state of expansion.

Trying to stand still vibrationally is equivalent to going backwards...expansion is the nature of physical (and non-physical) life.

A rule of thumb that I have been experimenting with is to deliberately tune yourself into the Vortex once a day (preferably first thing in the morning) and then let life unfold however it unfolds...just enjoy the ride :)

EDIT

Just an extra little tip to anyone that might be thinking of trying the morning Vortex tune-up...

The vibrational state you are in when you wake-up follows on exactly from the state you were in when you fell asleep.

So you can actually start your vibrational tune-up the night before (even as you are lying in bed, perhaps thinking appreciative thoughts) and then just continue it the next morning to finally tune yourself up into the Vortex for the day ahead.

Saves a bit of time if you are in a rush :)