In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, the difference between thriving and merely surviving often hinges on a singular, powerful daily habit.
With my experience coaching thousands of entrepreneurs, from ambitious side-hustlers to seven-figure empire builders, I’ve seen firsthand how one habit can be a game-changer for growing your online business.
Habits are more than routine actions; they are the pillars that support your journey to success. These daily, weekly and monthly rituals lay down the tracks for achieving both success and fulfillment in your personal and professional life. The Compound Effect of these habits, good or bad, accumulates over time, leading to significant outcomes.
Prioritizing Productivity
A common refrain echoes among entrepreneurs: “I don’t have enough time.” But consider this: the adage ‘give a task to a busy person, and it will be done’ rings true for a reason.
This phenomenon is grounded in Parkinson’s Law, which asserts that work expands to fill the time allotted for its completion. If you allocate two weeks to clean your garage, it’s likely to take that long. Yet, if you limit yourself to a day, the task is completed with surprising efficiency.
Rethinking Work Time
Remarkably, up to 50% of an average employee’s time at work is spent unproductively. In an 8-hour workday without urgency, tasks tend to stretch unnecessarily. Contrast this with a work-from-home scenario, where efficiency is paramount. Here, the completion of work liberates time for life’s pleasures, like family, friends and hobbies.
To amplify productivity and success, we need to compress the time we allow for work tasks. This is where the magic of time blocking comes into play.
Time Blocking: Your Secret Weapon
Time blocking or timeboxing is about dedicating specific time slots to tasks. It’s a strategic approach to structure your day, ensuring that each significant activity receives the focus it deserves. As Stephen Covey wisely said, “The key is not to prioritize your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Introducing the Aligned Action Schedule
The Aligned Action Schedule is a holistic approach to balance self-care with critical business activities. It’s about allocating time for everything that matters, personal and professional, and optimizing productivity by aligning tasks with your peak performance times.
A Glimpse into My Day
Continuing from there, let’s delve into how a typical day unfolds for me, giving you a real-life example of how effective time blocking and an Aligned Action Schedule can be.
My Daily Schedule: An Example
Morning Ritual (6:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
My day begins between 6:30 and 7:30 AM. This time is a reservoir of creative energy for me, akin to being in sync with the universe. Rather than jumping straight into self-care routines, I harness this energy for my most creative and demanding tasks, like marketing or customer service strategies.
First Creative Block (7:30 AM – 9:30 AM)
This block is dedicated to high-priority projects requiring creativity and discipline. It could be brainstorming for a new marketing campaign or designing a customer experience improvement.
Self-Care & Breakfast (9:30 AM – 10:15 AM)
After a solid creative session, I take about 45 minutes for exercise and breakfast. This break is vital for maintaining my physical and mental well-being, fueling me for the rest of the day.
Second Creative Block (10:15 AM – 12:15 PM)
Here, I might dive back into marketing or customer fulfillment tasks. Sometimes, it’s a mix of both, which I like to call “enlightened multitasking.” This is when I catch up on any urgent matters that need my attention.
Lunch & Personal Time (12:15 PM – 1:00 PM)
Lunch is an opportunity to recharge. It’s also a time to connect with my husband, Murray, and my assistant, ensuring that my personal life is in harmony with my professional demands.
Afternoon Schedule (1:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
My afternoons are generally reserved for group coaching, live trainings, webinars or team calls. These sessions are interspersed with short breaks to stretch, grab a snack or indulge in a bit of multitasking.
End of Workday (5:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
I aim to wrap up my work between 5 and 6 PM. Establishing a clear end to the workday is crucial to prevent work from encroaching on personal time, allowing for relaxation and recharging.
Why This Works
This schedule is a testament to the power of time blocking and the Aligned Action Schedule. By segmenting my day into focused blocks, I ensure that I dedicate the right amount of energy and attention to each aspect of my life and business. This method allows for a balanced approach to work and personal life, preventing burnout and maintaining productivity.
Customizing Your Schedule
It’s important to remember that what works for me might not be the perfect fit for you. Everyone’s ‘Perfect Day’ looks different, influenced by personal rhythms, priorities and life circumstances. Your schedule should reflect your unique goals, energy levels and commitments.
Implementing the Aligned Action Schedule
- Identify Key Areas: Start by identifying the essential areas in your life and business — like health, relationships, professional development and specific business tasks.
- Allocate Time Wisely: Assign specific time blocks for each of these areas. Be realistic about how much time each task requires and when you’re most productive.
- Prioritize Tasks: Understand which tasks need your utmost attention and schedule them during your peak productivity hours.
- Incorporate Flexibility: Life is unpredictable. Your schedule should have enough flexibility to accommodate unforeseen changes or emergencies.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review your schedule. What’s working? What isn’t? Make adjustments as needed to align it more closely with your goals and lifestyle.
The Outcome: A Balanced, Productive Life
By embracing this approach, you’ll find that you have more time for what truly matters. You’ll experience less stress and greater satisfaction, knowing that you’re making the most out of every day!
The most successful entrepreneurs aren’t just hard workers; they’re smart workers. They understand the value of time and how to harness it effectively. By adopting the habit of time blocking and creating an Aligned Action Schedule, you too can join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs who make every day count towards their goals!
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