How to Have Enough Time for Everything
Even if you *really* don't.
Solopreneurs often struggle with time. Many say that lack of time is the main reason they:
Can’t work on their business as much as they want
Can’t learn as much as they want
Can’t get the results they want
Even when they apply popular time management techniques, it never lasts. Many complain they “just don’t have the willpower.”
Sounds familiar?
Solopreneurship is demanding, and one of its most pressing demands is the ability to manage time like a pro. Today, I’ll show you how to do just that.
By the end of this newsletter:
You’ll have a new understanding of time management
You’ll be convinced you have all the time in the world to do everything you want to do
Let’s begin.
Secret to Success: Manage time like a pro.
In this newsletter:
3 time management concepts — which one should you focus on?
Flow state is the key to ultra-productivity — and it’s easier to achieve than you think.
For paid subscribers only:
The 5-hour rule of Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, and other billionaires — and why it’s crucial for long-term time management.
Thinking as a task on your to-do list
The key to the castle: microproductivity.
The secret ingredient of effective time management
3 time management concepts — which one should you focus on?
After 20 hours of research, I’ve categorised time management strategies into three distinct concepts.
These are the 3 ways to approach time management:
Make the best of your time by learning how to do things faster. These strategies include structures, templates, tools, and hacks for optimal performance.
Make the best of your time by learning how to manage your schedule better. This is about timing yourself, using deadlines, taking short breaks and more.
Make the best of your time by seeing time differently. A coach once told me 5 minutes of talking with my husband are infinitely more impactful than 5 hours of watching TV together. This time management strategy is about massive mind shifts, and it’s the one I’d like to discuss today.
The reason I’d like to focus on creating powerful mind shifts around time is that:
This is the least discussed time management strategy online.
It creates lasting positive change that requires minimum willpower.
It helps improve not just how much work you manage to do within a set period of time but also the quality of the work you do.
Flow state is the key to ultra-productivity — and it’s easier to achieve than you think.
If you want to become a person who always manages to do what’s important within the time they have (or the time they’ve allocated), the first thing you need to understand is how Flow States work.
The term “flow state” describes a mental state in which a person is completely focused on a single task or activity. Some call it being “in the zone.” Flow States usually result in deep, high-quality work that you do faster than you thought possible.
Scientifically, flow states are called autotelic experiences. “Autotelic derives from two Greek words: autos (self) and telos (end or goal). Autotelic experiences are things that are worth doing in and of themselves.”
Many people over-complicate Flow States. Some wake up at 5 am, take a cold shower, and do a few cartwheels to unlock them.
Others assume a Flow State can only be achieved when you’re doing something that has a deep meaning or is crucial for your goals. Yet, many of us achieve Flow States unintentionally while we play games.
So, what is it that can unlock a flow state? It’s pretty simple, according to science. Flow states happen when high skill meets high challenge.
If you feel overwhelmed about the task you’re performing, you lack skill. If you feel underwhelmed, you lack challenge. If you feel good about where you are, but you’re not achieving progress, chances are you’re in the control zone — you have high skills, but you give yourself average-challenge tasks. This is good for your ego but not so good for achieving your dreams.
It’s worth noting that these are relative terms. Beginners and experts would require different types of tasks to trigger flow, but both can do it when the challenge/skill ratio is just right.
Why is Flow State important:
During flow, your attention is completely in the present moment, supporting creativity and productivity. What’s more, flow states are fun, distract you from stressors, and are an essential part of a happy life.
In terms of time management, Flow States work because they help you:
Do the right type of work. Consciously choosing a challenging task is more likely to help you achieve your goals.
Do better work. It’s scientifically proven that this state of enhanced focus leads to improved performance.
Do it faster (both in terms of starting it faster and completing it faster) because you find it enjoyable.
How to do meaningful work in minutes? Find out below (and get 1 month of free coaching with me).
The 5-hour rule of Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and other billionaires — and why it’s crucial for long-term time management.
Bill Gates, Barack Obama, Jack Ma, Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey are all popular for following the 5-Hour Rule.