The Planning System That Transformed My Life and Business
In a world where entrepreneurs are constantly bombarded with tasks and responsibilities, finding a system that not only boosts productivity but also enhances personal well-being is essential. In a recent episode of the Untapped Podcast, Briony shared her revolutionary approach to time management that has transformed her work-life balance. This blog post delves into the details of her method, offering insights and practical tips for entrepreneurs seeking to reclaim their time and reduce overwhelm.
Overwhelm and Disjointed Schedules
Briony begins by acknowledging the myriad of demands placed on entrepreneurs. From managing marketing and sales to handling tech issues and maintaining personal relationships, the list of tasks can seem endless. She highlights the impact of constant connectivity and the stress caused by reacting to notifications and messages throughout the day.
The Solution: Themed Days
The breakthrough came with the concept of themed days. Instead of trying to tackle every task every day, Briony organizes her week by dedicating specific days to particular types of work. This approach not only streamlines her schedule but also aligns with her energy levels and natural rhythms.
Leadership and Team Day (Monday)
Briony starts her week by focusing on leadership and team coordination. Monday is reserved for meeting with her co-founder Delaney, setting up the team, delegating tasks, and ensuring everyone is aligned for the week ahead. This day is all about laying the groundwork and providing direction.
Call and Delivery Days (Tuesday and Thursday)
Tuesdays and Thursdays are designated for client calls, coaching sessions, and delivery of services. These are high-energy, high-engagement days that require Briony to be fully present and focused. To support this intense schedule, she emphasizes the importance of self-care, including a solid morning routine and evening relaxation activities.
Creative and Project Day (Wednesday)
Wednesdays are for deep work and creative projects. This day is free from client interactions and team meetings, allowing Briony to immerse herself in content creation, writing, and other creative endeavors. By dedicating an entire day to creativity, she can achieve a state of flow and produce high-quality work without interruptions.
Networking and Social Day (Friday)
Fridays are reserved for networking and social engagements. This could include attending networking events, having brunch with potential collaborators, or hosting co-working sessions. By clustering social activities at the end of the week, Briony can maintain her productivity during the peak days and unwind while building valuable connections.
Boundaries and Consistency
A key aspect of successfully implementing themed days is setting and maintaining boundaries. Briony advises entrepreneurs to communicate their schedules clearly to their teams and clients, using tools like Calendly to enforce availability. This prevents ad-hoc meetings from disrupting the flow and ensures that themed days are respected.
Deep Work and Task Switching
The concept of deep work, popularized by Carl Newport, underpins Briony’s approach. Deep work involves focusing on cognitively demanding tasks without distractions, leading to higher productivity and better outcomes. Switching between tasks, on the other hand, is known to reduce efficiency due to the cognitive cost of reorienting attention. By minimizing task switching, themed days help preserve mental energy and enhance focus.
Tailoring the System to Your Needs
While Briony’s schedule works well for her, she encourages entrepreneurs to adapt the system to their unique needs. Themed days should reflect one’s priorities and energy levels. For instance, if an entrepreneur is more creative on Fridays, they can designate that day for creative work. The goal is to create a structure that aligns with individual preferences and maximizes productivity.
Building New Habits
Adopting themed days requires discipline and a willingness to adjust old habits. Briony acknowledges that there may be slip-ups initially, but emphasizes the importance of awareness and course correction. By consistently reinforcing the new structure, entrepreneurs can build a more sustainable and enjoyable work routine.
Conclusion
Themed days have been a game-changer for Briony, offering her more peace, space, and focus in her weekly routine. Entrepreneurs looking to optimize their schedules and reduce overwhelm can benefit greatly from this approach. By prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and aligning work with natural rhythms, themed days can unlock new levels of productivity and well-being.
Ready to get ahead of the game? Grab our Untapped Business Planning Workshop now and gain access to blueprints, planning templates, reflection prompts and essential resources to streamline your operations and create massive clarity in your business!
