Since I became self-employed in 2003, I’ve always looked for better ways to control my schedule.
Like most entrepreneurs, I’ve struggles with work / life balance – from too much work to too much play.
Thousands of entrepreneurs know about this simple concept from one of my heroes, Dan Sullivan of Strategic Coach®, but I wanted to share my adaptation.
I found through my experience in the Strategic Coach® program that not everyone has the tools to implement the system when the rubber meets the road.
Here’s how it works…
I purchased a wall calendar on Amazon and a pack of transparent round stickers in four colors (see Amazon links below). When you’re ready to get started, you can follow these simple steps (three of Dan’s principles sandwiched between a pair of my add-ons).
- I start out the year by marking in Red all the days that are just out of my control. This is an eye-opener that I highly recommend you complete with your spouse. Between weddings, holidays and all the other traditions that spawn annual events, you’ll be shocked to see how many days are gone before you get started.
- Mark your Free Days in Green – the days you plan to take vacation, spend time with your family and enjoying things you enjoy. Dan and his wife advocate 150 free days a year! Now a free day is 24 hours, MIDNIGHT TO MIDNIGHT, with no work. If that concept sounds impossible to you, then you need to keep reading!
- Mark your Focus Days in Yellow. On Focus days, you’re spending your time doing the activities that bring the most value to you and your business. Planning these days in advance will help you better prepare to make the most out of your opportunities.
- Mark your Buffer Days in Blue. The remainder of the days are there for you to plan, prep, primp and practice so you can shine on your Focus Days and rest on your Free Days.
- Reflect Monthly. Each month, take 15-20 minutes to look over your calendar and find out how you did. I chose transparent stickers so I can put an “actual” sticker over my “proposed” sticker. My goal is to see more Green than Red, of course! Taking time to reflect on your past month will help you consistently increase the quality of your future months.
My cross country coach always said, “The hardest part of running is putting your shoes on.” The same is true here.
The whole thing starts with the first action on your part. Check out the following links to put this system to work today.
In The Time Breakthrough™ Dan Sullivan will introduce you to an entirely new way of understanding and managing personal time. Learn how to use The Entrepreneurial Time System® to improve your results and spend greater amounts of time doing what you love.
The 21-Day Time Breakthrough Workbook, included in this package, provides a practical way to make the concepts learned from the audio CD and mini-booklet a daily habit. Instead of feeling trapped, enjoy a life that becomes increasingly rejuvenating, creative, integrated, and enjoyable.
You can purchase The Time Breakthrough™ by visiting the Strategic Coach® Store
As an advisor, coach and local leader, Jeremy Overton has spent the last 12 years educating and motivating individuals, families, and business owners who are interested in having a greater impact on their communities, the people they love, and the causes they support. You can connect with him on: Google+