We all have 24 hours, what do you do differently.

[MDToBe]

“ We all have 24 hours, it’s what you do in those that makes the difference.”

I keep seeing this phrase more often by big name entrepreneurs, but they never get into the specifics such as: I do “X” at this time and then I do “Y“ at that time.
Can who has a profitable business please give some actual steps or a little bit of insight about to how their day goes? I just feel like I’m spinning my wheels and time escapes me. I’m sure I can’t be the only one.

 

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[Eudaimonium]

Have an e-com related business since a couple of years. Roughly my time (outside of sleep) is spent:

2% planning (daily/weekly tasks according to priority, no time schedule)
8% solving crisis (daily fires that need to be extinguished)
10% working IN the business (non-automated tasks, communicating with employees/partners)
30% working ON the business (improving existing business systems/automation, developing new ideas)
50% relaxation + non-work tasks

I work every day, weekends and holidays included, if possible. I push to complete tasks in one go if possible, not for creative/mental work though. Peak performace can only be achieved for a few hours per day, so it is better to focus that precious time on one project consistently, for months and years, to get somewhere.

I mostly follow my intuition and only use planning as an external memory bank (a second brain). This means I do what I feel like, when I feel like it. This does not work for most people, which is why many have a job, to get a structure in their life. Not having that structure requires self-discipline, planning, organizing your environment/influences, removing distractions etc. You build your own structure.

Some years ago I had little or no job, money, family, friends, hobbies, so I spent up to 14 hours daily, grinding alone and trying my way forward. Obviously, this does not lead to booming revenue or profit (as you are limited in experience/tools/contacts/money/leverage) but it teaches you what works and what does not. I did this for almost a year and I don't recommend it as your health takes a hit, but you will learn what your limit is. It's like you are slaving away in a dark prison of your own making, but then you see the light, and things get better slowly.

 

[MDToBe]

Have an e-com related business since a couple of years. Roughly my time (outside of sleep) is spent:

2% planning (daily/weekly tasks according to priority, no time schedule)
8% solving crisis (daily fires that need to be extinguished)
10% working IN the business (non-automated tasks, communicating with employees/partners)
30% working ON the business (improving existing business systems/automation, developing new ideas)
50% relaxation + non-work tasks

I work every day, weekends and holidays included, if possible. I push to complete tasks in one go if possible, not for creative/mental work though. Peak performace can only be achieved for a few hours per day, so it is better to focus that precious time on one project consistently, for months and years, to get somewhere.

I mostly follow my intuition and only use planning as an external memory bank (a second brain). This means I do what I feel like, when I feel like it. This does not work for most people, which is why many have a job, to get a structure in their life. Not having that structure requires self-discipline, planning, organizing your environment/influences, removing distractions etc. You build your own structure.

Some years ago I had little or no job, money, family, friends, hobbies, so I spent up to 14 hours daily, grinding alone and trying my way forward. Obviously, this does not lead to booming revenue or profit (as you are limited in experience/tools/contacts/money/leverage) but it teaches you what works and what does not. I did this for almost a year and I don't recommend it as your health takes a hit, but you will learn what your limit is. It's like you are slaving away in a dark prison of your own making, but then you see the light, and things get better slowly.

Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience. Right now I’m applying to medical school while living on my own. Literally all my money goes to bills and food. Honestly I’m embarrassed by the state of my current life as I feel like I just work to pay bills and I can’t give back to my parents who sacrificed everything for me. I’m a first gen American so I’ve really got to figure out a way to provide value to people which doesn’t depend on my time. Seriously, major respect for you and your e commerce business. All my time is spent on my health , my studies , and building my entrepreneurial skills/prowess. I just can’t seem to find a path to go from from an idea on paper to getting them out there. I’ve fully embraced and accepted that I’m in a prison of my own making ( I actually like the way you put that) and I have no problems with it. People in my area don’t have any kind of entrepreneurial mindset any way so it’s hard to really connect with anyone who doesn’t have a similar mindset. I’m really Curious about your “second brain “ for planning. Could you elaborate on your process for planning. I’ve always been a terrible planner , but maybe cause I’ve never been taught.

 

[Eudaimonium]

Thank you so much for sharing your personal experience. Right now I’m applying to medical school while living on my own. Literally all my money goes to bills and food. Honestly I’m embarrassed by the state of my current life as I feel like I just work to pay bills and I can’t give back to my parents who sacrificed everything for me. I’m a first gen American so I’ve really got to figure out a way to provide value to people which doesn’t depend on my time. Seriously, major respect for you and your e commerce business. All my time is spent on my health , my studies , and building my entrepreneurial skills/prowess. I just can’t seem to find a path to go from from an idea on paper to getting them out there. I’ve fully embraced and accepted that I’m in a prison of my own making ( I actually like the way you put that) and I have no problems with it. People in my area don’t have any kind of entrepreneurial mindset any way so it’s hard to really connect with anyone who doesn’t have a similar mindset. I’m really Curious about your “second brain “ for planning. Could you elaborate on your process for planning. I’ve always been a terrible planner , but maybe cause I’ve never been taught.

Whenever I have an idea, or I realize there is some task I need to do at some point, I write them down. I never use my own memeory and try to remember things. Later I organize these by priority. I also use a commonplace system in evernote to organize my thoughts on different projects.

 

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[Matt Lee]

they never get into the specifics such as

There's a reason for this. Their specific routine may only work for them and not for you.

For example, someone may find meditating to be amazing while another may see it as a waste of time and prefer working out or writing. There is no magic routine you can just jump into and your days become clockwork. If you think there is a routine out there waiting for you, you'll spend a lot of time searching for it and waste more time.

It's just finding little variables to work better, smarter, and more efficiently. It usually entails trying things out and seeing what works and what doesn't. Of course, this assumes that you have some type of project or business you are building.

If you don't have something you are building or looking forward to, then you shouldn't look for a routine. You should look for something you can build and start today or even tomorrow at the latest.