How I Simplified My Schedule to Focus on What Matters Most
Leaders often discuss efficiency, but they rarely put it into action. With over fifteen years as a leader and entrepreneur, I’ve gathered some tips on how to be efficient. My motivation? Quality time with my daughters. I’ve learned that no job success is worth missing time at the dinner table. As my kids grow older, they notice my absence more. Those moments matter most.
As a typical “A-type” personality, I can become overwhelmed by the endless opportunities. In my community, countless charities could enjoy my time and skills. In my business life, I’m constantly tempted by new projects that seem tailor-made for the market. At home, I often feel pressure to sign my daughters up for every activity. It will help them reach their Ivy League dreams.
And in the few quiet moments I get, it’s as easy to fall into distractions. The digital world has endless ways to pass the time. You can explore social media or visit sites like www.betamo.com/en-CA/games/live-casino. But often, these activities don’t give much back. That’s why focusing on what matters is the key step in mastering efficiency.
I used to say yes to every volunteer role and nonprofit board. The most powerful lesson I’ve learned? One truly passionate person can outshine a crowd of forty half-committed ones. I finally accepted that I don’t need to say yes to everything.
Now, I focus only on where I can make the biggest impact. Sometimes that means buying the Girl Scout cookies instead of running the fundraiser.
Try this: pick your top skills and sort them into three areas—Community, Work, and Personal. Then choose 1–3 things where you can truly make a difference. That’s it.
Stick to those, and your days will feel calmer and more purposeful. Revisit your focus only when life changes dramatically—not every season or whim.
Communicate Less
Whether it’s a “like,” a quick “K” text, or an email reply, we often feel the need to respond—even when it’s unnecessary. It makes us feel seen and valued. But that tiny response? It steals your focus. Instead, only communicate when it matters. A quick reply rarely adds value.
In meetings, you don’t need to speak to be heard. I used to think staying quiet made me look less important. But I’ve learned that speaking less makes your words more powerful. Listen deeply, think clearly, and then share something meaningful.
The same goes for email. I keep my inbox simple with three categories:
- INBOX – Things to handle in the next 24 hours (my digital to-do list).
- FOLDER – Stuff to read or review later.
- TRASH – Where 99% of emails go.
Yes, I still scan newsletters and trends (I’m in marketing!), but I file fast and stay organized. Less noise = more focus.
Time Ninja Your Day
You and I woke up today with the same 24 hours. I take time ninjaing to mastery level. I time ninja my entire week. I’ve learned to manage my time intentionally—instead of letting it manage me. I turn down meetings if they aren’t in line with my calendar, no matter how important or rare the opportunity. I hold to the schedule because it keeps me sane. I came to this conclusion after far too many years of insanity.
Mondays are for writing, usually by the pool when it’s warm. Sunshine and water keep me calm. I’ll take Google Hangout calls poolside, and friends often join me to co-work or brainstorm.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are office days, while on Wednesdays and Fridays I work from home.
I have one rule: I never leave my daughters with a sitter for more than one night a week. This means I sometimes skip dates or networking events.
Final Thoughts
I’m a big believer in research and lifelong learning. I read everything from the Harvard Business Review to the latest business bestsellers. I don’t read digital books—I’m old school, with highlighters and notes in the margins.
Every day, I block off at least two hours for research. That means saying no to meetings or tasks that seem urgent but aren’t important. My clients hire me for strategic thinking, and I can’t do that if I’m working off outdated info.
As leaders, we must help our teams manage their time. If someone is overwhelmed, help them focus. Like most entrepreneurs, I wear many hats, but I stay sharp by focusing on my top three areas of strength. Every time I drift from that, things take longer than they should.