The Entrepreneur's Guide to Protecting Time and Energy

Not everything that demands your time deserves it 👀.

As entrepreneurs, we wear many hats, juggle numerous responsibilities, and often feel pulled in every direction. But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned since starting my own business is this: your time is your most valuable asset.

The Value of Evaluating Energy

Every decision we make as business owners either builds our business or just keeps us busy. The challenge lies in distinguishing between the two. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling productive while doing tasks that don’t truly drive growth.

While I’m far from perfect, I’m constantly learning how to:

• Protect my time by saying no to distractions.

• Set boundaries with clients, colleagues, and even myself.

• Focus on what matters most, leaving behind tasks that don’t align with my goals.

My Daily Reminder: The Timer

To help me stay in control of my time, I started using a simple but powerful tool—a timer. It serves as a visual and tactile reminder to stay focused and work within set periods.

Whether I’m working on a major project or managing smaller tasks, the timer keeps me accountable. It helps me avoid overcommitting, wasting time, or getting stuck in the weeds of non-essential activities.

Strategies for Staying Focused

Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful for staying productive:

1️⃣ Time Blocking: Schedule specific blocks of time for focused work, and treat them as unbreakable appointments.

2️⃣ The Two-Minute Rule: If something takes less than two minutes, do it now and clear it from your mental to-do list.

3️⃣ Prioritize High-Value Tasks: Identify the top three tasks that will make the biggest impact on your goals, and start with those.

4️⃣ Use a Timer: Set a timer for focused work intervals, like the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes work, 5 minutes break).

Inspired by Fellow Entrepreneurs

I want to thank Marianna Keeth for inspiring me to incorporate the timer into my routine. It’s a simple addition, but it has had a powerful impact on how I manage my time and energy.

What Works for You?

Time management isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we all have tools or methods that work best for us.

So, let me ask: What tools or strategies do you use to stay focused and prioritize what matters most?

Let’s keep learning from each other and building businesses that align with our values and goals—without losing control of our most precious resource: time.