Solopreneur's Guide to Time Management & Productivity: When Things Get Tough

What to do when you're questioning why you're doing all this?

I've been doing some soul-searching lately, sparked by a whirlwind of personal challenges that hit me out of nowhere.

You know, those moments when life decides to throw you a curveball (or three), and suddenly you find yourself questioning everything? That was me. Amidst the chaos, I found myself wondering why I was even on this solopreneur journey. Why chase these goals? Was it all worth it?

But here's the kicker: I realised that being stressed is possibly the worst time to ponder these existential questions. Stress clouds our judgement, tints our glasses a shade too dark, and suddenly, we're not just dealing with the crisis at hand but also doubting every decision we've ever made.

It's like trying to decide whether to swim to shore or stay afloat in choppy waters while you're already drowning. Not exactly the best timing...

Luckily, I was blessed with some incredible coaching that threw me a lifeline. It helped me see that crisis moments are for action and survival, not for making life-altering decisions about my business or goals.

So, I want to share some nuggets of wisdom that helped me and hopefully, they can help you too, whether you're weathering your own storm or just trying to manage everyday solopreneur challenges.

Step Back, Don’t React
When everything feels like it's falling apart, our first instinct might be to react immediately. But here's what I learned: take a step back. Give yourself the grace to breathe and assess. It's not about making quick decisions but the right ones for you and your business.

The Power of "Why"
In the thick of stress, we forget to ask ourselves why we're doing what we're doing. But here's the twist: don't ask this question when you're overwhelmed. Instead, schedule regular check-ins with your goals and motivations during calm periods. It helps keep you aligned and focused, minus the crisis-induced doubt.

Small Steps for Big Gains
When your decision-making ability is under the weather, focus on small, actionable steps that keep you moving forward. Here are a few I found incredibly helpful:

• Prioritise Ruthlessly: Not everything needs your attention right now. Pick what does and save the rest for later.
• Time Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time to specific tasks. It's like telling your day where to go instead of wondering where it went.
• The Art of Saying No: Every 'yes' you give away is a piece of your time you're not getting back. Choose wisely.
• Self-Care is Non-Negotiable: Remember, a stressed mind is not your friend. Take care of yourself; your business will thank you.

Embrace the Journey
Remember, every solopreneur journey has its ups and downs. It's not about avoiding the storms but learning to sail through them. And it's okay to seek help when the waters get too rough. I did, and it made all the difference.

So, here's my invitation to you: If you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just in need of a strategy session to get your time management and productivity back on track, let's chat. No pressure, no sales pitch, just two solopreneurs sharing a virtual cup of coffee and figuring out how to navigate this crazy, beautiful entrepreneurial journey together.

Book your Time Design session HERE.