Daily Routines for Success

My best business coach ever was a teenager. I was confusing dedication with workaholism. And he called me on it. I wanted to spend more time together with my son. So, I brought him along on a business trip. We were in a hotel lobby when I overheard this: "Oh, my mom is ALWAYS on her phone!" I turned. He was talking to a colleague, Who was trying, unsuccessfully, to get my attention. Gulp. That got my attention loud and clear. I knew something had to change. That's when I came up with the "Hard Stop" rule. If you need to break the cycle of constant work, and claim your life back, here how to use it: 🛑Schedule "Hard Stops" ↳ Block 2-3 30-minute non-negotiable slots weekly ↳ Do something that is NOT work (like talk to your kid) 💡Why it works: It creates short breaks that force you away from work. Add more slots, or make them longer, as you get used to it. 🛑 Announce your "Hard Stops" ↳ Begin meetings with "I have a hard stop at 3:00 pm" ↳ Set an alarm for 3 minutes before and remind folks 💡Why it works: It changes patterns and gives you space to breathe. 🛑 Systematize your "Hard Stops" ↳ Use DND to control your notifications ↳ Put an OOO on your email every day at 6 pm 💡Why it works: It resets people's expectations of you and forces a break. 🛑 Use a "Hard Stop" Replacement ↳ Pick something you love and turn to that instead of work ↳ It should be easy and available - a book, a walk, a hobby 💡Why it works: Workaholism is a habit. It's easier to break when we have an alternative. 🛑 Set your office calendar to "Private" ↳ If you share office calendars, mark only work commitments as visible ↳ You other items will show as “Busy” without details 💡Why it works: It keeps others from judging whether or not you are available . I'll admit I still struggle with workaholism. I have to remind myself that I don't work in an ER. Sometimes, I find myself pulled back to bad habits. It's usually a sign of a deeper emotional need. So, I give myself grace. If you relate, I'd love to know what strategies you use to address workaholism. Share below 👇 ♻️ Repost to help others break free from overwork! ➕ Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more career advice and strategies.

The single most powerful habit for personal growth: (I've done this every morning for 5 years) Journaling. These are my 5 favorite prompts: 1. The Morning Kickstart No one has time to journal a novel every morning. Instead, I ask 5 questions: • What's 1 thing I'm grateful for?  • What's 1 thing I'm excited about?  • What's 1 virtue I want to exhibit?  • What's 1 thing I'm avoiding?  • What's the 1 thing I need to do? I set a 5-minute timer & each question gets 1 sentence, max. This prompt covers: • Gratitude • Excitement for the day ahead • Reminders about the type of person I'm trying to become It ends with a reminder of the 1 most important thing I need to today. 2. The Evening Shutdown This one has to be quick, too. So I set a 5-minute timer and answer: • What were my biggest wins of the day? • Did I have any major realizations? • What's on the agenda for tomorrow? By recapping my biggest wins & realizations, I keep a ledger of: • The good things happening in my life • What I'm learning about myself & the world And by brain dumping bullets on the next day, I let my subconscious work overnight. 3. The Bottleneck Analysis This one has been huge for my personal growth. It has 2 questions: • What's the biggest bottleneck to achieving my next goal? • Why aren't I working on it today? The truth is, you know exactly what you should be doing. So—stop looking for new things and do the things you know you should be doing. 4. The 80/20 Life Audit Start with 2 lists: • Where am I feeling satisfied? • Where am I feeling dissatisfied? Brain dump everything—health, finances, relationships, career, spirituality. Then, take each list and find the 20% of: • Places • Habits • People • Beliefs That are leading to 80% of the positive & negative results. This is the 80/20 rule in action. During this reflection, patterns will emerge. The same people, habits, and beliefs—all leading to your best and worst results. From there, your goal is to: • Double down on the 20% positive • Eliminate the 20% negative This is an instant life upgrade. 5. The Compounding Projection Success (or failure) is a result of tiny actions compounded over time. But it can be hard to gauge your progress. So ask these 2 questions: • If I repeated every action I took today, every day for a year, where would I end up? • Is this the place I want to be? If you're confident in your current path, this will help you be more patient. But if you're on the wrong path, it will help you course correct. Boom, that's it! These 5 prompts always leave me with a feeling of *elite* clarity. 📌 I used these prompts to start writing online & make my first $10k as a ghostwriter. Ghostwriting helped me see a world beyond Wall Street so I could ultimately quit my 9 to 5. Want to get paid to write & work with industry leaders? Get started with this free, 5-day email course:https://lnkd.in/ep3kMFAA

Delete your to-do list. My clients use this instead: The 5-25-5 Productivity Stack Elite performers don't manage time. They stack it. (Save this 5-25-5 Method) After coaching 200+ executives, here's what actually works: 1/ The Power Preview (5 mins) ↳ Rate your energy level (1-10) ↳ List your top 3 priorities ↳ Stack similar tasks together ↳ Pick ONE breakthrough move → 25% daily productivity improvement 2/ The Focus Lock (25 mins) ↳ Clear all notifications ↳ Set a non-negotiable timer ↳ Attack your biggest priority ↳ Use pressure as fuel → 46% reduction in daily distractions 3/ The Strategic Close (5 mins) ↳ Review what got done ↳ Stack tomorrow's tasks ↳ Schedule your next block ↳ Celebrate small wins → Save an average of 498 hours per year 4/ The Stack Multiplier ↳ Start with ONE block before 11am ↳ Protect it like a board meeting ↳ Stack blocks as you build momentum ↳ Reset timer if interrupted → 30% faster decision-making 5/ The Reality Check ↳ Progress beats perfection ↳ Energy management > time management ↳ Small wins compound ↳ Systems beat willpower → Target 85% effort for productivity balance Reality check: You don't need more time. You need better systems. Which tip will you implement tomorrow? 🔖 Save this productivity stack 🎯 Follow me (Loren) for more on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth. ♻️ Share with to help others thrive

How to Get More Done in Less Time. (Your guide to working smarter, not harder) As a busy dad of 4 building a brand & business, I had to get creative with how I managed my time. I've read dozens of productivity books, listened to the podcasts, and followed the gurus. But it wasn't until I found what worked for me, that I was able to accomplish more with what seems to be less effort. Here's my 5-Step Framework: 1. Prioritize and Plan with Intention - What will move the needle forward today? - Choose 3 high-impact tasks and write them down. - Set deadlines and time limits for each. - Build your day around these priorities—everything else is noise. 2. Time Block Like a Pro - When will you do your best work? - Dedicate focused blocks of time for deep work. - Schedule everything: calls, emails, breaks—even downtime. - Stick to your blocks like they’re non-negotiable meetings. 3. Automate and Systematize - What tasks can you stop doing manually? - Use tech tools to handle repetitive work (e.g., auto-replies, scheduling). - Create templates, SOPs, or workflows for tasks you repeat often. - Free up mental energy for what matters. 4. Batch Similar Tasks - How can you reduce context-switching? - Group related tasks (e.g., emails, brainstorming, admin) and tackle them in one go. - Focus on one "mode" at a time: create, respond, or strategize. - End the habit of jumping between tasks—it kills momentum. 5. Delegate or Outsource - What can someone else do for you? - Identify low-leverage tasks that don’t need your expertise. - Train someone, then trust them to own it. - Stay focused on the high-value work only you can do. Ready to lock this in? Which one are you starting with today? ♻️ Share to help your network be more efficient. ➕ Follow Nico for daily productivity & branding insights.

Most people start mornings stressed. Science says 3 minutes can change that. For years, my mornings felt chaotic. Snoozing alarms. Scrolling aimlessly. And starting the day already behind. I thought it was just how mornings were. Stressful, rushed, and overwhelming. Turns out, I wasn’t alone: 95% of Americans dislike mornings, associating them with stress and overwhelm (Ipsos). But your mornings don’t have to feel this way. Everything changed when I discovered this science-backed protocol from Dr. Andrew Huberman. It’s not about waking up at 5 AM. Or doing a crazy 10-step ritual. It’s about starting your day with clarity, calm, and focus. And the best part... It only takes 3 minutes. Here’s the exact protocol: 1️⃣ 5 Gratitudes ↳ Gratitude reduces stress and primes your brain for positivity. ↳ Write down five things you’re thankful for. ↳ It can be simple, like “hot coffee” or “a sunny day.” 2️⃣ 3 Plans for the Day ↳ Defining priorities can increase productivity. ↳ Write down your top three must-do tasks. ↳ Simple beats complicated. 3️⃣ Fears or Resentments ↳ Naming emotions reduces their intensity. ↳ Write down one fear or frustration. ↳ Acknowledging it clears mental clutter. 4️⃣ Things to Watch Out For ↳ Anticipating challenges helps you navigate them calmly. ↳ Identify one potential obstacle. ↳ Think of distractions or a difficult meeting. 5️⃣ Things to Strive For ↳ Big goals activate your brain’s motivation centers. ↳ Write down one aspiration for the day. ↳ Dream big. This routine isn’t just about planning your day. It’s about rewiring your brain. It works because it aligns your emotions, focus, and actions, all in under 3 minutes. Practices like gratitude, goal-setting, and emotional awareness improve focus, reduce anxiety, and make decision-making easier. At first, writing down my fears felt strange. But what surprised me most? Acknowledging them took the edge off. They stopped controlling my thoughts. Even if you start mornings stressed, this protocol can change how you approach the day. Here’s what changed for me: ✅ I stopped starting the day in a fog of stress. ✅ I tackled my priorities before noon. ✅ And no more procrastinating. ✅ Even on bad days, this helped me reset. For non-morning people? It might just convert you. This isn’t about becoming perfect. It’s about giving yourself 3 minutes to create clarity, calm, and focus. Try it for a week. If it doesn’t work for you, let it go. But if it does? You’ll never look back. ♻️ Repost this to inspire more focused mornings. ➕ Follow me (Amy) for science-backed strategies.

Between job hunting, building AI automations, and managing our new puppy, I've discovered a time management trick that’s changing the game. Curious? So, I had a revelation. You know those moments when you’re juggling a million things and feel like you’re barely holding it together? Yeah, that’s been me. But here’s the kicker – I found a way to manage my time without losing my mind. Intrigued? Let me spill the beans. 🗓 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰 Ever heard of time blocking? It’s like scheduling your day into neat little chunks dedicated to specific tasks. Think of it as creating a series of appointments with yourself. I started by blocking out time for my biggest priorities – work projects, gym, even that elusive “me time.” And guess what? It’s been a game-changer. Here’s how it works: ▶ Identify Your Tasks: List out what you need to get done. ▶ Block Your Time: Assign each task a specific time slot. Be realistic about how long things take. ▶ Stick to It: Treat these blocks like actual appointments. No skipping! 🍅 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗿𝗼 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲 Now, let’s talk Pomodoro. It’s a time management method that breaks work into intervals, usually 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four “Pomodoros,” take a longer break, say 15-30 minutes. Here’s the scoop: ✅ Set a Timer: Work for 25 minutes. No distractions. ✅ Take a Break: Give yourself 5 minutes to stretch, grab a coffee, or check Instagram. ✅ Repeat: After four sessions, reward yourself with a longer break. 🧙♂️ 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗲 Balancing these techniques is key. Here’s what I learned: ✅ Mix It Up: Use time blocking for overarching structure and Pomodoro for intense focus periods. ✅ Be Flexible: Sometimes things come up. Adjust your blocks but don’t abandon them. ✅ Self-Care: Remember to block time for breaks and relaxation. Your brain needs it. Real-Life Example Just the other day, I had a packed schedule. Meetings, emails, and a looming deadline with a new client. I started with time blocking, scheduling each task throughout my day. Then, during each block, I used Pomodoro to stay laser-focused. Even with our new puppy demanding attention and my AI automation projects needing tweaks, by 5 PM, I was done with my to-do list and had time to unwind. Who knew time management could feel so liberating? Your Turn Give it a try. Start small. Maybe block out your morning or use Pomodoro for your next big task. See what works best for you and tweak it as needed. The key is finding a rhythm that keeps you productive and sane. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember: a little time blocking, a dash of Pomodoro, and a sprinkle of self-care can work wonders. Have a great week and happy time managing! P.S. What time management hacks do you swear by? Hit reply and let me know! Let’s share the love and the sanity. 😊

The root of procrastination isn't laziness, it's bad habits. If you struggle with procrastination, read this: I wasn't the best student in college. Procrastinating was easy—and not just because my space was tiny and cluttered. I was set on launching businesses. Out of all the mental models and frameworks I tried, one stuck: The Habit Loop. Here's how it works: The Habit Loop has three key components: • Cue: The trigger that initiates the habit • Routine: The behavior that follows the cue • Reward: The payoff that reinforces the routine Let's take a common bad habit: Snacking on junk food. Cue: Feeling stressed or bored Routine: Grabbing a bag of chips from the pantry Reward: Temporary distraction and a crunch Now, let's break it down and rebuild it. 1/ First, identify your cue. Is it a specific time of day? A certain emotion? A preceding action? For me, it was the 3pm slump. I'd feel tired and unmotivated and reach for my phone. Once you know your cue, you can plan for it. 2/ Next, replace the routine. This is where you take action. Instead of scrolling, I started doing 5-minute desk stretches. The key is to find a new routine that still provides a reward. For me, stretching gave me an energy boost and a sense of accomplishment. 3/ Finally, embrace the reward. This is what solidifies the new habit. After stretching, I'd give myself a small indulgence, like a 5-minute break or a quick, hearty meal. The beauty of the Habit Loop is its simplicity. It can be applied to any habit, big or small. Want to start exercising regularly? Cue: Put your workout clothes next to your bed Routine: Do a 20-minute home workout first thing in the morning Reward: Enjoy a good breakfast Want to read more books? Cue: Set a daily alarm labeled "Reading Time" Routine: Read for 20 minutes before bed Reward: Give yourself an extra 15 minutes of sleep in the morning The possibilities are endless. But the key is experimentation. Habit change isn't easy. It takes time and consistency. And as your habits improve, so does your life. If you enjoyed this and want more in-depth content like this: Join my newsletter to learn my business principles, systems, mental models, and scaling to $20M annual revenue 👉 https://lnkd.in/ewHNVx4N

Sometimes I look back at my time in the Air Force and wonder how I got everything done . . . how did I get kids to soccer, stay credible in the airplane, do laundry and grocery shopping, and focus on my role as a commander and leader. The reality is that there were often times where I felt overwhelmed by multiple competing priorities . . . there just didn’t seem to be enough time in the day to get it all done. The only way I could keep my head above water was to get serious and deliberate about prioritizing. I didn’t always get this right, but here are a few ideas that can help with prioritizing tasks and making the most of your time: 1️⃣ Identify Your Goals/Priorities: Clearly define your objectives to focus on tasks that align with your priorities. 2️⃣ Prioritize Tasks: Conduct a thorough analysis of your daily tasks. Determine which tasks are urgent and important, and focus on completing those first. {I didn’t know about the Eisenhower Matrix then, but I find it highly effective now for prioritizing tasks.)   3️⃣ Delegate Responsibilities: Trust others to handle tasks not directly related to your core responsibilities, freeing up time for priorities. 4️⃣ Set Realistic Deadlines: Break down larger tasks into smaller steps with achievable deadlines to maintain steady progress. Micro/quick wins are also good for motivation. (I personally enjoy crossing items off of my to-do list.) 5️⃣ Learn to Say No: Be selective about new commitments to avoid overloading your schedule (sometimes easier said than done, and it’s helpful to have an accountability partner on this). 6️⃣ Block your Schedule: Consider setting aside specific blocks in your schedule for strategic thinking. Creating this space ensures that you are actively working toward your goals and objectives and not just getting bogged down in the weeds. 7️⃣ Review and Adjust: Regularly reassess your schedule and priorities to ensure they align with your goals, adjusting as needed. (I use a high tech sticky note and review/re-write at the end of each day). Whether you're a business professional, military member, entrepreneur, or student, effective time management is key to maintaining productivity and reducing stress. #Prioritization #ProfessionalDevelopment #PersonalDevelopment

Anyone else suffer from meeting overload? It’s a big deal. Simply put too many meetings means less time available for actual work, plus constantly attending meetings can be mentally draining, and often they simply are not required to accomplish the agenda items. At the same time sometimes it’s unavoidable. No matter where you are in your career, here are a few ways that I tackle this topic so that I can be my best and hold myself accountable to how my time is spent. I take 15 minutes every Friday to look at the week ahead and what is on my calendar. I follow these tips to ensure what is on the calendar should be and that I’m prepared. It ensures that I have a relevant and focused communications approach, and enables me to focus on optimizing productivity, outcomes and impact. 1. Review the meeting agenda. If there’s no agenda I send an email asking for one so you know exactly what you need to prepare for, and can ensure your time is correctly prioritized. You may discover you’re actually not the correct person to even attend. If it’s your meeting, set an agenda because accountability goes both ways. 2. Define desired outcomes. What do you want/need from the meeting to enable you to move forward? Be clear about it with participants so you can work collaboratively towards the goal in the time allotted. 3. Confirm you need the meeting. Meetings should be used for difficult or complex discussions, relationship building, and other topics that can get lost in text-based exchanges. A lot of times though we schedule meetings that we don’t actually require a meeting to accomplish the task at hand. Give ourselves and others back time and get the work done without that meeting. 4. Shorten the meeting duration. Can you cut 15 minutes off your meeting? How about 5? I cut 15 minutes off some of my recurring meetings a month ago. That’s 3 hours back in a week I now have to redirect to high impact work. While you’re at it, do you even need all those recurring meetings? It’s never too early for a calendar spring cleaning. 5. Use meetings for discussion topics, not FYIs. I save a lot of time here. We don’t need to speak to go through FYIs (!) 6. Send a pre-read. The best meetings are when we all prepare for a meaningful conversation. If the topic is a meaty one, send a pre-read so participants arrive with a common foundation on the topic and you can all jump straight into the discussion and objectives at hand. 7. Decline a meeting. There’s nothing wrong with declining. Perhaps you’re not the right person to attend, or there is already another team member participating, or you don’t have bandwidth to prepare. Whatever the reason, saying no is ok. What actions do you take to ensure the meetings on your calendar are where you should spend your time? It’s a big topic that we can all benefit from, please share your tips in the comments ⤵️ #careertips #productivity #futureofwork