Smashing the 9-5 Myth: A Summer Experiment

When it comes to work-life balance, most entrepreneurs get stuck in the grind, juggling multiple responsibilities while feeling perpetually behind the eight-ball. That was me, too, until I changed my approach to time and task management over the summer. In this blog post, I'll unpack what I learned and share actionable steps to help you streamline your workweek and reclaim some much-needed "you" time.

Breaking the Corporate Mold:

Like many entrepreneurs, I was a slave to the 9-to-5 corporate mentality—even while running my own business. Research has shown that 76% of people struggle to disengage from work during their time off. Similarly, I found myself clocking in around 55-60 hours a week, unable to shake the feeling of guilt whenever I tried to step away from my desk.

The Four-Day Work Week Experiment:

Inspired by productivity studies from Europe that found a four-day workweek boosted productivity by up to 40%, I decided to give it a try. For three months, I averaged a 30-35 hour workweek, a stark contrast to my usual 55-60 hours. The result? Surprisingly, my productivity didn't drop; it soared.

The Art of Time-Blocking:

One effective technique I adopted was time-blocking, a method where you allocate specific times for specific tasks. This prevented me from getting lost in the whirlwind of emails and immediate needs, allowing me to focus on high-priority items.

Tip: To start, try using the "Pomodoro Technique," which advocates for 25-minute intervals of focused work followed by 5-minute breaks.

Taming the Email Beast:

Dealing with emails can be a productivity killer. According to a report by McKinsey, people spend about 28% of their workweek reading and answering emails. My solution was integrating my inbox with Asana, thereby turning each email into a manageable task. It added just 15 minutes to my daily routine but drastically cut down my inbox time.

Dividing and Conquering:

Clear accountability is key. My team and I divided tasks based on our respective strengths and areas of expertise, making sure that everyone had a well-defined scope of responsibility. This helped us avoid overlap and redundancies, leading to a more streamlined workflow.

Workspace and Digital Detox:

Studies suggest that changing your work environment can boost productivity by up to 16%. I took this to heart and chose to work from a co-working space, providing a dedicated work environment free from home distractions. I also used an app called Opal to block social media and shopping apps during work hours, freeing my mind from unnecessary distractions.

Mindset Shift:

Last but not least, shedding the shackles of traditional corporate hours was a mental game-changer. It allowed me to be flexible with my time, leading to a healthier balance between work and life.

Conclusion:

By adopting a four-day workweek, using tools like Asana for task management, and setting clear boundaries for both my team and myself, I achieved a fulfilling and more balanced work-life. So can you!

Your Turn:

If you have tips or hacks that have helped you achieve a better work-life balance, I’d love to hear them! Reach out to me on Instagram or LinkedIn.