What’s the Formula for a Perfect Day?
During June’s Energy Audit Masterclass, I received a question that was a bit out of scope for that live workshop, but it was a wonderful question and challenge, which I promised I’d circle back to: What’s the Formula for a Perfect Day?
Now… You know me. I had two immediate reactions: 1. There’s no such thing as perfect and 2. It depends.
Just for today, I’ll let the “perfect” thing slide, since that was the precise question. And I’ll even go out of my comfort zone and give a direct answer – ha! (But it’ll be full of disclaimers and assumptions).
So with that, here’s my formula for a perfect day…
To begin, 3 assumptions:
- I’m describing a workday for a creative entrepreneur or small business owner. But please note: these principles can apply to an employee, who’s strategic, proactive, and forward looking.
- You are working for 6 focused, solid hours. You may have an immediate reaction of, “I work way more than 6 hours; try 10-12 per day!” I have unpopular news: you are probably productively working 6 hours, at max. The number of hours you’re connected or in front of your computer are not the number of hours you actually work (sorry, I know this stings).
- This structure is what to shoot for, if you:
- have been in business 2-5 years,
- feel like you’re on a hamster wheel,
- want to make more money,
- are at max / over capacity,
- all of the above.
For someone who meets the above criteria, the formula for a perfect day is 20% on your business and 80% in your business.
Here’s exactly how I’d break that down, for 6 hours of super-focused working time. Then, you’ll have an additional 1-2 hours of time that will naturally occur for breaks, transitions, and your task-switching “tax.”
Plan & Prioritize: 30 minutes
CEO Time: 90 minutes
Production: 2 blocks of 90 minutes
Tasks: 60 minutes
This is the formula to cross the $250,000 income plateau.
I don’t want this to sound gimicky or like, “It’s so easy: 1-2-3!” It’s not easy; it takes focus, prioritization, and accountability.
Following this formula in the most optimal way, means that you’re doing the right things. You know which CEO work to do; you’re selling the right products and services, to the right clients, at the right price; and you’re disciplined and focused in saying no to distractions that cross your path (or inbox). It’s not easy, but it is simple. And it is possible.
PS – if you’re curious about your own Formula for a Perfect Day, and the above assumptions don’t match you’re situation – OR you want more examples of CEO Time vs In the Business work, 5 Steps to Work On Your Business will pinpoint where you’re spending too much / not enough time and 3 action steps to move forward.
