How Get More Freedom

A lot of people ask me how I am able to run multiple businesses, train for Ironman, and have the freedom I am very fortunate to have in life.  The answer may surprise you.

The reason I am able to do all that I do and still have capacity to add other things in if I wanted is because of structure. 

Structure equals freedom.

What does that mean?  It means that I have created a structure in my life and businesses that allows me to be very productive and accomplish more in most days than people do in several.  I don't say this to brag because I am no different than anyone else.  If I didn't have the structure I have, I would be much less productive.  And one of the best ways to fuel your success is through becoming more productive.  

Here is what I've figured out over the years and I hope it helps you as well.  

First, I figured out that I need to own my time and take control over it.  This means that I put the time I need week in and out dedicated to me first.  For example, I block out my training time, set my hours for coaching my clients, set times for focus on my Mastermind group, set my specific times for Misfit Entrepreneur interviews and show notes, as well as my personal growth time and any others that I need to focus on consistently each week.  In fact, I am writing this blog during my blog writing time.  I also put buffers on my day such as no meetings at 6pm are allowed to be scheduled unless I override it.  I plug all of this into my Calendly scheduler and block these times in my calendar, so that the only times left for others to get time with me are the ones I allow them to.  This is avoids people stealing time from you.

Second, I sit down every Sunday and plan my week out by day with the most important items I need to accomplish for each day in each business and area of my life.  The allows me to hit the ground running daily knowing exactly what I need to do.

Third, at the end of each day,  I review my daily To Do List to make sure everything has been accomplished and then look at the next day and plan for anything that needs it.  I also may add tasks/important items to the day from things that come up during the week that need actioned.

Fourth, at the end of my week, I make a list of my 80/20 for the next week.  20% of what you focus on gives you 80% of your results.  I want to make sure I know what those are before the next week begins, so I can have them ready for my Sunday planning.

Lastly, I action the plan like a maniac.  This is the most important piece of the structure.  If you don't action the plan, it does you no good.  From the moment I get up, I am focused and actioning the tasks on my list.  I use the fact that I have a plan to redirect me if I get sidetracked because I have my To Do List.  So, if I am focusing on something that isn't on the list, I will notice and redirect myself.  

Structure equals freedom, but you must action the structure with discipline and consistency for it to work for you.  If you put a structure in place that is driving you toward your goals and action it every day - you will be amazed at all you can do and the freedom you can create for yourself.