Mastering Your Schedule: 4 Essential Strategies to Achieve the Flow State and Boost Productivity for Entrepreneurs and 9-5 Workers

The Ultimate Solution For Stressful Work Days

As a Commercial Real Estate Analyst, I Evaluate Real Estate Throughout North America

I work in a specific Asset Class called Industrial.

This Asset Class consists of massive warehouses, that companies like Amazon, Facebook, and Coca-Cola use for all of their distribution and logistics.

My job consists of updating all the cash and data metrics for the property

And putting a price tag on it.

Millions of dollars.

For a steel box.

Though tedious and often trivial, these tasks demand concentration and focus.

Even if one small return metric is off by a hundredth of a decimal place

The value of the property could down millions.

Big-time bucks.

Dollaz. Cash Money

So I check my data voraciously.

Like an Excel monkey

One data metric I measure is the Transit Score.

The Transit score signifies how easy it is to walk around the property.

It’s also how accessible the highway is to the property.

Easy transportation.

The name of the game.

Truckers can go from the highway

To the warehouse

Drop off the goods

Pick them up

And go right back on the Interstate.

Smooth and steady flow.

The steady movement of commerce, transportation, and logistics all work in harmony

Your electric toothbrush

Your kid's Maserati toy car,

Even one of those heated toilet seats.

All of these come from Industrial properties.

Hehe.

This is how a workday should feel.

Easy, accessible, and flowing in and out of activities.

Drop off the goods, pick up more, and then get back on the I-90.

Flowing nice and easy.

Most times, work does not allow us to feel like this.

Work is stressful

So is life.

But with this framework, we can schedule our day to increase our productivity.

Boost our mood.

And Maximize focus.

When there are stressful moments.

We have a game plan for them

This allows me to know exactly what I'm doing.

At any given time.

I can be relaxed and get real work done.

However, if my schedule is in disarray, working becomes a Herculean task.

So let’s do something about this

The Framework

- Prioritizing Tasks

- Time Blocking

- Incorporating Breaks

- Building your HQ

We will go into detail and learn how we can integrate these into our lives

Today.

Let’s do it.

1. Prioritizing Tasks

First, we must identify the most important tasks of the day.

What on earth are we going to do with our day?

This always puzzles me before bed

What will I do tomorrow?

One exercise to help me is this

I review my calendar and decide on the tasks to prioritize

When My mental function is at its peak

I pull out my notebook and look over my schedule.

I'll review my email

Then I’ll schedule it on my phone and journal

Everything is inscribed so nothing Is Missed

The Finished Product is this:

7 am-8:30 am:

Wake up-open the blinds-Cuddle with my girlfriend.

Get out my oil pulling and tidy up the house.

Saltwater rinse-Pull out my journal and write down what I'm grateful for.

Do my yoga routine/mobility as well as breathwork.

8:45 am:

Drink coffee

Read a book.

9 am-10:30 am:

Working on the hardest project first.

Excel modeling, writing this article, or building something online.

10:30 am-11 am:

Check my email and Team messages.

11 am-12 pm:

Take a nice walk, and read some more.

12 pm-1:30 pm:

One-hour lunch is overrated.

Real Baller right here.

2 pm-3:30 pm:

Hang out, Twitter posts. Barely working.

Reading Substack

Watching Tennis highlights.

3:30 pm-5 pm:

Another Work block. More Excel. More writing.

Prepping for the gym.

Cocaine.

Haha

Just Kidding.

5 pm-6:30 pm:

Gym.

Kickass.

6:30 pm-7:15 pm:

Sauna, sweat, and connect.

Kick it with some Russian sauna bros.

7:30 pm:

Dinner.

8:30-10 pm:

The rest is history, relax and chill.

Maybe watch some Ted Lasso.

I'm not deliberate about every minute of my day but this doubles my productivity.

See what works for you.

Maybe you kick ass when you start big projects in the afternoon

Maybe you work efficiently on trivial tasks in the morning.

Make sure to prioritize the challenging projects.

Maybe you're a content creator, and it's really important to connect with your fans.

Then, prioritize this.

If you're an opera singer, you should probably focus on music composition first thing.

You get the point.

This leads to the next topic

How do we make time for this?

Time blocking, baby!

2. Time Blocking

Time blocking is a game-changer

“Time blocking is a productivity technique for personal time management where a period of time—typically a day or week—is divided into smaller segments or blocks for specific tasks or to-dos” -Wikipedia

This is the key to creating space in our day and prioritizing tasks.

Here's a simple four-step process to integrate time-blocking

Step 1

Identify the most crucial tasks and allocate specific time blocks for them.

If you have an essay due in 2 days, block out 3 hours in the morning to complete it.

Step 2

Schedule recurring blocks for routine activities.

Set a specific time block, such as 3:00 p.m., exclusively for completing emails.

Avoid checking emails outside of this block to maintain focus.

Step 3

Set realistic time limits for each block.

If you estimate a task will take an hour, allocate an hour and a half.

This extra buffer accounts for unexpected delays without overwhelming you

Step 4

Regularly review and adjust your schedule to optimize productivity.

After a week of following this technique, assess if adjustments are needed.

Just like that

These steps allow you to focus on your time and energy

So you can perform your best

Now we time blocked.

Time to nap.

3. Incorporating Breaks

Breaks are just as important as work itself.

Regular breaks throughout the day are imperative for maximum productivity

Going all day without breaks makes you ineffective.

Your brain needs time to process information and create solutions.

Without the necessary recovery, you'll experience brain fog

Mood swings

Decline in overall performance

Possibly Death.

Forreal

This is how you effectively rest.

The Pomodoro technique.

Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

You can adjust the timing to fit your preference, such as 30-5, 30-10, or even 45-15.

The brain functions optimally for 30 minutes before it requires recovery

Start with 25 minutes on and 5 minutes off.

Go from there.

During your breaks, avoid looking at your phone.

It won't help you consolidate the information you've learned.

Instead, take a real break. Relax and take a short walk, or try some yoga.

If you're in the office, find a quiet room or hide in the bathroom for a few minutes.

By providing your brain with rest, you are performing optimally.

You deserve it.

Bonus

Consider incorporating a 20-minute nap during lunch. IF you can.

It can do wonders for your productivity in the afternoon.

Go hide in your work closet, or nap in your trunk.

Vroom Vroom Baby.

Just make sure the nap isn't too long, or you’ll feel groggy when you wake up.

Voila

Let's build our headquarters (HQ).

4. Build your HQ

Crafting an environment conducive to productivity is key to optimal performance.

This is HQ.

The home of your work.

Where creativity flows and dreams shine

Let’s build an optimal setup so work is easy.

Here’s how.

Here are five essentials you need to consider for your workspace:

1. Ergonomic Setup

Ergonomics is the science of designing a workspace that fits an individual's needs.

Transform your setup into a productive powerhouse.

Ergonomics works wonders on your joints, aligning with your body structure.

Ergonomic Setups improve blood flow, relax joints, and even enhance your mood.

These are ergonomic materials you will need for the superstar setup

Desk

Choose a desk that allows your elbows to bend at a 90-degree angle on a keyboard.

I love Intertek standing desks.

Chair

Invest in a chair that supports your lower back and allows your feet to rest on the floor.

Anthros just made an insane chair but damn it’s expensive.

Bosu Ball

I like a Bosu ball; you can peep that on Amazon, it will help you.

Floor

Sometimes I lay on my stomach while I flex my glutes and rest on my forearms.

It's a great back opener.

Computer

Position your monitor at eye level to reduce neck and eye strain.

This step is crucial.

This setup will bring proper flow to the body, chi to the mind, and light to the sky.

2. Organized Environment

A clutter-free and organized workspace can minimize distractions and increase focus. Keep only the essentials on your desk.

File away paperwork, use folders for digital files, and regularly declutter your space.

An organized workspace not only promotes focus but also saves us time.

3. Proper Lighting

Artificial Lighting conditions greatly impact eye strain and focus.

Natural light is the best option, so place your desk near a window if possible.

If natural light is scarce, use LED lights that mimic natural light.

Bon Charge Makes Great Lightbulbs.

You can consider day lamps as well.

Selfie Rings work too.

I like Logi Tech's selfie lamp.

You feel like a YouTube influencer.

HEHE

4. Personalized Touch

Your workspace should inspire and motivate you.

Add elements that reflect your personality and make you feel good.

This could be indoor plants, which reduce stress and increase productivity,

PlaceArtwork that inspires you

Or photos of loved ones that make you smile.

Keep it clean and minimal.

5. Noise Management

Noise can be a major distraction.

Create a quiet environment.

Just like a library.

Turn off any background noises like fans, or annoying machines.

Use noise-canceling headphones if you work in a noisy setting.

You can try calming noises.

Consider using white noise or calming music if complete silence feels too weird.

Remember, your workspace is a tool that should serve you.

By creating an environment that promotes comfort, organization, and focus,

You are setting yourself up for productivity and success.

Brain. FM has great binaural beats

They’re so good that I play them all throughout dinner.

These aren’t just ordinary binaural buzzing sounds,

These binaural beats are accompanied by actual songs.

You can filter and explore various genres ranging from chill electronic house to classical music,

Even mysterious alien buzzing noises

Yum

Conclusion:

By following these steps, I've been able to become better at my job

A better writer.

And a better boyfriend.

I haven't missed a deadline since incorporating this framework.

Now I just work smarter.

Wrap Up

1. Prioritizing Tasks:

   1. Identify crucial tasks and tackle them first when cognitive energy is peaking.

   2. Create the night before to ensure a clear action plan for the following day.

2. Time Blocking:

   1. Allocate specific time slots to different activities, set realistic time limits,

   2. Regularly review your schedule to optimize productivity.

3. Incorporating Breaks:

   1. Schedule short breaks throughout the day,

   2. Pomodoro technique

   3. Brief naps, can prevent burnout and maintain high productivity levels.

4. Build Your HQ:

   1. Creating an ergonomic and organized workspace

   2. Adding personal touches can inspire and motivate,

   3. Noise management strategies can minimize distractions.

By implementing these strategies, you will transform your daily routine

Try this out, guys.

This is the first step to living your dreams.

How you live your days is how you live your life.

Day by day

We will create and manifest our dreams.

Live it up.

With Much Love and Gratitude

-Jack