Introduction: In the startup game, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in an endless sea of tasks, meetings, and conflicting advice. But here’s the thing: being productive isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what actually matters. You don’t need to tackle every to-do list item — you just need to focus on the ones that will move the needle.
The Advisor Whiplash: We’ve all been there — getting bombarded with conflicting advice from advisors, mentors, and investors. It’s enough to give anyone whiplash. The key is to trust your gut and filter the advice you receive. Not every piece of guidance is for you. When you’re drowning in opinions, take a step back, reflect on your own values and goals, and make decisions that align with them. Remember, you’re the captain of this ship — don’t let conflicting advice steer you off course.
Prioritizing Your To-Do List: Here’s a simple but game-changing tip: stop doing stuff that doesn’t matter. Start by writing down everything you need to do. Then create three lists:
Urgent: Time-sensitive but not necessarily important.
Important: Crucial to your goals but not time-sensitive.
Urgent & Important: The things that need to get done NOW and will actually move you forward.
Now, here’s the kicker — delete the ‘Urgent’ list. Yep, you heard me right. If it’s not important to you, it’s not worth your time. Focus only on the tasks that will get you closer to your goals. This might make you uncomfortable if you’re a people pleaser, but trust me, it’s the only way to stay sane.
Timeboxing and Saying No: Timeboxing is one of the most powerful tools for getting things done. Allocate specific blocks of time to your most important tasks, and protect that time like it’s sacred. No distractions, no interruptions. And while you’re at it, learn to say no. If someone asks you to do something that doesn’t align with your goals, politely decline. It’s not about being rude — it’s about protecting your time and energy for the things that matter.
(From HAPPY FOUNDER by Bonny Morlak)
Photo by Helena Lopes: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-friends-hanging-out-933964/
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