My Key Insight from "10x is Easier Than 2x"
Aug 08, 2024In the latest episode of "Keep What You Earn," Shannon discusses transformative strategies for productivity, inspired by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy's book "10x is Easier Than 2x." Shannon, an experienced CPA and business owner, shares how implementing a unique scheduling technique has revolutionized her efficiency and work-life balance.
While enjoying some beach downtime, Shannon absorbed key takeaways from Sullivan and Hardy’s book. Though the primary focus of the book is on thinking bigger and embracing exponential growth, Shannon was particularly struck by a concept about categorizing days into focus days, buffer days, and free days to optimize productivity.
Reflecting on her corporate days, Shannon realized she had been carrying an unhealthy mindset into her entrepreneurial life: free time was viewed as available time for more work. This mindset led to back-to-back meetings and brief, unproductive intervals for tasks, leaving her feeling exhausted and scattered. The turning point came when she recognized that free time doesn’t have to be filled with additional commitments. Redefining this allowed Shannon to start saying "no" to new engagements that interfered with necessary recharge periods and productivity blocks.
Sullivan and Hardy’s scheduling system divides days into three types: focus days, buffer days, and free days. Focus days are dedicated to deep work—the core activities that push a business forward. Buffer days handle tasks that support business growth without direct involvement in core activities, such as marketing, training, and team meetings. Free days are personal time or discretionary workdays, free of professional obligations unless one chooses to engage.
For Shannon, Fridays have become sacrosanct free days with no scheduled meetings unless she decides to work. Implementing this system demanded deliberate effort. She utilized tools like Calendly to manage her meeting schedules, dedicating Mondays for team meetings and Tuesday through Thursday for client work. Her calendar is now color-coded—green for focus days, yellow for buffer days, and blue for free days—helping maintain clear boundaries and prevent task overlap.
The immediate benefits were substantial. Shannon noted remarkable improvements in her productivity and significant reductions in stress levels. Knowing a day’s purpose helps her manage energy levels and remain consistent in her efforts. For instance, waking up on a buffer day, she can set her mind for tasks like team management or marketing. On focus days, she immerses herself entirely in client work or essential business operations.
For the past six to eight weeks, Shannon has adhered to this structured scheduling, and it has been a game-changer. While it requires discipline and intentionality, the enhanced productivity and mental clarity are well worth the effort. She encourages others to try this system for a week or two—there’s nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain.
What you'll hear in this episode:
03:21 Scheduled meetings strategically to enhance productivity.
06:38 Categorizing days leads to increased productivity.
If you like this episode, check out:
What a Tanning Salon Taught Me About Customer Experience
The Little Things That Unlocked Growth in My Business and Life
Creating an Outstanding Customer Service Experience
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