You Have 24 Hours in a Day, Spend Them Wisely

Part of me will always feel like I’m back in college ready to rally the team on the football field, or travel to the different corners of the world. As I’ve gotten older, time only goes faster. I’ll blink and suddenly, it’s a new year, my kids are five inches taller, there’s another new social media outlet, and soon enough, I’ll be in the passenger seat, terrified while teaching my oldest how to drive.

Let’s state the obvious here… everyone in life experiences the passage of time. What we miss is this: sometimes, we don’t conquer the time we’re given. Instead, time conquers us!  We all have the power to decide whether each day will be a successful and productive one or if we’d rather waste it watching Netflix.

I’ve made an effort to use my time wisely, honing my skills, and constantly absorbing my surroundings like a sponge. As a CEO, I understand how overwhelming it can be to always have a full inbox, travel to meetings across the country, and listen to countless minute-long voicemails. When I’m not on top of my responsibilities, I face challenges and if I’m not careful, a negative mindset sneaks in.

This fall, I challenge you to make the most of your time as an entrepreneur by following these daily reminders I live by.

1. Don’t let fear control you 

We live in a world that praises permission and constant gratification. I promise you will be the most successful when you put your fear aside and follow what you know to be true. Create a daily action plan to use as a roadmap. Have the confidence to wave “goodbye” to fear as you settle into your tasks for the day, always knowing what comes next.

2. CTRL + ALT + Delete 

If you don’t know, CTRL + ALT + Delete reboots your computer. Sometimes, we need our own reboot. Find the things that are limiting your beliefs and strengths so that you can tackle them. CTRL + ALT + Delete! Decide what type of day you are going to have. Don’t rely on other people deciding for you. Want to have a productive and positive day? What’s stopping you? Find clarity. Remind yourself of the power you possess and don’t let your kryptonite drag you in the wrong direction.

3. Cultivate a growth mindset

Trends and technologies are constantly changing. Just think of how quickly things have blown up over one tweet or a TikTok that’s gone viral. You can absorb your surroundings, learn, change, adapt, and grow as an entrepreneur. Things in the business world can be intimidating, but stay open to possibilities, you’re already one step ahead of the game!

4. Check your emotions at the door

… Need I say more?

5. Turn your “shoulds” into “musts” 

Should you call your team? Should you have a meeting? Should you send out an email? No. You MUST call your team. You MUST have a meeting. You MUST send out an email. “Must” will put you at the center of the action. Don’t let the thought of “should” hold you back and waste your valuable time. Go and do!

6. Don’t test out the water, dive in 

Nerves hold people back as they dip their toes into the water to check the temperature. You wind up in the pool eventually, so just jump. Don’t waste your time outside of the water. Curiosity and willingness make for a powerful duo. Both traits allow you to swim instead of sink.

Day to day work can be grueling and overwhelming. Once you fall behind, it’s difficult to catch up. We all have 24 hours in the day. What are you going to do with them? Stay ahead of the curve. Be proactive. I’ve always said it and I’ll say it again, commit to the process, detach from the outcome. If you commit to these six steps each day, the possibilities for success are endless.