Since non-profits tend to have limited budgets and are governed by a board of directors, it was important to them that we kept accurate time cards (writing down the hours we were working, breaking for lunch, etc.) and also worked a full 40 hour work week in order to get our full paycheck. Trading time for money, minute for minute. Sound familiar?
“Who picked this model, anyways?” I often wondered. I still wonder that: who decided that 9-5 Monday thru Friday is the best way to go?
There’s one thing about my current business that always surprises people when they ask — I hardly ever work a full 40 hour work week. The trading time for money days are OVER for me. I learned at that non-profit that my zone of genius simply doesn’t always fall in those magical 9-5 hours.
I also made another HUGE discovery: my experience and talent added up over the years cannot be traded equally for dollars in the minutes right now. It’s invaluable! So how does the time for money model ever actually work out for me? (or you?)
It doesn’t.
Here’s what does:
Note: if you are your own boss, these are easier to implement as is. If you work for someone else, I have a little integration tip below each point (yay!)
Set aside focused work time.
This can change every day – it does for me! – but it just has to be focused 100% working time. Turn off the email (there are amazing programs that do it for you) and get to work. You’ll amaze yourself at how much you actually get done when you aren’t checking your Facebook feed every 5 seconds.
(Integration Tip: This one is easy – make work time, work time! you’ll knock out that to-do list faster than Bill in Accounting can make it to the coffee pot for the 5th time this morning)
Work during your hours of genius.
I am completely useless for getting things done from around 11:30am to 2 or 3pm (yes, it’s a big chunk of time). That said, those are the perfect hours for me to catch up on a few errands, snag a lunch meeting with a friend or colleague in town, or take the dog for a mid-day walk. I also know that I can occasionally do a call with a client during that time of day since I’m pretty aware of big opportunities during those hours. Some of my best thinking happens here and if I’m in the weeds of work, I miss that completely. My real GSD time is from 8-10am or 7-9pm.
(Integration Tip: Your hours of genius might be when you aren’t even at work. But don’t despair – think about how you can maximize the hours you DO work to get the most accomplished. Are your most productive meetings first thing in the morning or do you do your best strategizing on a full belly after lunch? Work with your team to get your schedule in line with how you flow.)
Outsource at least 5 things on your list.
Let me tell you, a virtual assistant is one of the best investments you can make in your biz. I happen to know firsthand. (Cue the Hair Club for Men tape) Not only am I virtual assistant, I have a virtual assistant of my own. A few, in fact. My VAs, my team, all specialize in different areas and live in their Zone of Genius all the time. Some of the tasks required of my business (and my client’s businesses) aren’t in that zone for me. So my team gets it done flawlessly. By freeing up time, you create all of this space to be in your own Zone of Genius, you spend more time doing what you love, and you increase your bottom line. A little bit out can equal a LOT back in.
(Integration Tip: If you work for someone else, that means you probably work with a lot of someone elses. Use the team around you to get more done in less time. Teach them to live in their Zone of Genius and integrate these tips. Shift the work around the conference table so that everyone is doing their very best work and has room to create. Spread the love.)
Sound easy enough? Of course. Use these three tips every day. Work with them, refine them, and see the time for money model disappear before your very eyes.
Now go have a little fun. Work doesn’t have to be a four letter word.
xo
