There’s a reason it’s called ‘spending’ time. Time is as valuable as money. You need to spend it in the right places to get the best return.

I once worked for a high-level leader who confused business with productivity. While some of my colleagues seemed perpetually busy, they weren’t necessarily productive. The return was low. No shade. And I was focused on producing with a high return, but it didn’t look busy.

My colleagues weren’t incompetent; they were meeting the expectations of the leader. He valued being busy. Don’t be that guy.

Have you ever heard the phrase ‘work on your business, not in your business”? Working on your business focuses on the big picture and strategic direction. Working in your business means the day-to-day tasks.

A common mistake is thinking operational tasks are working on the business. Big corporations make this mistake too. The operational tasks are seductive because you can see immediate results.

Ask yourself if the task is operational or if it will move the business forward. You should spend more time on tasks that move the needle or revenue-generating activities.

For me, the morning is my best time to be strategic and creative. After 2:00 pm, that’s the best time for me to switch to analytical or functional tasks. Find out what works for you.

Get your employer’s work done first and during their work hours. Plan your 5 to 9 work times the same way. Leave the weekends for working on your business and the weekdays for working in your business.

Use your commute time to listen to podcasts or books that will help you in your business.

We don’t like it when people tell us no, but we also don’t consider the impact of ‘yes’ on them. The best leaders in the world will tell you they say ‘no’ to things, tasks, and requests that don’t serve the greater purpose.

Do not let people spin the narrative that you aren’t a team player because you say no. Focus on the right priorities that produce the greatest results. That creates value.

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Find tools to streamline your workflows. Try a virtual assistant. You don’t have to clean out the garage; hire an organizer to do that for you. I love a good DIY project, but when I needed to paint multiple rooms, I budgeted for it and hired a painting service. I stick to the small weekend projects as DIY.

💡 Recommended reading: Essentialism - The disciplined pursuit of less by Greg McKeown.

I’m going to hold your hand when I say this.

The job you are putting in 50+ hours to, checking email for, and so on, will replace you in a heartbeat. When I was laid off from a company, they were already posting for my replacement before I made it home.

By now, I think most of us have figured out that we are cogs in a machine. And companies want their machines up and running. This doesn’t mean there aren’t caring leaders out there. I’ve worked for many caring individuals, but the company itself is primarily driven by profit.

As you balance your gig and side-hustle, you must prioritize yourself and those you care about. Or you will treat yourself the same as the company treated you.

Even Beyoncé said she had to prioritize rest when she experienced health issues.

💡 Recommended reading: The Sleep Revolution - Transforming your life, one night at a time by Ariana Huffington.

If motivation were a person, it would text you WYD after weeks of ghosting you and expect you to be excited. Discipline is what will carry you through. Establish a set of habits and maintain consistency. Start small and link them together.

For example, commit to 30 minutes of activity in the morning. During your nightly routine, put your exercise clothes next to your bed and your alarm (yes, your phone) across the room. Add making your lunch to your nightly routine, or while you’re preparing dinner. You get the drift.

Linking small habits together creates a big habit. That’s discipline. Discipline shows up when motivation has left you on the floor, clutching a pint of ice cream.

💡 Recommended book: Atomic Habits by James Clear