How I find time for EVERYTHING (even with a full time job)

Summary

Mike, a former full-time doctor, shares how he overcame burnout and developed a time-management system that prioritizes health, relationships, and productivity. He explains that time management isn't just about managing time, but also energy and focus. By aligning these elements and using strategies like identifying focus windows, managing circadian rhythms, and living life in seasons, Mike transformed his life. He now teaches this system to others through his Study Quest program, offering actionable steps to regain control of time and achieve a balanced, fulfilling life.

Takeaways

• 💼 Mike used to work as a full-time doctor with 12-hour shifts, working 60 to 80 hours per week, which led to burnout and lack of balance in his life.
• ⚡ He realized that time management alone wasn’t enough; effective productivity requires managing time, energy, and focus together.
• 🧠 Mike identified that focusing on ‘windows of focus’ rather than ‘windows of time’ helped him prioritize cognitively intensive tasks like studying.
• 🌅 Morning focus windows, when the mind is fresh, work well for many people, but Mike stresses finding the personal ‘golden pocket of focus’ for each individual.
• 📋 Keeping a focus log for 5 to 7 days helps track how well your focus is being used and spot areas where it could be optimized.
• 🌞 Managing energy through alignment with circadian rhythms is key, including adjusting sleep patterns and exposure to sunlight to maintain alertness.
• ⏳ Time management is about setting priorities—often, people claim they lack time when it’s really a question of focus and priority alignment.
• ✂️ The AED method—Automate, Eliminate, Delegate—helps free up time by cutting out unnecessary tasks or delegating them to others.
• 🗓 Mike advocates living life in seasons, focusing on different priorities depending on the season of life, and allowing flexibility for changing focus over time.
• 🚫 Saying 'no' to things today doesn’t mean it’s forever—it just helps you focus on what matters most in the current season, allowing growth for future opportunities.

Q & A

What was the main issue Mike faced when managing his time?

Mike initially believed time management was only about time, but he later realized it involves aligning time, energy, and focus management.

How did Mike's work schedule contribute to his burnout?

Mike worked 12-hour shifts, often 60 to 80 hours a week, and also had to study for his boards, leaving him no time for self-care, health, hobbies, or social connections.

What does Mike mean by a 'window of focus'?

A 'window of focus' refers to a period during the day when a person’s focus is naturally high, allowing them to concentrate better on cognitively demanding tasks.

Why is identifying a 'golden pocket of focus' important for time management?

Finding a golden pocket of focus ensures that you are using your mental energy during the most productive time of the day, making it easier to stay on task and resist distractions.

What strategy did Mike use to improve his energy levels after long shifts?

Mike adjusted his sleep schedule and exposure to sunlight, aligning his circadian rhythms by setting both a wake-up alarm and a bedtime alarm to ensure 7-8 hours of sleep.

How did Mike learn to align his circadian rhythms?

He learned about ultradian rhythms, the natural cycles of alertness during the day, and shifted his sleep and wake times to align his energy and focus.

What does Mike recommend for improving focus during monotonous tasks?

Mike suggests using a focus log, where you track your focus throughout the day and intentionally direct it to productive activities, even during routine tasks like commuting or waiting.

What are Mike’s two main strategies for time management?

Mike uses two main strategies: AED (Automate, Eliminate, Delegate) to free up time and living life in 'seasons,' where you prioritize goals relevant to your current stage in life.

How does Mike suggest managing priorities when feeling overwhelmed?

Mike suggests saying no to certain activities during a specific season of life to focus on what truly matters, knowing that opportunities may reappear in future seasons.

What role does energy management play in Mike's time management system?

Energy management is crucial because, without sufficient energy, it’s impossible to maintain focus or take action, regardless of how much time you have.