Ever feel like your day is one long meeting? Or maybe you’re entrenched in email quicksand, sinking deeper as the day drags on. Here’s a lifeline: the 90-minute sprint. Modeled after the principles of ultradian rhythms—those natural cycles in which our brains can focus before needing a break—this productivity booster can double your output without increasing your hours. Let’s break down three transformative 90-minute sprints that are perfect for creative entrepreneurs and small business owners like us.
Power Writing Sessions
Writing—be it blogs, proposals, or emails—is a cornerstone for most small businesses. Yet, it often becomes a daunting task that eats into your time. Enter the Power Writing Session:
- Preparation (10 minutes): Gather all your notes, outline your topics, and close all unrelated tabs.
- Focus Sprint (70 minutes): Now, write. Dive into the deep end and don’t look up until your timer rings. No distractions allowed.
- Review (10 minutes): Wrap up by revising your draft. Edit for clarity and coherence.
By focusing intensely for 70 minutes, you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish. This block not only maximizes your creative energy but also frees up the rest of your day for other tasks.
Strategy and Planning
Strategic operations often fall by the wayside in daily business hustle. Tactical, focused sprints can turn that around:
- Goal Setting (10 minutes): Clearly define what you want to achieve in this session. Maybe it’s outlining a new business strategy or refining your marketing plan.
- Strategic Sprint (70 minutes): Work through the most crucial components of your plan. Utilize tools like SWOT analysis or mind mapping to structure your thoughts.
- Assessment (10 minutes): Quickly evaluate what you’ve done. Adjust your plan based on insights you’ve gained.
This sprint is great for breaking down big-picture ideas into actionable steps, ensuring you aren’t just busy, but effective.
Client Communications
Keeping up with client communications is vital yet overwhelming. Streamline the process with structured sprints:
- Organize (10 minutes): List all pending communications. Prioritize them by urgency or importance.
- Communication Sprint (70 minutes): Start at the top of your list and work your way down. Respond, schedule calls, or delegate tasks as necessary.
- Follow-up Planning (10 minutes): Note what needs a detailed response or a follow-up. Set reminders accordingly.
This approach ensures your clients feel valued and seen without letting emails and calls disrupt your entire day.
Conclusion
Implementing these 90-minute sprints into your routine isn’t just about squeezing more hours into your day; it’s about working smarter. Whether it’s writing, strategy, or communication, setting aside these blocks of time helps focus your mind, reduces procrastination, and maximizes productivity. Experiment with these sprints next week, and watch how much more you accomplish—and how much more time you have for the parts of your business (and life) that need you the most.
Now, go on, set that timer and get sprinting. Your more productive self awaits.
GROWTH. DELIVERED. DAILY.
