60 Second Snippet #146 - The power of planning for time-poor business owners

The power of planning for time-poor business owners

Ever tried to cut vegetables in the kitchen with a blunt knife?? What about chopping down a tree with a blunt axe?? How about getting on with your working day without a plan?

I ask business leaders all the time, “How was your day?” “Busy!” they usually say.

“Productive?”? “Not very!”

Time is the one commodity we can’t replenish, yet day after day I see and hear business owners wasting it.

“If you give me six hours to chop down a tree, I’ll spend the first three sharpening my axe.”?– Abraham Lincoln

In business, time is your most precious resource. ?Every day, you are juggling sales, marketing, operations, finances, team challenges and much more, all while trying to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of running a business.?

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of constant action - hacking away at your to-do list and ticking them off one by one, without pausing to think strategically.

What about those that complete a task, write it on the to-do list and then immediately cross it off to get a sense of euphoria.? WTAF!

But just like Lincoln’s wisdom suggests, success isn’t just about effort - it’s about effectiveness.?

Without a proverbial sharp axe (a clear strategy, an action plan, or a clear process), you’ll expend more energy, take longer to achieve results, and risk burning out before you reach your goals.

Why planning is essential

1. Avoids wasted effort – Jumping straight into execution without a plan often leads to rework, missed opportunities, and wasted resources. A well-thought-out strategy ensures your time is spent wisely
2. Increases productivity – When you know exactly what needs to be done, you work faster and more effectively. Clarity leads to action without hesitation
3. Prevents decision fatigue – Constantly making decisions on the fly drains mental energy. A solid plan streamlines choices, making execution seamless
4. Reduces stress and overwhelm – A structured approach eliminates the chaos of last-minute problem-solving, helping you feel more in control of your business
5. Maximises impact – A clear plan helps you focus on high-leverage activities that drive real results, rather than just keeping busy

If you have a to-do list of 40 things, instead of trying to complete all 40 and getting a hit from the false numeric achievement, try being happy with only tackling say five or six that deliver the greatest impact.

Key steps for smarter work (sharpening your axe)

1. Set clear priorities – Identify your top daily business goals and focus on what moves the needle.
2. Break big goals into smaller actionable steps – Define clear, measurable tasks to prevent overwhelm.
3. Time-block – Schedule dedicated planning sessions to refine your approach.
4. Automate and delegate – Free up time by outsourcing repetitive tasks and leveraging technology.
5. Track progress and adjust – Regularly review your efforts to stay on course and pivot when necessary.

I had the pleasure of listening to Richard Harpin who sold HomeServe speak recently.? One of his secrets for building a ￡Bn business is to have a to-don’t list.? A list of things you will say no to, so you don’t get distracted from your goal and waste your valuable time.

Taking a step back isn’t a waste of time - it’s an investment in effectiveness, productivity, and long-term success. So before you start swinging, make sure your axe is razor-sharp. Your business (and your sanity) will thank you.

If you want help to better plan your task list, set your stall out for the day and get you super focussed, download my 4D productivity tool?here.

You will get more done, in less time and will feel more in control.

Gary

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