Once upon a time, in the chaotic land of 2010, I was running my own startup. And let me tell you, managing a startup is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Overwhelming doesn’t even begin to cover it. My to-do list included Business Development, Product, Sales & Marketing, Partnerships, Team, Hiring, and every other task you could imagine. If you looked up “multitasking” in the dictionary, you’d see my picture, complete with frazzled hair and wild eyes.
Then, like a beacon of hope in a stormy sea of tasks, I came across an article about Jack Dorsey. You know, the guy who was running both Square and Twitter at the time. I thought, “If this guy can manage two companies without turning into a lunatic, maybe I can learn a thing or two.”
Jack’s secret? Themed days. Here’s the quote from this article that changed my life (or at least made it slightly less chaotic):
“The way I found that works for me is I theme my days. On Monday, at both companies, I focus on management and running the company…Tuesday is focused on product. Wednesday is focused on marketing and communications and growth. Thursday is focused on developers and partnerships. Friday is focused on the company and the culture and recruiting. Saturday I take off, I hike. Sunday is reflection, feedback, strategy, and getting ready for the week.”
I decided to give this theming thing a shot. After all, if it worked for Jack Dorsey, it had to have some merit, right? So, I set up my own themed days:
• Monday: Business Development & Strategy
• Tuesday: Product Development
• Wednesday: Growth & Marketing
• Thursday: Partnerships
• Friday: Team
• Saturday: Outdoors (Hiking, Flying, Swimming)
• Sunday: Planning and Getting Ready for the Week
I themed my work week just like I themed my workout week. You know, leg day, arm day, chest day, and, of course, cheat day. Because just like your muscles need a balanced workout, your job as an entrepreneur and product builder needs a balanced workload.
The first Monday rolled around, and I was all about Business Development & Strategy. By Tuesday, I was deep into Product Development, feeling like a mad scientist in my lab. Wednesday had me donning my marketing hat, conjuring up growth strategies like a wizard with a wand. Thursday was all about Partnerships, and I networked so hard I almost became LinkedIn itself. Friday was for the Team, and I felt like the coach of an underdog sports movie, rallying the troops for the big game.
Saturday? Ah, sweet Saturday. Outdoors day. I hiked, flew, and swam like I was auditioning for an adventure movie. By Sunday, I was planning and getting ready for the next week, feeling like a Zen master preparing for another round of startup madness.
Now, here’s the kicker: the weeks I actually stuck to my themed days were my best weeks. I was productive, satisfied, and felt like I had my life together. The weeks I didn’t follow the themes? Well, let’s just say those were the weeks my hair started looking more like Einstein’s.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, try theming your days. It might just save your sanity. And if it doesn’t, at least you’ll have an excuse to spend Saturdays hiking instead of glued to your laptop.
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