Here's how I used ChatGPT to help with my plan.
As a marketing consultant for tech startups who are looking for copywriting to scale and a best-selling author of a Christian devotional geared towards those who are divorced, I have very different audiences and have added more distinct paths that I'm on. I've always been able to keep track of tasks easily, but with more robust and vast needs, I needed to focus on optimizing my time so that I could give the right effort to all streams but not neglect my personal growth at the same time. By adopting methods like time-blocking or deep-work strategies I can better juggle book promotion, client work, and personal growth. I used ChatGPT to even help with some of the day-by-day to help me with habits and save time.
Here's the focus optimization I found so that I don't jump around every time something comes across my desk:
1. Time-Blocking for Intentionality
Helping me allocate specific periods for work, self-care, relationships, and spiritual growth, ensuring every aspect of my life gets attention. How I'm implementing:
Daily Theme Blocks: Dedicate mornings for deep, focused work (e.g., client work or book promotion) and afternoons for creative or strategic thinking.
Batch Tasks: Group similar tasks (e.g., responding to emails, creating social media posts) to minimize context-switching.
Schedule Breaks: Block time for movement, prayer, or reflection to recharge mental energy.
Tools to help: Google Calendar, Notion, or Todoist.
2. Deep Work Technique
Based on Cal Newport's wisdom, Deep work allows me to focus without distraction on cognitively demanding tasks like writing or strategizing. How I'm implementing:
Setting up distraction-free zones by turning off notifications to block interruptions.
Working in focused sprints (e.g., 50 minutes) followed by 10 minute breaks.
Identifying my peak productivity hours and tackling high-priority work during those times.
Tools to help: Forest or Freedom
3. Master the Eisenhower Matrix
Helping me focus on tasks that are both important and urgent while delegating or eliminating low-priority activities. Here's how I'm implementing:
Categorize tasks into four quadrants:
Important & Urgent: Do immediately (e.g., client deadlines).
Important but Not Urgent: Schedule (e.g., book promotion strategies).
Urgent but Not Important: Delegate (e.g., admin tasks).
Neither Important nor Urgent: Eliminate (e.g., unnecessary social media scrolling).
Tools to help: Asana or Trello
In addition to these focus optimization methods, I'm also:
Using the “2-Minute Rule” for quick wins. If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately. (e.g., replying to an email).
Starting each work session with a focus routine, like lighting a candle, praying, or listening to a music.
Ending with a shutdown routine, such as reviewing my accomplishments and setting priorities for the next day.
Leveraging the power of "no."
Using a polite but firm approach to decline requests that don’t serve my priorities (e.g., “I’m focusing on X right now, but thank you for thinking of me!”).
Regularly reviewing my commitments to avoid overloading myself.
To make sure all of my activities and align with my goals for the year and that I am not jumping around with all of my priorities, my strategic framework looks like this:
Weekly Themes for focus optimization
Marketing and Promotion (2 Days/Week): Dedicate time to promoting my book via Substack, Kit emails, and collaborations.
Tech Client Work (3 Days/Week): Use deep-focus blocks to deliver high-value work.
Admin (1 Day/Week): Handle tasks like email, invoices, or planning.
Creative & Growth (1 Day/Week): Focus on developing new content, exploring personal projects, or strategizing future goals.
Monthly Focus Areas
Set a single book promotion goal per month (e.g., hosting a webinar, running a promo campaign on Amazon, or pitching to podcasts).
Rotate client work intensity with creative energy, so neither burns me out.
Daily Time-Blocking Template
Morning Block (Focused Energy)
Personal Flourishing
Spiritual Practice: Prayer, devotional journaling, and gratitude.
Physical Activity: Exercise, walking, hiking, stretching.
Creative Thinking: Brainstorm blog/email ideas or marketing strategy while energy is fresh.
Deep Client Work
Dedicate uninterrupted time to tech client projects.
Use the Pomodoro Technique for deep focus: 50 minutes of work, 10-minute breaks.
Afternoon Block (Collaborative & Marketing Energy)
Book Promotion
Write and schedule a Substack post (1-2x/week).
Plan Kit email campaigns (e.g., a devotional series, themed campaigns).
Engage with audience: Reply to emails or comments and network with influencers.
Client Admin Work
Tackle lighter, administrative tasks like reviewing deliverables, updating proposals, or client calls.
Evening Block (Reflection & Creativity)
Book Sales & Vision Work
Review book sales data on Amazon, website, or promotional platforms.
Create or refine content for future promotions (e.g., ads, video clips, podcast pitches).
Use this time for strategy and creativity: brainstorming campaigns or developing content for both audiences.
Personal & Relationship Flourishing
Relax or engage in hobbies.
Reflect on the day’s wins and write priorities for the next day.
Systems & Tools to Streamline Workflows
Substack Workflow
Batch Content Creation:
Draft multiple posts at once on weekends. For example:
One faith-based post (related to divorce healing).
One business/marketing thought leadership post for tech audience.
Schedule them to go live throughout the week.
Repurpose Content:
Take a snippet from Substack and share it on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Kit emails.
Use Substack as a testing ground for ideas that could become larger promotional campaigns.
Kit Workflow
Email Campaigns for Book Promotion
Weekly Newsletter: Share snippets from Substack post (include a CTA to buy book).
Devotional Series: Offer a free 5-day devotional via Kit to grow email list. Include an upsell for your book.
Segment Lists: Separate audience into tech professionals and faith-based readers, so emails are always targeted.
Automation Hacks:
Set up email sequences for onboarding new subscribers with valuable resources, such as:
A free chapter of my book.
A checklist or guide for healing post-divorce.
Focus optimization isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about aligning my time with the things that truly matter. By streamlining my workflows for Substack, Kit, book promotion, and client work, I’ve created a system that allows me to serve both of my audiences with intention and excellence. Whether I’m helping tech startups scale or encouraging individuals to heal and flourish, these practices keep me grounded, productive, and aligned with my purpose. It’s a journey of refinement, but one that ensures I’m not just busy—I’m building a life and business that thrives.
Comments