Picture this: I’m standing in Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, clutching my newly-built lightsaber from Saviâs Workshop, feeling like the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy. My husband and I are grinning from ear to ear, undoubtedly causing other visitors to question our sanity as we whip out every single Star Wars pun in existence. But here’s the truth amid the fun: as much as I fancy myself a Jedi, my saber-wielding skills are equally matched by my time management skillsâa lesson gleaned not just from Star Wars, but also from decades of practicing Ninjutsu.
Back in my early days as an entrepreneur, I juggled way too many lightsabers, metaphorically speaking. I imagine Darth Vader would have grumbled, “Impressive. Most impressive.” All of this happened before I discovered Ninjutsu or even dreamt of owning a massive lightsaber collection. I fancied myself to be a brilliant multitasker. My prowess in network marketing since 1988 and later ventures into internet marketing in 2001 had me buzzing like Master Yoda on a caffeine high.
Yet, midway through my entrepreneurial journey, I realized I was more of an Ewok stuck in the dense forests of Endor than the strategic Jedi master I envisioned. I didnât wield time with precision like my trusty custom-built lightsaber. I was just swinging wildly, hoping to strike a target. The universe seemed to have too many distractions, enough for a Star Wars trilogy of miscalculations.
Enter Ninjutsu, or what I like to call the ancient Jedi arts of discipline and time management. Iâve trained in Ninjutsu for over 30 years, where the first lesson is making every second count. No ninja waits around for the Death Star to align perfectly in their schedule. Ninjutsu is all about precisionâany hesitance or misstep and, poof, no stealthy escape with laser-like efficiency. This tradition bestowed the art of savviness in balancing the tasks and commitments on my plate.
There I was, one foot in Ninjutsu and another in the galaxy far, far away. Time management in the entrepreneurial world is not unlike executing a well-crafted Ninjutsu move. Itâs stealthy and strategicâa bit like secretly binge-watching “The Mandalorian” while still hitting all your work deadlines. And let’s face it, if Baby Yoda can be efficient in gulping down those blue frog snacks, managing my schedule is a breeze when compared.
Fast forward to the present, managing the “Earn With Kurt” podcast, creating content, and engaging with my audience is akin to orchestrating an interstellar symphony. I’ve come to realize time management is an art, like crafting a lightsaber at Disneyland, piece by customized piece; it’s about components that uniquely suit your style.
The delightful intersection of Ninjutsu’s age-old principles and the far-reaching inspiration from Star Wars leads to the golden rule of success: Focus!! Much like a Jedi deflecting blaster fire with poise, I’ve learned that power lies in concentrating on the task at hand. When things go awry, remember, even Luke Skywalker faced a few ‘Yoda rode my back like a backpack’ moments before he mastered the Force.
However, Ninjutsu wasn’t the only teacher. Picture this: My husband and I, in all our geekdom, challenge each other in lightsaber duels spun with playful repartee, reminiscent of Han and Leia’s memorable banter. Nothing yells time management like dodging a lightsaber or trying to outwit a sharp-witted husband while gathering strategies from the movies playing in the background.
Dividing time between business commitments, personal life, and recreational antics dancing twixt the realms of Disney, Star Wars, and Marvel is a skill honed with practice. It might not involve using the Force, but certain time management skills feel close. Setting priorities, creating realistic goals, and having a clear vision have been vital. Like constructing a lightsaber, the balance sits in making precise cuts and adjustments, not unlike restraining myself from impulsively buying every new saber (albeit, it is a temptation as powerful as the Dark Side).
It’s remarkable how passion fuels motivation and efficiency. Just as our lightsabers light up with a simple flick, a well-structured day ignites productivity. My entrepreneurial journey provided me with valuable lessons in setting daily intentions, ensuring I stay on track without losing sight of adventureâwhether it’s online business strategies or planning another escapade to a Disney park.
It dawned on me that networking, much like lightsaber collection and Ninjutsu, requires a tactful balance. Within the galaxies of internet marketing and affiliate marketing, time management emerges as a Jedi-level discipline. Every venture is a stormtrooper one must outmaneuver with strategies gained from my trusty Ninjutsu training and days of playing podcast host.
Reluctantly, I confess we aren’t shielded by lightsabers against life’s chaos. Yet, the balance between entrepreneurial exploits, a loving family, and obsession with all things pop culture keeps me orbiting in an ecosystem where the Force flows through pursuits, much like it did in Ninjutsu dojo.
Perhaps nothing drives home the importance of precise time management like these intertwined lessons from a lifetime of wielding both metaphorical and physical lightsabersâguided by a rabble-rousing mix of discipline, daring, and dedication.
The galaxy of entrepreneurship is vast and full of stars, plans constantly unfolding like the ever-expanding universe of Star Wars. Every now and then, I pause and marvel at this journey, reminiscent of waking up early in the morning at Galaxyâs Edge, cradling lightsabers with my husband. The world is full of possibilitiesâa wonderous expanse where the confluence of time management, creativity, and whimsy creates realms not unlike the most cinematic of galaxies.
