As someone who has spent over 30 years mastering the art of ninjutsu, you’d think I’d be a ninja at navigating daily tasks too. Spoiler alert: hiding in the shadows is surprisingly easier than finding a free slot in my Google calendar. Between managing my podcast, pursuing marketing endeavors, and having epic lightsaber duels with my husband, I quickly realized that harnessing time management was going to require some serious ninja-level skills.
Flashback to about three years ago, when I hadn’t quite yet cracked the code for effective time management. Here’s the scene: I’m knee-deep in crafting my podcast scripts for Earn With Kurt. The curtains are drawn, coffee cups are scattered around, and my laptop’s battery is running low — both figuratively and literally. On the flip side, my husband was eagerly waiting with our collection of Star Wars-themed board games for our regular weekend duel. As the hours slipped by unnoticed like a stealthy Jedi infiltrating the Death Star, I was caught off-guard by his sudden appearance with a lightsaber in hand. “Time to face your destiny,” he declared, referring to the scheduled board game tournament. Alas, my poor prioritizing skills meant that the scripts had me in a force choke, and I had to sheepishly reschedule our game night for the following weekend.
This nerdy, yet enlightening, moment was a turning point. I was forced to learn the ways of effective time management, which allowed me to balance my professional ambitions with personal joyrides. Here are some ninja-esque time management tips that will help you wield the force in your own life.
Firstly, channel your inner Jedi and prioritize like a master. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by a million tasks, but not all tasks are created equal — just ask any Jedi who’s ever faced a Sith. Create a daily checklist and assign each task a level of importance. However, avoid falling into the trap of the dark side; do not overuse “urgent” as your sorting tool. Remember the wise Master Yoda once said, “Do or do not, there is no try,” and this principle can easily be applied to organizing your day.
Incorporate some stealthy time-blocking techniques into your schedule. If Luke Skywalker can utilize the Force to guide him to blow up the Death Star, I guarantee you can set aside uninterrupted focus time to complete a project. By dedicating specific chunks of the day to particular tasks, you’ll be less likely to have your concentration disrupted by competing demands. This means more time for dual-wielding sabers or participating in the local Ninjutsu class.
One vital lesson that ninjutsu and time management have taught me is the importance of adaptability. Just as a ninja adapts to their environment, it’s important to remain flexible with your schedule. Inevitably, you’ll face unexpected challenges, much like when Darth Vader shows up unannounced to a family reunion. Keep calm, take a deep breath, and adjust your plans where needed.
To enhance productivity, practice the art of eliminating distractions – conquer your own Death Star of chaos. Picture a toddler with an unguarded cookie jar — distractions are everywhere! And, boy, do they know how to draw you in. Consider using technology to combat technology itself. Use apps available to help you stay focused by blocking tempting distractions, ensuring you don’t end up in a rabbit hole of cat videos when you should be writing content.
Also, remember the importance of rest and recharge. Ninjas train vigorously but they also understand the vital need for rest — a hard lesson long-lost to the Sith who gets sucked up in their own dark ambition. The same goes for you. Break big projects into smaller, less-daunting tasks, and allow for short breaks in between to refresh your mind. For me, a few moments spent twirling a lightsaber can work wonders.
It’s worth noting that, as marketers, we often find ourselves in a battle against time itself. But remember that you are not alone. Whether through online communities or platforms like YouTube and Facebook, building connections with others facing the same struggles can create a support system like the Rebel Alliance.
My final tip for becoming a time management ninja is to maintain a sense of humor. I often laugh at past blunders — like the time I accidentally sent an email about Nin-jutsu training tips to the Earn With Kurt Podcast mailing list. Whoops! Instead of wallowing in it, I turned it into a lesson on growth and the importance of double-checking email lists before hitting that send button!
Throughout my journey, these time management strategies have helped me be more productive and have given me ample time for quality adventures in business, or simply building our growing lightsaber collection with my husband. As you embark on your own quest to master the force of time, remember that it’s not simply about efficiency; it’s about cultivating a fulfilling life too. Whether you’re battling deadlines, squaring off with task lists, or finding time for a Star Wars movie marathon, know that you’ve got the skills within you to make it all happen. Embrace your inner time management ninja and may the Force be with you!
