Time Management Tips from a Saber-Swinging Entrepreneur

Once upon a time, in a galaxy far, far away—or maybe just in my living room—I found myself engaged in a full-on lightsaber duel with my husband. It was a typical Sunday, and the forces of good (me, of course) were battling the powers of Sith on our shag carpet battlefield. As I gracefully (or so I thought) spun and twirled my custom saber, fitted with a purple kyber crystal straight out of Savi’s Workshop, I suddenly tripped over a stack of “to-do” lists and unfinished spreadsheets. There I was, entangled in paper and procrastination, while my husband claimed victory and the cats watched judgmentally. Classic time management fail, right?

Having a penchant for lightsaber duels is just one part of being Kurt Tasche. But truth be told, managing time can sometimes feel like battling a relentless droid army armed with to-do tasks. Time management isn’t something you can master overnight; it takes practice, much like channeling the Force or, in my case, keeping my saber from knocking over yet another coffee mug.

As an entrepreneur, especially one who started his journey in network marketing back in 1988, time has been both my best ally and bitter enemy. From those early days in network marketing to venturing into the wild world of internet marketing in 2001, I’ve had to learn countless strategies to keep the chaos in check. Let’s face it: there’s only so much coffee one can consume before jittery becomes my default mode.

Podcasting on “Earn With Kurt” and maintaining an active online presence on platforms like YouTube and Facebook means my schedule is often as packed as a stormtrooper convoy. But how does one create a successful online business while staying sane enough to build lightsabers on Star Wars weekends? Here’s where my time management tips come in, with a mix of humor, personal insight, and maybe a smidge of Jedi wisdom.

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First and foremost, treat your time like a rare kyber crystal—precious and not to be wasted. Just as Luke Skywalker wouldn’t leave his lightsaber lying around, I don’t let my time slip away without assigning it a purpose or plan. Be mindful of the Force that is your schedule. Prioritize your missions, much like a Jedi council planning their next move (or so I’d imagine—I wasn’t on the council, after all).

A practical tip is to harness the power of a weekly planner. Now, before you roll your eyes, hear me out. Just like mapping out a battle strategy, a well-organized planner can save the day. Color-code your tasks, throw in some stickers for flair (Yoda thumbs-ups, perhaps?), and you’ll find creating a visual plan is not only effective but also therapeutic. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, where every scheduled item clicks into place.

Remember to break your tasks down, much like the steps to a perfect lightsaber choreography at Savi’s Workshop. Looking at a massive project can feel as daunting as facing a Death Star. By breaking it down into smaller tasks, you can tackle each piece with focus and efficiency. Plus, crossing off items from your list produces a satisfaction that rivals finally nailing that tricky saber spin.

One technique I’ve honed over the years is the Pomodoro Technique, which applies quite smoothly even if you’re swinging a saber on the side. This involves working in focused sprints—say, 25 minutes of undistracted work followed by a five-minute break. It’s like training in ninjutsu, where intense focus is punctuated with necessary breathing periods. This approach keeps your mind sharp and wards off burnout, because even a Jedi needs a break.

My husband and I, in our shared love for Star Wars and Disney, frequently indulge in marathons, despite the ominous looming of deadlines. The trick is to set specific intervals for work and leisure, and I promise, enjoying a few episodes of “The Mandalorian” as a reward for task completion does wonders for motivation. After all, work without play makes Kurt a dull Jedi.

Another quirky yet effective method I’ve adopted is the use of creative props in my workspace—like my lightsaber collection. Now, I can’t say moving offices to Dagobah would be productive, but having visual reminders of one’s goals can propel your drive forward when energy wanes. Plus, nothing beats the feeling of striking a power pose with a lightsaber pre-Zoom meeting.

Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community has added a colorful tapestry to my entrepreneurial journey—not to mention a flair for creative juggling. It has taught me resilience and adaptability, which are just as crucial in time management as they are in life. Whether it’s discerning the best social media strategy or the next saber build, adaptability ensures you’re prepared for anything—even if it’s a surprise Sith visitor at your doorway.

In reflecting on all these quirky, fun, and even ridiculous bouts of day-to-day time management, I’ve realized it’s less about getting everything done and more about enjoying the process. Just like a lightsaber duel can sometimes end in a tumble, life’s successes often come with a side of bloopers. And ultimately, what better way is there to live than finding peace in the dance of time and choosing the right saber to lead the way?

As I continue to build my businesses and chase success in both the online world and the journey of life, I know one thing for sure: Time management, much like a well-balanced lightsaber, requires practice, patience, and a little humor. So, may you feel inspired to tackle your schedules with the grace of a Jedi and the wit of a well-timed one-liner. May the Force—and effective time management—be with you!