Hi, Dr. Scott Zarcinas here (aka DoctorZed), founder of Unlocking Your Life.

Time management is crucial for everybody, especially if you’re overwhelmed by the demands of daily tasks at home and at work. Even more so if you’re running your own business and getting burnt out.

In this article, we’ll explore how a simple time-management strategy transformed the life of a sole trader struggling with work-life balance and exhaustion.

The Challenge: Overwhelmed and Disorganised

John, a skilled tradesman running his own business, was caught in a constant state of disarray. His days were hectic, filled with double bookings, missed appointments, and a growing list of unfinished tasks.

John’s problem was his disorganised approach to managing his time. He relied on a paper diary, often forgetting to jot down important job details.

This led to chaos in his schedule, with clients getting frustrated due to missed appointments and John feeling the pressure of an ever-growing workload.

He often complained, “Time is not my own.” John found himself working late into the night and even on weekends, just to keep up.

The lack of proper time management was not only affecting his work but also taking a toll on his personal life.

He was missing out on family time and felt the strain of not being able to enjoy his weekends. John knew he needed a change but wasn’t sure where to start.

The Desire: A Better Work-Life Balance

John’s main goal was to regain control of his time and establish a better work-life balance.

He wanted to be more organised, reduce his stress levels, and most importantly, free up his weekends to spend quality time with his family.

John’s struggle is common among sole traders and small business owners, who often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities.

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The Strategy: Calendarising Tasks for Clarity and Control

When John approached me, I introduced him to a simple yet powerful time-management strategy: calendarising.

This technique involves scheduling all personal, professional, and administrative tasks on a single calendar, colour-coded for clarity. Each task category—clients, admin work, personal time—was assigned a specific colour, allowing John to see at a glance how his time was allocated.

The first step was to transition from a paper diary to a digital calendar, which could be accessed from his phone, tablet, or computer.

This change allowed John to keep his schedule updated in real-time, reducing the chances of double-booking and forgotten tasks. We set up his calendar to include every aspect of his life, from client appointments to administrative tasks, and even personal activities like family time and exercise.

I explained to John that the key to this strategy’s success was consistency. He needed to regularly update his calendar and stick to the schedule as closely as possible.

We also built in buffer times between tasks to account for unexpected delays and to give John some breathing room throughout his day.

The Transformation: From Chaos to Control

The impact of calendarising was almost immediate. Within just one week, John noticed a significant difference in his daily routine. He felt less overwhelmed and more in control of his time.

The colour-coded calendar allowed him to visualise his day, making it easier to prioritise tasks and manage his workload effectively.

One of the most significant changes John experienced was in his weekends. By managing his time better during the week, he no longer needed to work on Saturdays and Sundays.

This freed up his weekends to spend with his family, something he hadn’t been able to do consistently for a long time. John expressed how liberating it was to know that he had dedicated family time without the nagging worry of unfinished work.

John also noticed that his clients were happier. With a more organised schedule, he was able to meet his commitments on time, leading to improved client satisfaction and, ultimately, a better reputation for his business.

The stress that once plagued him began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of calm and control. As he says:

“I am now beginning to understand the value of time.”

The Lesson: Self-Management as a Path to Success

John’s experience highlights the importance of self-management in achieving positive self-leadership. By taking control of his time and implementing a structured approach to his daily tasks, John was able to transform his work-life balance and enjoy a more fulfilling life.

The concept of calendarising is a simple yet effective tool that anyone can use, whether you’re running your own business or managing a busy household, by helping you

• • • to see the bigger picture
    • prioritise what’s important
    • make room for the things that truly matter in life

For John, the journey from chaos to control was a testament to the power of self-management. By embracing a proactive approach to his time, he not only improved his professional efficiency but also reclaimed his personal life.

His weekends are now spent with his family, and his workdays are structured and productive.

Want to know what you need to do to have greater work-life balance?

Click the link below and set up a clarity call with us so we can help you with a single, simplified solution to create the life you always wanted.

Your journey towards a brighter future starts now. Let’s do this.