Welcome to the Built to Win podcast, where we equip you with the strategies and mindset to elevate your business game for the long haul. In this episode, we’re thrilled to dive into a robust time management masterclass led by Neora President Amber Olson Rourke, who has not only implemented these techniques in her own life but has also witnessed their transformative impact on the thousands of entrepreneurs she’s coached.
At the heart of Amber’s approach is recognizing that effective time management is not solely about managing your time; instead, it’s about mastering the management of your attention and focus—your most precious resources. In our constantly connected, fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to become reactive, continually pulled in different directions by the demands of others and the allure of digital distractions.
Amber’s first essential tip is to plan your week before it begins. She recommends dedicating 10-15 minutes, perhaps on a Friday afternoon or Sunday evening, to reflecting on your progress from the previous week and identifying the top priorities that will move you closer to your Neora-driven goals in the week ahead. By intentionally scheduling time for these crucial tasks, you can create a proactive plan that prevents you from getting swept up in reactive, unimportant activities.
Amber likens this process to filling a bucket. The “big rocks” of your most important priorities are placed first, before the “sand” of urgent, reactive demands can fill the remaining space. This ensures that you’re making consistent progress toward your Neora objectives rather than constantly reacting to the whims of others.
The second time management tip Amber shares is the power of time blocking. By grouping similar activities, you can tap into a state of flow and deep focus rather than constantly switching between tasks and draining your mental resources. Whether it’s dedicated time for Neora-related content creation, financial planning, or client meetings, Amber emphasizes the importance of honoring these time blocks like any other appointment on your calendar.
Continuing the theme of minimizing distractions, Amber’s third tip is to turn off all notifications during your focused work sessions. The constant pings and dings from our devices can be incredibly disruptive, pulling us out of our flow and preventing us from making meaningful progress. By silencing these notifications, you can create the uninterrupted time and space needed to excel in your Neora-related endeavors.
Amber’s tip is to eliminate multitasking, which she describes as a highly inefficient practice. Research has shown that juggling multiple tasks simultaneously can reduce productivity and increase stress and memory loss. Amber encourages you to focus on one thing at a time, allowing your brain to fully engage and deliver your best work, ultimately driving your success with Neora.
Finally, Amber’s fifth tip is to educate your home or office environment about your need for focused time. You can communicate your intentions and create boundaries that support your productivity by using simple tools like a door hanger or a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Amber emphasizes that most people understand when you set these clear expectations, allowing you to progress significantly on your Neora-driven goals.
Thber’s passion for these time management techniques shines through throughout the episode. She has seen firsthand the transformative impact they can have, and she’s excited to share these Neora-inspired strategies with the Built to Win audience. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can unlock an extra 5 hours per week, empowering you to make remarkable strides toward your personal and professional aspirations with Neora.
