Sunday Pills

1. How I'm Learning To Work Less And Get More Done - A Course By Rich Webster

I recently started the 'How To Work Less’ course by Rich Webster.

Rich Webster is the brain behind howtoworkless.com.

Learning from an agency owner, who has been in my shoes once, is a promising chance to free up more of my time to double down on high-value, strategic work.

This is a 4-week cohort-based program with around 50 students.

It’s been only 3 classes, and by far, I love how Rich and his team are delivering on their promise.

The best bit about the curriculum is how action-oriented it is.

In all honesty, you would find the information elsewhere on the Internet if you don’t mind a few hours of Googling.

What stands out the most, and justifies the cost, is the community, support, and NUDGE to take action.

In fact, I missed my last week's homework due to a super hectic week.

I received a check-in email from the team about the same and asked if they could support me in any way.

The beauty of the cohort is that it keeps you accountable.

The environment makes me want to make time, complete the homework, and track my progress.

The last lesson I learnt was how to say ‘NO’.

An actionable step of bringing this into practice is creating a Not-To-Do List.

It’s essentially a list of things you’d ideally not want to do.

An existing Not-To-Do practice at GrowedIn is that we never take any meetings on Thursdays.

It’s a day dedicated to doing deep, focused work without any hassles of video meetings.

2. A New Addition To My Not-To-Do List

Around 7 months back, we established a set of core values at GrowedIn, the first being PUNCTUALITY.

Out of consideration for each of our time, I’ve made it an utmost priority to stick to deadlines.

If a meeting is to start at 6:00, even 6:01 is terribly late.

A problem I've encountered this while is being unable to conclude the meetings with the same timeliness.

I want to refine the principle to:

Start on time, End on time.

Here we have our first addition to my Not-To-Do List:

Do not stretch meetings beyond the scheduled time.

It will save me time.
It will save our clients’ time.
It will save my team’s time.

My intended action plan to bring this into practice:

Master the art of brevity.

What can be explained in a minute shouldn’t exceed a minute.

Punctuality must function both ways. If you enter on time, you must leave on time too.

3. Leverage Your Privileges To Create Memories

I recently purchased a car.

I was always of the opinion that I don't need a car. I don’t go to an office. I won't need to drive around much.

So majorly, the car was an impulse purchase.

But I realised that after I bought my car, I started to commute around the city a lot.

I meet my friends after dinner; we go for casual drives more frequently than ever.

Although the car isn't a necessity for me right now, it is a medium to make memories.

It is a means to enjoy the long drives, the giggles, and the quality time spent with my friends in an otherwise hectic schedule.

Another way I leveraged my privilege is that I travelled to Delhi with my cousin for 4 weeks.

I have the privilege of working from anywhere, leading me to accompany him for his internship in Delhi.

This decision stems from a harsh realisation.

My life is changing so fast that I seldom get the time I once had.

The next year could be busier than this one; who knows?

Even my cousin would start working or move abroad for higher education.

Our lives will be radically different, and we won't have this time again.

We’re making the most of our time when we can because we'd hate to drown in regret later.

As long as your time, schedule, and budget allow,

Create situations that let you have time for leisure and for creating memories.

4. Growth Should Be Non-Negotiable When You're Young

I sometimes become complacent with the way my business is doing.

I have good clients,
I have a solid team,
I have sufficient opportunities.

But then, the reality hits when a client or two leave.

Quality work doesn't always guarantee the retention of a client.

Sometimes, the expectations don't align.

Other times, there is a gap in communication.

A harsh truth about running a business is that clients come and go.

As a business owner, you should never be too laid back.

Keep working on systems to get more clients for things to run smoothly.

I have, therefore, doubled down on our sales efforts.

You may often hear people on the Internet optimising for only freedom.

You only need a couple of clients, and you're sorted.

You don't need to build a million-dollar business.

You should build a lifestyle business.

On the contrary, I feel when you're young; you should give it all you have.

Of course, make time for enjoying and relaxing, but don't take things lightly, especially while you're young.

I am here in Delhi, having a great time with my cousin. Yet, I’m still fully present in my business.

Fun shouldn't come at the cost of your responsibilities.

The harder you work today, the better you live tomorrow.

It applies to self-employed and full-time professionals alike.

Don't cut corners with work.

It’s the only thing that will let you grow as a person.

5. You’re Killing Opportunities By Being Desperate

There's a lot of nuance to networking.

And it's way beyond exchanging business cards or LinkedIn profiles at networking events.

A basic rule you need to know is that being desperate doesn’t help your case.

To be honest, it worsens it.

Don't be someone who's only there to ask– asking for others’ time, mentorship, and connections because let’s be honest, there are no free lunches.

The people you potentially want to network with are busy.

To make it a two-way relationship, you must be worth people's time and energy.

If you can't pay them in money,

Find ways to be valuable otherwise.

Connect them to some great talent,

Or learn a skill that they might benefit from.

Also, keep in mind that not everybody is going to be your mentor or connection. Know when to stop.

For you to get lucky,

Expand your own horizon.

Have something valuable to offer.

Become somebody people want to associate with.