Chapter 1: The Early Hours

Every weekday, my alarm jolts me awake at 5:00 AM. This early start grants me a precious 90-minute window for focused work. I rise to make my bed, head to my workspace, and hydrate as I power up my laptop for writing.

Time is of the essence.

Soon, I need to prepare for my day job, making these early hours the most productive for my creative endeavors. My evenings are reserved for reading, meditation, and journaling about my day.

The truth about juggling a business with a demanding 9 to 5 job is that limitations often inspire innovation.

The worst scenario for me is having a blank page and an abundance of time, which leads to procrastination. To combat this, I preload my Notion Writing System the night before, ensuring I have a starting point for the morning. I set a timer for one hour and dive in.

With a tight timeframe, my mind shifts into gear instantly. According to Parkinson’s law, the duration of work expands to fill the time allocated to it. On a productive day, I can complete a full article in that hour. While it may require some editing, the bulk is done.

Strangely, when I have more time, I often fail to finish my writing.

This paradox highlights an interesting truth: limited time can enhance productivity, while excessive time can hinder it. Constraints can serve as fuel for creativity, prompting me to see my limitations as opportunities rather than setbacks.

I dedicate those 60 minutes to a single task, eliminating distractions. Notifications from emails or social media are ignored until later in the day. This singular focus simplifies action; I don’t ponder what needs doing; I just get started.

This concentrated effort allows me to delve deeper into my work. I channel all my energy into one task rather than spreading myself too thin. After my writing session, I prepare for my commute, readying myself for another round of writing on the train.

While most passengers scroll through their phones or binge-watch shows, I use my transit time to inch closer to my goals. Many people have more time than they realize but fail to utilize it effectively. If you’re satisfied with your current situation, enjoy Netflix. If not, it's time to take action.

Focus > distraction.

Since the beginning of the year, I’ve invested close to $10,000 in online courses. However, I’ve come to understand that what I need isn’t more knowledge but more action. It’s essential to convert that knowledge into practical steps that yield financial returns.

I have resolved to stop purchasing courses and am now prioritizing action as the measure of my success. If I ever feel like I lack knowledge, I’ll consider investing in coaching for tailored guidance rather than generic courses.

Here’s how I execute my plan:

• Taking more sales calls and engaging with people in direct messages.
• Creating daily offers for both free and paid products.
• Committing to daily writing for platforms like Medium or LinkedIn.

Any activity outside these three is unproductive.

I won’t deny that these actions often make me uncomfortable. I still grapple with limiting beliefs around sales and marketing, and these tasks push me to my limits. Yet, that discomfort is precisely where I need to focus.

I’ve accepted the current phase of my life. As a single man without children or caretaking responsibilities, I have complete control over my schedule. I dedicate my extra time to learning, executing, and growing my career while building a one-person business.

I don’t foresee a change in this situation anytime soon.

My life choices have been intentional, and while some may find my circumstances unrealistic, I encourage you to adopt the principles I share in a way that suits your context.

Don’t disregard valuable insights because they don’t perfectly match your situation.

You might not have two hours to spare each day. Start with just 20 minutes. You may not have uninterrupted time due to family commitments.

I understand.

Begin with what you have, where you are.

The ideal scenario will never materialize. You won’t magically gain extra time. The most opportune moment to embark on a venture is when you’re busy. If you can manage it during a hectic period, you can tackle it at any time in your life.

This is the reality of establishing a business while maintaining a 9 to 5 job.

Most days are monotonous and consist of repetitive tasks that may not always be enjoyable. I experience laziness, fatigue, and moments of reluctance. Yet, I persist despite how I feel.

I’ve discovered joy in the mundane.

I eagerly anticipate writing each day, and I would continue even without an audience or financial incentive. The resistance I feel when I don’t write outweighs that of the writing process itself.

If you resonate with this reality, if you’re ready to make sacrifices and accept solitude, then you’re prepared to build a business.

This video covers strategies for starting a business while managing a full-time job.

In this video, the creator shares their personal journey of launching a business while working a 9-5 job.