Edupreneurs Network: Prioritizing for Greater Impact

Introduction

Soon after launching Valgar LLC, I found myself dealing with a busy schedule and multitasking in a way that was inefficient and even dangerous. One day, while at the kitchen counter, I spilled coffee on my keyboard while trying to send a client proposal, respond to newsletter comments, and review my book manuscript—all at once. Sound familiar?

While my computer survived, it made me realize that I needed to pause and figure out a different way of working because this incident highlighted how ineffective and inefficient I was. And while I can do almost anything I set my mind to, I can't do it all at the same time.

Therefore, I have worked hard to combat "multitasking syndrome" and distractions. Although still a work in progress, I have taken practical steps to sharpen my focus, which can help you successfully manage your edupreneurial projects.

Six Simple Strategies That Worked For Me

1. Pick Your Non-Negotiables

I grabbed a sticky note and wrote down exactly two priorities for this quarter: launching my book and creating a paid newsletter tier. Everything else became optional. Eventually, I transferred these priorities to my blueprint document, where I documented the progress on my goals, including strategies and timelines.

Try this: What's your one thing that would make everything else easier? Write it on a sticky note where you'll see it daily. When I keep my sticky note next to my computer, I see it first thing every morning.

Why it works: When I tried to focus on my book, newsletters, coaching clients, and consultancy without a clear focus, I made minimal progress on all of them. Narrowing to 1-2 core goals has helped me make real headway where it counts.

2. Manage Time With Simple Systems

I was constantly tempted to schedule "just one more" meeting or dive into a new project idea. Now, my calendar has clear boundaries. For example, Wednesdays are my "deep work" days—no meetings, no exceptions.

Try this: Block three hours this week (yes, right now—I'll wait) for focused work on your top priority. Turn off notifications and close those extra tabs.

Why it works: I've found that time boundaries create mental freedom. When I know I have dedicated hours for focused work, I'm less anxious about the million other things waiting for my attention.

3. Break Down Big Goals Into Tiny Steps

When launching My Mastery Journal, I felt overwhelmed until I created a simple checklist: draft Chapter 1, send it to the editor, review feedback, and so on.

Try this: Take your biggest current project and identify the very next physical action you need to take. Not "work on course," but "record the welcome video" or "outline module 3."

Why it works: My brain responds better to "write the acknowledgments page today" than "finish the book this month."

4. Test Small Experiments

I used to dream about complex membership sites and elaborate course launches. Then I tried something simpler: two newsletters - Educational Leadership and Edupreneurs Network. Together, I have over 15,000 subscribers. My next step is organic monetization.

Try this: What's one piece of content you've already created that could become a small offering this month? A template? A checklist? A mini-tutorial?

Why it works: Quick wins build confidence. My newsletters have taught me more about what my audience values than months of planning a theoretical course would have.

5. Set Clear Boundaries For Digital Distractions

I noticed I was checking emails and text messages between every task—a habit that fragmented my attention. Now, I check email just twice daily and use a kitchen timer for focused 25-minute work sprints. I have also significantly reduced the time I spend responding to text messages.

Try this: Pick one digital habit that pulls you off track. Set a specific time limit for it this week and track how it affects your productivity.

Why it works: When I limited Twitter to 20 minutes after lunch, I found I didn't miss it, but I gained back nearly two hours a week.

6. Make Weekly Reviews A Ritual

Every Friday afternoon, I grab my favorite mug and my notebook and spend 20 minutes asking: What worked this week? What didn't? What needs adjusting? Soon, I will be using QORA, an app I am developing, to help with goal setting, strategy, and reflection. (I will keep you posted.)

Try this: Set a 15-minute calendar appointment with yourself this Friday. Ask yourself what deserves more of your attention next week and what deserves less.

Why it works: These simple check-ins have saved me from spending weeks heading in the wrong direction.

A Personal Invitation

When I launched The District Leader podcast in 2017, I had no idea where it would lead. There were months when I questioned whether anyone was even listening. After two years, it became difficult to continue. However, I was able to engage and learn from a community of educators who continue to innovate and lead the transformation of education. This experience led me to projects that I still lead today.

If you're struggling with focus or looking to monetize your educational content, I'd love to hear from you. Hit reply and let me know which of these strategies resonates most or what challenge is currently on your mind.

Reflective Questions

1. What are your top 1-2 priorities for the next quarter, and how can you ensure they stay at the forefront of your efforts?

2. How do you currently manage distractions, and what specific boundaries can you set to enhance your focus during work hours?

3. What significant goals are you currently pursuing, and what are the smallest actionable steps you can take to move forward?

4. How can you refine your existing content to create new offerings that better resonate with your audience?

5. How often do you take time to reflect on your progress, and what insights can you gain from a weekly review of your activities?

Additional Tasks

1. Create a Sticky Note: Write down your one non-negotiable priority for the next quarter and place it somewhere visible to keep it top of mind.

2. Time Block for Focus: Schedule three hours this week dedicated solely to your top priority, with no distractions or interruptions.

3. Action List: Break down your largest current project into a simple checklist of the next 3-5 physical actions needed to make progress.

4. Content Experiment: Identify one piece of existing content to repurpose into a small offering (like a template or checklist) and outline how you will do this.

5. Weekly Review Appointment: Set a 15-minute appointment in your calendar for this Friday to reflect on your week and adjust your focus for the upcoming week.

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