How to Create a Workday You LOVE as an Entrepreneur

Uncomplicating Your Workday:

Five Essential Questions for Entrepreneurs

Welcome back to Uncomplicating Business, where we simplify the entrepreneurial journey for teachers, helpers, and givers. I’m Sara, your business coach and creator of Selling for Weirdos. Welcome to another episode of Uncomplicating Business!  As a former teacher turned entrepreneur, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to transition from a structured work environment to the more… well, let’s call it fluid... schedule of entrepreneurship.



Today, I’m sharing how to create a workday that truly fits you. Let’s dive into five crucial questions that will help you craft a productive and fulfilling workday.

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1. What Do You Need from Your Day?

Understanding YOUR needs is the cornerstone of creating an effective workday. Think about what aspects of your day are non-negotiable. For me, flexibility is the key ingredient. I need the freedom to start and end my work at varying times based on my family’s schedule. Additionally, I carve out quiet time in the morning after my kids head to school, allowing me to gather my thoughts before diving into the day’s tasks.

Consider your own needs: Do you prefer a quiet start, or do you enjoy starting the day by jumping straight into conversations? Maybe you need to create space and time for exercise or errands. Pinpointing your most important needs will guide the structure of your workday.

 2. How Do You Think a Workday is *Supposed* to Work?

We often come into entrepreneurship with (a million) preconceived notions of what a workday should look like. Maybe you feel compelled to be at your desk by a certain time (like me, at 8:30 am exactly) or think you should work a standard 9-to-5 schedule. But that’s not required in entrepreneurship, and it might not be what you actually want or even need.



Ask yourself: Is the structure you assume you have to follow actually serving you? Do you truly want to work from 8:30 AM to 5 PM without breaks? If the answer is no, it’s time to redefine your expectations. Your workday can reflect your values and lifestyle, allowing you to work when you're most productive and take breaks when needed.

3. How *Standard* Will Your Standard Workday Be?

Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to create a work schedule that aligns with your actual needs. Do you love variety and enjoy having every day look different? Or do you prefer a more predictable routine?

Consider whether you want your workdays to be standard, flexible, or something in between – which is where most of us land. Maybe you end up having limited core hours that remain consistent and then add in extra hours that allow for other tasks and meetings as needed. The real job is to just be open to designing a schedule that feels like it really fits your personal rhythm.

4. How Long Do You Actually Need to Get Things Done?

A common misconception is that a full workday requires being at your desk for eight hours. In reality, many of us may only need a few focused hours to accomplish essential tasks. You may find that longer hours lead to decreased productivity – the longer you sit the less you get done; if this feels familiar, it’s probably time to reassess your habits.

Reflect on your tasks and how long they actually take. When you can complete the things that matter for your work in just a couple of hours, allow yourself to embrace a shorter workday. This leads to increased focus and efficiency and also frees up time for other passions and interests outside of work (remember those??!).

5. How Often Do You Need Breaks and Days Off?

Scheduling regular breaks and days away from work is absolutely vital for maintaining long-term productivity and well-being. Many entrepreneurs overlook this aspect, and it ends up leading to burnout (which none of us are really aiming for…).

Think about how often you need downtime and how to integrate it into your calendar. I regularly block off "no people days" in my schedule (usually 2 or 3 a month) —days reserved for reflection, side projects, or simply a break from meetings. These breaks give me space to think and help me reconnect with my creativity and productivity after busy days and weeks. For me, it makes sense to plan these days well in advance to ensure they don’t slip away amidst the busyness of daily life. This proactive approach allows me to maintain balance and focus in my work.

Conclusion: Your Next Steps

Crafting a workday that fits you as an entrepreneur is not just about efficiency; it's about alignment with your values and needs – and when your work, values, and needs line up, success gets a LOT simpler. By asking yourself these five essential questions, you can design a workday that feels productive and fun rather than restrictive.

If you’re interested in connecting further, join our Facebook group, Uncomplicating Business for Teachers, Helpers, and Givers, or visit my website, torpeycoaching.com, for more resources and coaching opportunities.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this practice, don’t hesitate to join the FB group, also called UNComplicating Business for Teachers, Helpers, and Givers.

Here’s to creating a workday that truly works for you!