The TIME Framework
You only have so much energy. Use it on the things that will make the biggest difference.
You only have a limited amount of productive energy per day to put into the things that really matter to you.
The sooner you learn how to make the most of this limited resource, the more productive you’ll be and actually have something to show for your efforts day over day.
You may find success, motivation or momentum with just one of the principles I will share with you today, but I find that the greatest energy booster and success maker is combining them into a cohesive framework that feeds off one another. I call this The TIME Framework.
This is one of the easiest ways that I’ve found to make sure I’m working on the things that actually move the needle.
Basics of the TIME Framework
The TIME Framework is simple. You prioritize your tasks based on their Timeline, Impact, your Momentum and what gives you Energy.
I regularly use this framework when I see a long list of tasks that need doing, but I only have enough time to get some of them done.
How It Works
1- Timeline
Start by identifying the tasks that have the closest deadline.
What if your tasks don’t have actual deadlines? You need to make some for yourself and be accountable to them. If you have trouble holding yourself accountable, recruit a friend who will do it. Tell them what you are doing and when you want to get it done. Have them check in leading up to the deadline.
This can be a very strong motivator when you are the one setting the deadlines for yourself.
By giving yourself a deadline, you have something to work towards. You’re committing that you will get the task done and to have a target in sight.
No deadlines = development hell.
2 - Greatest impact
Determine what the biggest impact will be to make meaningful progress towards your goal.
Fiddling around with small details and insignificant tasks is a great way to waste all your time and energy you have for the day.
You need to look at your goal as a whole, zoom out and see the big steps that you need to take in order to get there.
These big steps can be further broken down into other more manageable tasks. Work on the tasks that will lead you to taking steps towards your big goal.
The most important thing is to be as clear as humanly possible with what exactly will get you what you want and do not deviate from it.
3 - Momentum
At any given time, I have long lists of things that I would like to accomplish. Sometimes I have the most momentum on my fitness goals, other times the momentum and focus is on entrepreneurial goals.
When you are able to spend time on your goals, it's important to go with where you have momentum, passion, direction and clarity.
If there's something that you're more excited to pursue than others, your energy is better spent there.
Balancing momentum with the first two principles can be tricky, but with practice and intentionally using momentum to your advantage, you'll see some great results.
“An object in motion, stays in motion.”
Let's say you have a goal to become lean and lose weight. To gain momentum, you need to see some sort of positive feedback or result very early on, or you'll stall and give up.
Let's break this down to get a win as fast as possible:
Decide where to work out
Plan what you will do
Get someone to go with you
Complete a workout
This might be an oversimplification, but it's actually getting momentum right away. A lot of people get stuck planning and trying to answer for every variable, but that just kills all momentum and is a form of procrastination disguised as productivity.
By breaking things down in a way that will get you a win as fast as possible (ignoring things that will slow you down while you risk losing your motivation), you are putting yourself right on the momentum speedway.
4 - Excited Energy
Unfortunately, momentum doesn't always last forever, especially when things get difficult, clarity is lost, unforeseen challenges arise and life decides to smack you clean in the jaw. That's where this last principle comes into play.
Productive excitement comes when you visualize yourself reaching your goals.
Some people write down and describe what this looks and feels like. Others create a vision board with text and images that represent what they want to achieve. However you do it, let those feelings of excitement reignite your desire to get your momentum back.
Remember why you’re on this journey in the first place. Those feelings of longing and desire are perfect motivators if they are acted upon.
Don’t get caught daydreaming yourself into a rut. Use those visuals, feelings and sparks to reestablish your plan and take some action.
Messy action > perpetual planning.
Why this approach works
This framework isn’t just about getting more done–it’s about getting the right things done with the little time and energy you have each day.
When you figure out what needs to be done the soonest, what will have the greatest impact, what you actually want to do and what gives you energy and excites you, then you will actually see progress. All the strides you’re making will inspire further action down the road.
Focusing on the right things will get you the right results.