037: How to Make More Time by Choosing What Not to Do

In this solo episode, Erik tackles one of the most common—and most misunderstood—questions leaders and high-achievers ask: How do I make more time? Instead of chasing productivity hacks, he offers two practical tools to get clear on what really matters and what can wait. The episode blends strategic thinking with real-life examples, helping listeners stop defaulting to “more hours” and start aligning with what truly moves them forward.❓ The Big QuestionIf you can’t actually make more hours in the day, how do you decide what to work on—and what to let go of—so your time aligns with your ideal life?💡 Key TakeawaysMore hours won’t solve unclear priorities—you’d just fill them with more noise.Clarity beats efficiency: Know what you should be working on before optimizing how you work.The Personal Navigation System helps you map your “ideal life” and measure choices against it.Recognizing life’s seasons allows you to adjust priorities without guilt.Short-term focus + long-term vision keeps you productive and fulfilled.🧠 Concepts, Curves, and FrameworksThe Personal Navigation System (from Keith Rosen’s Own Your Day): List the key categories of your life.Under each, write present-tense bullet points describing your ideal life.Socialize with your partner; review regularly.What Needs to Be True Exercise: Identify your current “season” of life.Set a date for the season’s end.List the non-negotiables that must be true by then for you to feel good about it.🔁 Real-Life ReflectionsErik’s summer chaos: running two businesses in three days a week while being a full-time dad on Mondays and Tuesdays.Embracing that this season was meant for heart fulfillment, not peak productivity.Training successors in one business to free up time for the other.Using “What Needs to Be True” to finish the season without regret.🧰 Put This Into PracticeBlock one hour this week to write your Ideal Life document.Share it with a partner, friend, or mentor for alignment and accountability.Identify your current season—and what must be true by its end.Review both exercises twice a year to realign and recalibrate.🗣️ Favorite Quotes“If I gave you a 25th hour in the day, you’d probably screw that up too.” Erik“There’s no efficient way to work on something you shouldn’t be working on.” Erik“When you’re in charge, take charge. When you’re not, stop trying to take charge.” Erik“The worst outcome is coming out of a season having neither enjoyed it nor prepared for the next one.” Erik