Time Management for Multi-Passionate Entrepreneurs: How to Plan Your Week and Stick to It

The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Why I Brought Erica On the PodcastHere’s the truth: my hardest struggle as an entrepreneur isn’t ideas (I’ve got plenty). It’s time management—deciding what actually matters today, tracking how long things take, and sticking with it when my brain wants to do anything else.Most ADHD entrepreneurs I know feel the same. Big visions, tons of passions—but structuring time? That’s where everything unravels.So when I met time management coach Erica Dirkes at a networking event, I knew instantly: she had to come on the podcast. Because this is the conversation we’re all craving.Why Time Management Feels ImpossibleErica summed it up perfectly: you can do anything, but not everything. The challenge isn’t laziness—it’s how our brains work:* Time blindness: no sense of how long tasks actually take* Resistance: procrastinating until the task feels scarier than it is* Dopamine chasing: scrolling instead of focusing* Overwhelm: trying to juggle big dreams and small firesErica’s ADHD-Friendly FrameworkInstead of forcing rigid schedules, Erica helps clients build systems that match their wiring. Her process is simple but game-changing:* Start with values: what actually matters to you* Plan just one week: no massive life overhaul* Self-care first: anchor your week with energy-boosting habits* Brain dump everything: get tasks out of your head* Calendarize priorities: block time for the big stuff* Batch + buffer: group tasks, leave margin for surprisesIt’s not about squeezing in more—it’s about choosing better.Handling Big Goals (Without Burning Out)Writing a book while also needing income? You can’t give both full attention at once. Erica’s advice: prioritize the urgent seasonally. If revenue matters most now, schedule income-generating work during prime hours and tuck book time into smaller blocks. The order can shift later—but clarity helps now.Tools to Beat ResistanceProcrastination isn’t just annoying—it steals mental energy all week. Here are some hacks Erica and I love:* Scary Hour: dedicate one block to all those avoided 15-min tasks* Anchors/pacts: make distractions harder to access (hide apps, grayscale phone)* Timers/lockboxes: build friction for tech habits* Parkinson’s Law: give tasks a time limit—ship “good enough”* Reality checks: log how long tasks actually take for next timePlan Ahead, Not In the MomentIf you only plan in the moment, your primitive brain votes for comfort (scrolling, snacks, couch). Planning ahead engages your strategic brain. Erica suggests a Friday Power Hour:* Review what worked (and what didn’t) this week* Brain dump → categorize → calendarize for next week* Pick the top 3 must-dos per dayThen do quick daily check-ins (5–10 minutes). Adjust without overhauling.Letting Go to Gain TimeErica also recommends Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu—especially for women. You can’t delegate what you refuse to release. Start small: decide what only you should do, and outsource the rest.Final ThoughtADHD brains crave freedom—but freedom without structure turns into chaos. The good news? You have more control than you think. Plan one week at a time, choose the tasks that matter most, and set yourself up to follow through even when you don’t feel like it.Work with Ericka: mindfultimecoaching.com • [email protected] more ADHD-friendly systems? Subscribe to my newsletter + grab my Notion planning template: https://notion.jennaredfield.com/life-tracker Thanks for reading The Optimization Toolbox by Jenna Redfield! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Red Thread Toolbox by Jenna Redfield at jennaredfield.substack.com/subscribe