Time management in communications: Two books that changed me and my business

Last summer, my business had become unmanageable. The workload felt impossible to handle, and I had lost the joy of being self-employed. Looking back, I see that unrealistic cultural expectations set during Covid and the processes I developed to meet them had finally taken their toll.

Recently, when I asked a client what he still found challenging in his communications role, he admitted that he struggles with time and project management. "How can I know what to prioritize? What can I do when I don’t have enough time to do it well—or even to do it at all?"

Time and project management have been my personal challenges, which I’ve worked to overcome in the past year. Since last summer's frustrations, I’ve found healthier perspectives and more effective processes. The joy in what I do has returned.

Communications are ongoing, and most of my clients focus on them only part-time. Those in full-time communications roles often feel overwhelmed by tasks assigned by people who don’t understand the work involved.

Over the next few months, I’ll explore time and project management themes with you through resources, blogs, emails, classes, and individual coaching. These will include management tools specific to communications, prioritization flow charts, advice and guidance, and more.

To begin, I want to share the two books that have been central to my personal and professional transformation over the past twelve months:

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

In this book, Burkeman challenges readers to confront the reality that our time on earth is far more limited than we often acknowledge. He emphasizes the importance of embracing this truth to live a more fulfilling life.

Takeaways:

• Embrace the Limits: Accepting that we have only about four thousand weeks in a lifetime can help us prioritize what truly matters.

• Focus on the Present: Instead of striving for productivity at all costs, concentrate on making the most of the present moment.

• Reject Perfectionism: Understand that not everything can be done perfectly, and that's okay. Aim for meaningful progress rather than flawless results.

  
  

When I distill it this way, it might seem a bit...fluffy, but it’s no exaggeration to say that this book fundamentally changed my relationship with time. I’ve read it three times and listened to it as well, and I’ve shared it with many friends who’ve found it just as impactful.

Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport

Newport’s book advocates for a shift from hustle culture to a more deliberate and sustainable approach to work. He argues that slowing down and focusing on deep work can lead to greater satisfaction and success.

Takeaways:

• Prioritize Deep Work: Focus on tasks that require deep concentration and provide the most value, rather than getting caught up in busywork.

• Set Boundaries: Establish clear limits on your work time to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Simplify and Streamline: Reduce the number of tasks and commitments to concentrate on what truly drives your success and well-being.

While Burkeman's book offers a new perspective on time and productivity, Newport provides a practical framework for being productive in a way that avoids burnout. This book has been central to the evolution of my internal processes, my approach to client and colleague communications, and how I manage my own business's communications.

I love what I do and am truly grateful for the opportunity to do it. Because of I love what I do, I want my work to be sustainable, allowing me to continue for a long time while improving and deepening my impact. I imagine you feel the same way.

I’m excited to explore these themes further with you in the coming months. Let's hold each other accountable to building a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to our work, okay?