Welcome to the Built to Win podcast, where we’re dedicated to helping you elevate your business game and cultivate a success mindset built to last. In this episode, we’re thrilled to dive into a masterclass on time management techniques courtesy of Neora President Amber Olson Rourke.
Amber’s passion for this topic is palpable. She has personally implemented these strategies and witnessed their transformative impact on her life and the lives of thousands of entrepreneurs she’s coached. At the heart of Amber’s approach is recognizing that effective time management is not solely about managing your time but mastering the management of your attention and focus—your most valuable resources.
The first step Amber emphasizes is the importance of planning your week before it even begins. She recommends dedicating 10-15 minutes on a Friday afternoon or Sunday evening to reflecting on your progress from the previous week and in identifying the top priorities that will move you closer to your Neora-driven goals in the week ahead. By intentionally scheduling time for these crucial tasks, you can create a proactive plan that prevents you from getting swept up in reactive, unimportant activities.
Amber likens this process to filling a bucket, where the “big rocks” of your most important priorities are placed first before the “sand” of urgent, reactive demands can fill the remaining space. This ensures that you’re making consistent progress toward your objectives rather than constantly reacting to the needs of others.
The second time management tip Amber shares is the power of time blocking. By grouping similar activities, you can tap into a state of flow and deep focus rather than constantly switching between tasks and draining your mental resources. Whether it’s dedicated time for Neora-related content creation, financial planning, or client meetings, Amber emphasizes the importance of honoring these time blocks like any other appointment on your calendar.
Continuing the theme of minimizing distractions, Amber’s third tip is to turn off all notifications during your focused work sessions. The constant pings and dings from our devices can be incredibly disruptive, pulling us out of our flow and preventing us from making meaningful progress. By silencing these notifications, you can create the uninterrupted time and space needed to excel in your Neora-related endeavors.
The fourth tip Amber shares is to eliminate multitasking, which she describes as a highly inefficient practice. Research has shown that juggling multiple tasks simultaneously can reduce productivity and increase stress and memory loss. Amber encourages you to focus on one thing at a time, allowing your brain to fully engage and deliver your best work, ultimately driving your success with Neora.
Finally, Amber’s fifth tip is to educate your home or office environment about your need for focused time. You can communicate your intentions and create boundaries that support your productivity by using simple tools like a door hanger or a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Amber emphasizes that most people understand when you set these clear expectations, allowing you to progress significantly on your Neora-driven goals.
Tmber’s passion for these time management techniques shines through. Throughout the episode, she has seen firsthand the transformative impact they can have, and she’s excited to share these Neora-inspired strategies with the Built to Win audience. By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can unlock an extra 5 hours per week, empowering you to make remarkable strides toward your personal and professional aspirations with Neora.
