In my solopreneur web design business, I recently made a conscious effort to embrace intentionality in my work to ensure I stay grounded, focused, and fulfilled. Here are a few of the practices I’ve implemented.

1. The Weekly Travel Day

One day each week, I treat myself to a “travel day.” This isn’t about actual travel but about stepping out of my usual routine. Whether it’s catching a movie, taking a long walk along the beach or in nature, or trying out a new restaurant, this day is dedicated to a reset – recharging the batteries and gaining fresh perspectives. By disconnecting from work and exploring new environments, I return with renewed energy and creativity. It helps prevent burnout while sparking new ideas to bring back to various projects. It’s a reminder that life is about experiences and not just about the daily grind of work.

2. Tracking Work Hours for Higher Performance

In March of 2024, I started to meticulously log the hours I work—not for billing purposes, as I rarely charge hourly—but to gain a clearer understanding of my productivity patterns. This practice allows me to see how my energy levels fluctuate throughout the day and week. It helps me identify my biological prime time, the periods when I am most alert and productive. For more insights on this idea, check out Chris Bailey’s book, Hyperfocus.

By aligning my most challenging tasks with these peak times, I maximize my efficiency and output. This awareness has been to manage my workload and avoid overcommitment.

3. Strict Email Boundaries

I simply don’t respond to emails outside of normal business hours. If an email feels urgent, and I feel the need to respond right away (while it’s top of mind) I’ll draft my response and save it for later. Or better yet, draft the response and then schedule its send for the next business day. This helps maintain my work-life balance and ensures that I’m fully present during my “off” time. It also sets clear expectations with clients about my availability, fostering a more respectful and balanced working relationship. Because, remember, if you respond to clients at all hours, they will quickly assume they can contact you at all hours.

4. Controlled Communication Channels

From very early on, I preferred not giving clients my phone number. Instead, I would ask that all initial contacts be made via email. I didn’t fully understand why I did this initially, but over time has become crystal clear. It allows me time to prepare and organize my thoughts before any meetings, and avoid the stress of unexpected phone calls. It also reduces the anxiety of being constantly reachable.

5. Designate Deep Work Days and Others for Meetings

I designate certain days just for client calls and meetings, while other days are reserved for Deep Work sessions, as advocated by Cal Newport. On meeting days, I focus on communication, collaboration, and client relations, ensuring that I’m fully present and engaged in each interaction. On Deep Work days, I dive into intensive, focused work without interruptions, tackling complex projects and creative tasks. This separation allows me to maintain a high level of productivity and ensures that each aspect of my business receives the attention it deserves. It helps me stay organized, reduces context switching, and enhances the quality of both my client interactions and my work output.

6. Daily Reflection Journal

Using the Day One app, I keep a daily reflection journal. It’s incredible to look back and see what I was doing on this day last year, two years ago, or even five years ago. This practice started with just a sentence or two each day but has evolved into a detailed breakdown of my daily activities, thoughts, and feelings. This reflection process allows me to track my progress, recognize patterns, and make more informed decisions. It’s a powerful tool for self-awareness and growth, providing a written record of my journey and reminding me of how far I’ve come. It’s like when you start a workout program and don’t notice any changes on the scale but then you compare progress pictures and see great results.

7. Daily Gratitude Journal

In addition to my reflection journal, I maintain a daily gratitude journal using the Dayflect app. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge what I’m grateful for helps me stay positive and centered, fostering a mindset of abundance and appreciation. This practice shifts my focus from what’s lacking to what’s thriving in my life, enhancing my overall well-being and satisfaction. It’s a simple yet profound way to cultivate a positive outlook and resilience, even during challenging times.

By incorporating these intentional practices into my routine, I’ve found greater balance and fulfillment in my day-to-day life. They not only enhance my productivity but also contribute to a richer, more meaningful life. I hope these ideas inspire you to find your own ways to live and work more intentionally. We have one life to live so let’s make it the BEST we can!

What intentional practices have you found helpful in your solopreneur journey? Share your experiences and let’s continue the conversation!