Leave the Busywork in 2025!

Truth be told... this past year was a grind.

Between economic shifts, changing markets, and the sheer noise of running a business, many of us spent 2025 in survival mode. You likely spent more time putting out fires than planting seeds. You were busy, so incredibly busy, but maybe not as productive as you wanted to be.

As we look ahead to 2026, you don't need another generic resolution. You need a shift in identity.

You need to move "From Busywork to The Big Picture."

If you are ready to stop being the "Chief Everything Officer" and start leading with vision again, this is your roadmap for the New Year.

Step 1: The Ruthless Audit (Identify the Enemy)

You can't reclaim your time in 2026 until you know where it went in 2025. Before you buy a new planner or set a revenue goal, become a time detective.

For one week, track everything. Then, categorize those tasks into two lists:

• Big Picture Work: These are the activities only YOU can do. Developing new services, building partnerships, planning the company's future, etc.

• Busywork: The necessary but repetitive tasks. Managing the inbox, data entry, scheduling, basic inquiries, etc.

When you see it in black and white, the results are often shocking. But don't feel guilty; you can use this list as your battle plan for the new year.

Step 2: Adopt the 'Delegate & Elevate' Mindset

For most founders, the biggest barrier to letting go of busywork isn't a lack of resources; it's a matter of trust. We think, "It's faster if I just do it myself" or "No one can do it as well as I can."

In this economy, that mindset is a growth ceiling.

Delegation isn't about dumping tasks; it's about empowering others so you can elevate your focus to revenue-generating activities. Reframe the thought:

• Instead of: "I'm losing control of this task."

• Think: "I'm gaining time to focus on strategic growth."

Start small. Pick one item from your "Busywork" list and delegate it in January.

Step 3: Create Your 'Big Picture' Sanctuary

If your calendar is a blank slate, busywork will rush in to fill it. The solution is to schedule appointments with your company's most important asset: you.

Block out 2-4 hours on your calendar every single week. Label it "CEO Time." This time is non-negotiable. Turn off your email notifications. This is your sanctuary to work on your business, not just in it.

More Than a Tactic, It's an Identity

Making the shift from busywork to the big picture isn't a one-time fix. It's a continuous, conscious choice. It requires much effort, but it's a commitment to being the visionary your business needs.

It’s about embodying that mission every day. It's a daily reminder that your true value lies in your vision, not your to-do list. When you internalize this, you don't just change how you work; you change how you see yourself as a leader.

Here is to a focused, visionary, and productive 2026!

P.S. We are working on something special to help you keep this mindset front and center in the New Year. Keep an eye out later this month for the reveal of our first signature collection I've designed specifically for founders ready to level up.