Balancing multiple roles, whether as a parent or entrepreneur, can be overwhelming. Many feel the need to work long hours to achieve success, but with a smart approach, it’s possible to work part-time and still accomplish more. A well-structured part-time workweek can lead to increased productivity, reduced stress, and even higher profitability.

Key Principles for a Productive Workweek

Success doesn’t come from working around the clock, but from working smart. A few key principles lay the foundation for a productive part-time workweek: clear goals, smart planning, and realistic priorities. These factors are essential in ensuring that every hour spent working drives the business forward.

Setting yearly, quarterly, and monthly goals is crucial. Without these, it’s easy to get lost in day-to-day tasks, only to reach the end of the year without significant achievements. Establishing long-term goals and breaking them into manageable tasks allows for meaningful progress, even when working fewer hours.

Equally important is batching tasks to avoid the mental fatigue caused by constantly switching between different activities. Each transition between tasks takes time for the brain to refocus. By grouping similar tasks together—whether it’s creative work, client management, or administrative duties—it’s possible to maintain focus and complete work more efficiently.

Finally, being realistic about what can be accomplished within a given timeframe is essential. Overloading the schedule often leads to stress and burnout. By acknowledging the true amount of time tasks take, from business meetings to personal errands, it’s possible to maintain a healthy balance.

Structuring the Workweek

A typical part-time workweek can be structured around three full days of focused work. In this model, three days are set aside for work, and the rest of the week can be devoted to personal responsibilities, like parenting or self-care. Here’s a breakdown of how a structured workweek can look:

Sunday: Planning and Preparation

The week begins with a planning session on Sunday. This involves reviewing long-term goals and determining what needs to be accomplished in the upcoming week. By brain-dumping all the tasks for the week, it’s easier to identify priorities and delegate tasks where necessary.

Sunday’s planning session also includes scheduling concrete appointments and blocking out time for deep work sessions. This preparation ensures that when Monday arrives, there’s no need to waste time figuring out what to do next.

Monday: Focused Work During Nap Time

On Mondays, focus time is limited to around three hours during nap time, but these hours can be incredibly productive with a clear plan. By designating specific tasks to focus on during this period, it’s possible to make significant progress. The key is starting the day with intention, knowing exactly which task to dive into.

Tuesday: A Full Day of Deep Work

Tuesday is a full workday, completely dedicated to deep work. With no calls or interruptions, this day is all about making major strides in tasks that require creativity and focus. This is often a day for activities like marketing, podcasting, or strategic business development—anything that moves the business forward.

Wednesday: Calls and Client Work

Wednesday is divided into two parts. The morning is reserved for focused client work, while the afternoon, from 1 to 4 PM, is designated for calls and meetings. By concentrating all client calls into one afternoon, energy is conserved, and there’s ample time in the morning for productive, uninterrupted work.

Thursday: Wrapping Up Work

Thursday is another full workday, focused on tying up loose ends and preparing for the weekend. Like Tuesday, this is another day for deep work, but with the flexibility to handle overflow from earlier in the week.

Friday: Light Work During Nap Time

Fridays are similar to Mondays, with work taking place during nap time. The goal here is to wrap up any remaining tasks from the week, answer emails, and set the stage for a restful weekend.

The Importance of Rest and Flexibility

Rest is vital for long-term productivity. Taking time off on weekends, even during busy seasons, prevents burnout and allows for renewed energy in the following week. Saturday is reserved as a full day off, while Friday afternoons and Sundays can also serve as rest periods.

This flexible schedule also allows for adjustments when needed. For example, while Tuesday and Thursday are typically reserved for uninterrupted work, calls can be scheduled if absolutely necessary—but these should be the exception rather than the rule. By keeping to this structure, the part-time workweek becomes manageable, leaving time for personal commitments and self-care.

Plan, Prioritize, and Execute

A part-time workweek doesn’t mean sacrificing success. With proper planning and prioritization, it’s possible to work less while achieving more. Planning on Sundays and setting daily priorities the night before allows for a focused and productive approach to work. Batching tasks and sticking to a clear schedule also prevents the stress and inefficiency that comes with constant multitasking.

By creating a structured part-time workweek, it’s possible to enjoy more balance and fulfillment while continuing to grow a business. Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to reduce stress and increase productivity, this approach offers a sustainable way to work smarter, not harder.

To listen to more about my part-time work week, tune into to Episode 123: Achieving More by Working Less: My Part-Time Strategy for Productivity and Peace.