How Dads Are Getting More Done in Less Time

Make Time Work for You

Inside this issue

The weekly planning template that actually sticks
Resume bullets that show results, not hours
Time to Sprint: Plan next week
What’s your top five-minute time hack?
The Last Laugh: Gaming with your buddies
But before we get to all that, here’s what’s…

On My Mind

Every dad I know feels it: the tug between wanting to do more and not having a minute left to give.

The truth is, we don’t need more time. We need better use of the time we already have.

That’s exactly what this week’s Gap to Gig podcast guest, Jesse Holmes, and I talked about. He built and rebuilt businesses while raising a family, and he’s learned how to create momentum in just ten minutes a day. His approach isn’t about cramming more into your schedule. It’s about using focus, consistency, and small wins to make progress that actually lasts.

When I first started planning my weeks, I treated it like a chore. But what it really became was a compass. Suddenly, my days stopped blending together. I could see what mattered most and what I could stop saying yes to.

If you’ve been trying to build momentum after time away from work, time management isn’t about squeezing productivity out of every second. It’s about reclaiming ownership of your week, one focused moment at a time.

This issue will help you do exactly that.

The Weekly Planning Template That Actually Sticks

Why it Matters

When everything feels urgent, it’s easy to mistake motion for progress. A weekly plan pulls you out of reaction mode so you can focus on what actually moves life, and work, forward.

Why it Works

Weekly planning creates boundaries between what’s important and what’s just noise. It replaces guilt (“I didn’t do enough”) with intention (“I did what mattered”).

How to Do It

Start with your anchor points. Add family commitments, appointments, and anything non-negotiable first. This prevents your priorities from getting squeezed out later. For example, kids’ sports on Tuesday? Block that first. Then you know exactly what’s left to work with.
Set your top three outcomes. Focus on results, not a to-do list. Example: Instead of “update LinkedIn,” say “finish new headline and About section.”
Block your focus time. Pick when you’re sharpest (early morning, late evening, during nap time) and guard it. Even one protected 60-minute block can drive real progress. For example, “Monday, 9–10AM: apply for two jobs.”
Leave margin for real life. Don’t stack your schedule edge to edge. Life with kids guarantees interruptions. Add breathing room so you don’t feel behind when things shift.
Review and adjust. End each week with a short reflection: What went well? What got crowded out? Carry those lessons forward. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and fix them before they repeat.

Pro Tip

Pick a consistent planning moment. Perhaps it’s Sunday night after the kids are in bed or Monday morning before work and make it a ritual. Add your favorite playlist or a cup of coffee. If you look forward to it, you’ll stick with it.

Resume Bullets That Show Results, Not Hours

Why it Matters

Employers value results, not hours. Showing how you managed time, organized chaos, or streamlined work proves you can do more with less.

Why it Works

It turns everyday efficiency into measurable impact. You’re not just busy; you’re effective.

How to Write It

Use this simple structure: Action + Result + Efficiency Gain.

“Redesigned scheduling system to cut meeting time by 20%.”
“Coordinated remote workflow that improved on-time delivery by 30%.”
“Implemented weekly check-ins that reduced project delays.”
“Managed household logistics for a family of five while completing certification program on time.”

Pro Tip

If you’ve balanced kids’ schedules, household budgets, and job searches, you’ve already built serious organizational skills. Frame them in professional language and watch your experience resonate.

Time to Sprint: Plan Next Week

Why it Matters

Most time stress comes from decision fatigue. A short planning sprint resets your focus and starts your week strong.

How to Do It

Minutes 0-10: Look back: What worked this week? What drained you? What’s still hanging?
Minutes 11-20: Plan forward: Pick three outcomes and block time for them using the template above.
Bonus (5 minutes): Schedule one thing just for you: a walk, a call with a friend, or time for your own project. That’s fuel, not fluff.

Pro Tip

Set a recurring reminder once a week to do this sprint. You’ll never start a week on your heels again.

Your Move

What’s your top five-minute time hack? Hit reply and let me know. I read every response.

From the Podcast: Jesse Holmes on Building Momentum in 10 Minutes a Day

Why It Matters

Momentum doesn’t come from marathon sessions. It comes from consistency. Jesse Holmes, a performance coach and dad, explains how just ten minutes of focused effort each day can change the way you work, parent, and live. Whether it’s time for your goals, your kids, or yourself, those minutes compound faster than you think.

What You’ll Hear

In this episode, Jesse shares how he built and rebuilt multiple businesses while raising a family, and how success got simpler once he stopped chasing hours and started focusing on habits.

You’ll learn how to:

Identify your highest leverage activities
See why consistency beats intensity every time
Use ten minutes of total focus with your child to deepen connection and reduce stress for both of you
Make small daily shifts that help balance feel natural instead of forced

Pro Tip

You don’t need a new system. You need a small win you can repeat. Start with something easy and enjoyable you can do every day without burning out. For Jesse, that’s ten focused minutes. For you, it might be five. The key is to make it so simple you can’t skip it.