Check out last week’s newsletter: This Is Why Titles Do Not Equate to Leadership

Stop Managing Time. Start Filtering Decisions.

“How do you manage being an entrepreneur and an engineer? And do you like one more than the other?”

I get this question a lot.

Usually right after someone hears that I’m both a podcaster and an engineer.

And honestly… it’s a fair question.

Both can be demanding. Both take energy. Both take focus.

Another version I hear is this:

“Would you ever become a full time podcaster?”

My answer? I already am.

I release episodes every week. That is real work. That is real commitment.

But I know what people are really asking.

They’re asking if I would ever stop engineering completely.

And I’ve thought about that… a lot.

I’ve done quite a bit in my career so far. I’m a three time founder post college. I also helped start a student organization during my sophomore year at Iowa State University. I’ve worked across multiple companies Five billion-dollar Fortune 500 companies in various roles based out of 4 different cities.

At my core, I’m a problem solver.

A systems thinker.

Someone who looks at something and asks, “How can this be better?”

That shows up in engineering.

And it shows up in leadership, coaching, and entrepreneurship.

Right now, I don’t see myself stepping away from engineering.

Why?

Because I get to solve technical problems and people problems.

That combination energizes me.

Also… I bring some personality to engineering teams. Or at least that’s what I’ve been told.

But understanding why I do both doesn’t explain how I do both.

So let’s talk about that.

The 3 Question Filter I Use

I’ve had to become extremely intentional with my priorities.

That means saying no to good things so I can say yes to great things.

Here are the three questions I run almost everything through:

1. Is it required?
Do I actually have to do this? Or can someone else do it just as well, or better?

This question pushed me to build teams more intentionally. In nonprofits before. And now with IncrediPaul.

2. Does it have a return?
Is there a real benefit? A return on my time?

It’s easy to keep doing things just because you’ve always done them. That doesn’t mean they’re working.

3. Does it have a reward?
Do I enjoy it?

Let’s be real. Entrepreneurship includes plenty of things I don’t want to do but still need to do.

The key is balance. You can’t optimize only for enjoyment. You can’t optimize only for ROI. And you definitely can’t optimize only for obligation.

All three matter.

Choosing the Right Engineering Environments

On the engineering side, I’ve become very selective about companies and leaders.

This is my fifth company since graduating.

And the reason is simple.

If I’m not aligned with leadership, or I’m not growing, I move.

Growth matters too much for me to stay comfortable.

The Real Secret

There isn’t more time.

There’s only better decisions.

This week on the podcast, I talk about the illusion of time management and how I decided what stays and what goes in my life right now.

If you’ve ever felt stretched between multiple passions, this episode is for you.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

Let’s keep pushing to Be Incredible!

TL;DR

Stop choosing between your passions and start filtering your priorities. Being productive isn’t about "finding more time" it’s about making better decisions through a systems-thinking lens.

To manage a dual career, run every task through these three pillars:

1. Requirement: Do I actually have to do this? (Delegate or delete).

2. Return: Is there a tangible ROI for my time? (Audit your habits).

3. Reward: Do I actually enjoy it? (Don't optimize for obligation alone).

You don’t have to quit one to be "full-time" at the other. If you are showing up and doing the work every week, you are already there. The secret isn't time management; it's alignment.

STREAM THIS WEEK’S EPISODE

Paul Faronbi discusses the complexities of time management and the risk of burnout in today's fast-paced world. He emphasizes that time management is a misnomer, advocating instead for prioritization of tasks based on personal values and goals. Paul shares insights on how students and professionals can navigate their responsibilities while maintaining a balance between productivity and personal well-being. He encourages listeners to reflect on their legacy and what they want to be known for, highlighting the importance of intentionality in life choices. The conversation also touches on the significance of seeking feedback and mentorship to foster personal growth and avoid burnout.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE

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