For many coaches, the day often feels short. There’s always another important task, client, or commitment you can get to when you run out of time. 

So making sure that every day is well-spent is a common challenge among us.

But when we talk about being “productive,” what does it really mean?

For coaches, it involves three core areas: assisting clients, investing in personal growth, and handling day-to-day necessities.

In this guide, we will dive into:

• What it means to have a productive day as a life coach
• How to have a productive day as a coach

What Does It Mean to Have a Productive Day?

First, think about your daily tasks. Is productivity about ticking off items from a list? Or does it go deeper as you connect each task to a bigger goal or vision?

For many coaches, a productive day is not just about finishing big tasks. It’s about meaningful interactions with clients. It’s about guiding them closer to their goals. 

For others, it’s about personal growth. It could be reading up on new coaching techniques, listening to coaching podcasts, or attending a workshop to improve their methods.

Whatever your definition may be, it’s essential to be clear about it to set the right intentions for your day.

And remember that it’s not just about the number of important tasks that you complete but the essence and quality you bring to each task. A dedicated, focused approach not only ensures top-notch results but also gives you a deeper sense of achievement.

To sum it up, productive days are a mix of professional achievements, personal life and well-being, and the joy of seeing others succeed. It’s about defining your metrics for productivity and ensuring every task, every action, and every moment aligns with it. 

That’s how you craft a day that leaves you content, fulfilled, and looking forward to the next one.

How To Have a Productive Day as a Coach

Productivity isn’t about merely checking boxes off a to-do list. It’s about meaningful actions that lead to tangible outcomes. Whether it’s a breakthrough with a client or a new strategy to improve your services, every activity should hold weight. 

So, how do you ensure each day is productive and fulfilling? Here are some tips to help you have a productive day as a coach – and to stay productive over time.

1. Start with a morning routine

The first hours after you wake up can be the most productive hours of the day. Use this time wisely, and you’ll set yourself up for a day of success.

Here’s an example of a morning routine for coaches if you’re feeling uninspired for your own:

1. Meditation: Have you ever felt that morning brain fog? A few minutes of meditation can clear that right up and reduce your stress levels. It’s like hitting a reset button to bring calmness and focus and kickstart the day.
2. Exercise: Exercise is self-care. Whether it’s a jog, some yoga, or just stretching, getting your body moving is key. It wakes you up, gets the blood flowing, and puts you in a go-getter mood.
3. Journaling: Take a moment to have your own personal time and jot down your thoughts. What are you grateful for today? What are your top priorities? By writing down your thoughts, goals, or even your to-do list for the day, you create a tangible roadmap. This not only organizes your thoughts but also gives a clear direction to channel your energy.
4. Reading: Grab a book or an article. Perhaps something about coaching techniques or personal development. You’ll start the day right by feeding your brain and kickstarting with self-growth.

But let’s be frank – not everyone can plan a picture-perfect morning routine. If you’re a parent like me, you might have to carve out little slots of time to get your routine in!

Here’s what my personal morning routine looks like as a mom of a toddler:

1. Get abruptly woken up by my son
2. Play with my son for an hour and give him breakfast
3. Drive my son to daycare
4. Take a half hour to myself before I officially dive into work:
   1. Grab a hot drink (usually coffee)
   2. Read
   3. Stretch
   4. 5 minutes of meditation to close it off

By dedicating time to activities that enhance both your mental and physical well-being, you ensure a proactive and positive start to every single day.

2. Create a daily schedule

What is the secret to making the most of your day? Having a daily work schedule. 

List out everything you’ve got on your plate and arrange them by their importance. This means you won’t miss out on crucial or urgent tasks and can keep tabs on your progress throughout the day.

Setting up a daily plan isn’t just about the organization; it’s about making your productive hours in a workday count. Focus on the tasks that push you forward and contribute to your goals. 

You can create your schedule based on the time management system of your choice. Personally, a blend of Kanban and bullet journaling works best for me to set up my schedule.

Having a clear schedule helps you allocate enough time for each task, so you’re not just rushing through. This can help you get quality work done and feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. It also helps you make sure you don’t lose focus as the day moves forward.

And hey—if you want to make it easier and more streamlined, check out Paperbell. 

Paperbell is the coaching software that runs your entire business: client management, billing, online contract signing & more so you focus on what you do best: helping clients achieve their goals.

Give it a try for free!

3. Focus on high-impact activities

The key to maximizing your day is zeroing in on high-impact activities. 

Figure out what tasks have the most significant effect on your coaching business, then channel your energy there. For example, marketing activities might draw in potential clients. Or investing time in creating a coaching funnel can help you ensure a steady stream of people eager for your guidance. 

If you’re into content, producing valuable pieces can help establish you as an authority in your field. 

And don’t overlook professional collaborations. Teaming up with others in your network can open doors you didn’t even know were there!

In short, to get the best out of your day, pinpoint the tasks that drive results for you. By focusing on these, you set yourself up for tangible growth and success in your coaching business instead of focusing on tasks that don’t truly move the needle.

4. Practice time management

It’s easy to talk about time management, but it’s another thing to nail it.

Because here’s the thing – scattering your attention across many tasks often drags you down. Instead, tackle one task, know your most productive time of day, ace it, and then shift to the next.

There are a lot of time management practices you can use to level up your productivity… so much so, we wrote an entire article on them! Read about the best time management systems for coaches right here.

5. Take breaks and practice self care

So, you’re powering through your day, ticking off tasks, and feeling that momentum. But wait. Don’t forget to hit the pause button from time to time!

It’s easy to think that non-stop work equals productivity. But here’s the twist: regular breaks can actually make you more effective. Several studies have shown that taking breaks is beneficial towards not just productivity, but creativity, too!

On the other hand, working without any breaks can easily push you into mental fatigue. 

So if you’ve ever felt your concentration wane after work hours… that’s your brain’s subtle nudge saying, “Hey, I need a breather.” 

Listen to it. A short walk, a moment of quiet, or even a yummy snack can reignite your spark and help keep burnout at bay.

6. Engage in continuous learning

When you’re a coach – or any type of business owner, for that matter – staying stagnant isn’t an option. It’s vital to keep pace with the latest industry trends and insights. Why? Because this keeps you at the forefront, ensuring you offer clients up-to-date guidance.

So, how do you keep the learning ball rolling?

• Read Books: Books can be a treasure trove of knowledge. Set aside some time to dive into literature about coaching techniques or business growth. Every page can offer a new perspective or strategy.
• Attend Webinars and Workshops: They’re opportunities to not only learn but also to interact and ask questions. It’s real-time learning that can be immediately applied.
• Connect with fellow coaches: Swap stories, share experiences, learn from the content that they post on their social media accounts, and discuss challenges. Sometimes, another coach’s experience can offer the exact insight you need.

For example, I almost always hire a coach for myself. I also make sure to attend industry-related events to stay sharp in my craft (in my case, it’s email marketing).

7. Reflect and evaluate

Here’s a little secret to maximizing your growth: end-of-day reflections.

Before you switch off after your work day, take a moment. Sit back, maybe with a cup of tea, and mull over your day. 

What went well? Give yourself a pat on the back for those.

But what about the hiccups or challenges? Don’t fret over them. Instead, see them as signposts pointing to areas you can focus on tomorrow.

By dedicating a few minutes to this simple routine, you not only acknowledge your efforts and accomplishments but also pave a clearer path for the days ahead. 

It’s a small investment of time that can lead to significant payoffs in your productivity levels and overall growth.

How To Use Paperbell to Have a Productive Day

A productive day as a life coach isn’t just about checking off tasks. It’s about aligning your actions with your goals. 

And if you’re a coach aiming to boost your daily productivity, Paperbell is your go-to tool. 

Designed specifically for life coaches, it streamlines business operations to give you more time for what’s most important: coaching.

• Automate Appointments: The endless back-and-forth emails? Say goodbye to them. Paperbell lets you schedule appointments directly with clients. Plus, automated reminders ensure everyone shows up on time, enhancing client satisfaction.
• Handle Payments with Ease: With Paperbell, tracking your income and handling client payments becomes effortless. Clients pay for your coaching packages with a payment link, which means no more pesky invoices. That means quicker payments and less time on administration.
• Monitor Client Progress: Stay on top of your client’s journey. Track their progress, view session histories, and ensure you’re always aligned with their needs and goals – all in one place. You can even share notes and documents with your clients via their own client portal!

Paperbell isn’t just another tool; it’s an all-in-one solution for online coaches. It streamlines tasks, optimizes operations, and ensures you and your clients are always in sync.

You can try Paperbell for free by grabbing your free account right here!