Ian Wiedenman blog

I grew my company ITW Creative Works from a start-up to a thriving creative development agency through strategic business growth and strong client relationships.

A Day in the Life of a Solopreneur: My Daily Routine

A Day in the Life of a Solopreneur: My Daily Routine
Entrepreneurship Productivity Personal Development 10 min read 8 comments

Discover a day in the life of Ian Wiedenman, a solopreneur managing multiple innovative projects, and learn how he balances his daily routine for success.


Why I Chose the Solopreneur Path

Alright, folks, let’s dive into the why behind this crazy solopreneur journey I embarked on. Picture this: the 9-to-5 grind, the rigid schedules, the cubicle life. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt. But deep down, I craved something more. I wanted the freedom to innovate, to chase wild ideas, and to build something that was entirely mine. Hence, the birth of my solopreneur adventure.

First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—freedom. The idea of being my own boss was intoxicating. No more asking for vacation days, no more clocking in and out. Just pure, unadulterated freedom to structure my day as I saw fit. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it is, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. More on that later.

Another big reason I chose this path was passion. Working on projects like Somiibo and Slapform.com, I felt a spark that I hadn’t felt in years. These weren’t just business ventures; they were my babies. Each project brought a new set of challenges and learning experiences that kept me on my toes. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about seeing your ideas come to life and knowing that you built them from the ground up.

Let’s not forget the thrill of innovation. Being a solopreneur allowed me to pivot quickly, try out new ideas, and take risks without having to get approval from a board or a boss. For example, StudyMonkey.ai was born out of a late-night brainstorming session, and boom, it turned into a full-fledged project! This kind of agility is priceless and something you just can’t get in a traditional job setting.

And then there’s the personal growth aspect. Navigating the solopreneur path has taught me more about myself than any self-help book ever could. From time management to financial planning, every day brings new lessons. I’ve learned to wear many hats—marketer, developer, accountant, and even customer service rep. It’s been a wild ride, but it’s sculpted me into a more resilient and resourceful person.

Lastly, the sense of community and support from fellow solopreneurs is unparalleled. There’s a unique camaraderie among us, a shared understanding of the highs and lows. Whether it’s through online forums, social media groups, or local meetups, the connections and friendships I’ve built are invaluable.

So, why did I choose the solopreneur path? In a nutshell, it’s the freedom, the passion, the innovation, the personal growth, and the community. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. And as I continue to expand my empire, I can’t help but feel excited for what the future holds. Cheers to the solopreneur life!

Morning Routine: How I Start My Day

Ah, the morning routine! It’s like the secret sauce that spices up my solopreneur daily routine. Picture this: the sun peeks through the blinds, and my alarm clock belts out a tune that’s supposed to be motivating but usually just jolts me out of a dream where I’m a rockstar. Oh well, the life of a solopreneur waits for no one!

First things first, I roll out of bed and head straight to the kitchen for that life-giving elixir—coffee. Trust me, without that first cup, my brain operates at the speed of a dial-up internet connection. As I sip my coffee, I take a few moments to practice gratitude. It may sound cheesy, but starting the day with a positive mindset makes a world of difference. I reflect on the successes of my projects like Somiibo and the innovative ideas fueling me forward.

Once caffeine has kicked in, it’s time for a bit of stretching and light exercise. Nothing too intense—just enough to wake up my muscles and get the blood flowing. I find that a short yoga session or a brisk walk around the block helps me feel more alive and ready to tackle the day. Plus, it gives me a chance to brainstorm new ideas and solutions for my ongoing projects.

With my body and mind revved up, I dive into my morning reading. I skim through articles like 8 Habits of Highly Successful Solopreneurs and Solopreneur Tips to stay inspired and pick up new strategies. There’s always something new to learn, and keeping up with industry trends helps me stay ahead of the curve.

Next on the agenda is my daily planning session. I sit down with my trusty planner and map out the day. This is where the magic happens, folks. I prioritize tasks, set goals, and make a checklist that’s as long as a grocery receipt. By breaking down big projects into manageable tasks, I keep the overwhelm at bay and maintain a steady workflow throughout the day.

I also make time to check in on my emails and messages. Communication is key when you’re juggling multiple projects like Slapform.com and StudyMonkey.ai. Quick responses keep things moving smoothly and show clients and collaborators that I’m on top of my game.

Finally, before diving headfirst into work, I take a few minutes to meditate. This brief moment of zen helps me clear my mind and focus on the tasks ahead. It’s like hitting the reset button, allowing me to start the day with a fresh perspective and a calm demeanor.

And there you have it—my morning routine in a nutshell. It’s a blend of caffeine, movement, planning, and a sprinkle of mindfulness. This routine sets the tone for a productive day, helping me navigate the wild ride of solopreneurship with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. Now, let’s get to work!

Balancing Multiple Projects: A Glimpse into My Workday

Ah, the life of a solopreneur! It’s a whirlwind of to-do lists, brainstorming sessions, and the occasional existential crisis. Balancing multiple projects isn’t just a skill—it’s an art form. On any given day, I’m toggling between a myriad of tasks, from coding at the crack of dawn to marketing in the middle of the night. So, how do I manage it all? Let’s dive into a typical day in my life and uncover the secrets to juggling multiple ventures without losing your sanity.

First off, I start my day with a quick glance at my project dashboard. This nifty little tool is the lifeline of my operations, keeping me in check and on track. Whether it’s updating features on Slapform.com or brainstorming new AI capabilities for StudyMonkey.ai, my dashboard is my holy grail. It’s a chaotic symphony of color-coded tasks, deadlines, and priorities. But hey, it’s organized chaos!

Speaking of chaos, the key to managing multiple projects is embracing flexibility. Some days, I’m deep-diving into a single project, like tweaking the user interface for Slapform.com. Other days, I’m bouncing between three or four tasks, from responding to emails to fixing bugs. It’s a bit like spinning plates—delicate, thrilling, and sometimes disastrous. But the thrill of seeing my projects come to life? Totally worth it.

One of the tricks up my sleeve is time-blocking. I allocate specific chunks of my day to different projects. Morning hours are dedicated to high-priority tasks when my brain is fresh and buzzing with caffeine. Afternoons? They’re reserved for meetings, brainstorming sessions, and those pesky administrative duties. By evening, I’m usually winding down with some light coding or planning the next day’s hustle.

But let’s not forget the tech tools that make this juggling act possible. Leveraging technology is crucial for innovation and scaling my projects. From collaboration tools to project management software, I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest to streamline my workflow. Curious about how I leverage technology to scale? Check out this article for a deeper dive.

Of course, managing multiple projects is not just about tools and time management—it’s also about mindset. Staying innovative in a rapidly changing market requires a certain level of adaptability and a dash of creativity. Every project, whether it’s Somiibo or StudyMonkey.ai, requires a unique approach and a fresh perspective. For some tips on staying innovative, this piece offers some nuggets of wisdom.

And let’s be real, not every day is a smooth sail. There are days when everything seems to go wrong, and the to-do list looks like an insurmountable mountain. But those are the days that test your mettle and push you to find creative solutions. Curious about how I turn ideas into reality, even on the tough days? Read more here.

So, there you have it—a sneak peek into my whirlwind of a workday. Balancing multiple projects is no walk in the park, but with the right mindset, tools, and a splash of humor, it’s a thrilling ride. After all, isn’t that what being a solopreneur is all about? If you’re curious about how I keep my projects fresh and exciting, this blog post might just inspire you.

Remember, every day is a new adventure. As I like to say, the secret sauce to balancing multiple innovative projects lies in the blend of passion, perseverance, and a pinch of organized chaos. Want to know more about this secret sauce? Check it out here.

Until next time, keep spinning those plates and chasing those dreams!

Evening Reflection: Wrapping Up and Planning Ahead

As the sun dips below the horizon, signaling the end of another bustling day, I find myself reflecting on the whirlwind of activities that define my life as a solopreneur. It’s a mix of satisfaction, exhaustion, and the ever-present drive to do more. But hey, who said building an empire was easy?

My evening routine is a crucial part of my day. It’s the time I unwind, assess what I’ve accomplished, and plan for the next day. Reflecting on the day’s victories and challenges allows me to stay grounded and focused. I usually start by reviewing my to-do list. Did I conquer those tasks like a boss, or did some slip through the cracks? Either way, it’s all part of the journey.

Juggling multiple projects like Slapform.com and StudyMonkey.ai requires a lot of adaptability. Sometimes, I need to pivot my strategies on the fly. After all, flexibility is one of the successful solopreneur habits that keeps me afloat.

During my evening reflection, I often delve into my passion projects. Passion is the fuel that powers my solopreneur engine. Without it, I’d just be another cog in the corporate machine. If you’re curious about the role passion plays in my journey, check out this insightful piece.

Next, I tackle planning. I review my calendar, set priorities, and map out the next day’s agenda. This proactive approach minimizes morning chaos and sets a positive tone. It’s like laying out a roadmap for success. Speaking of which, balancing multiple projects without burning out is an art form. If you’re wondering how I manage it, here’s a deep dive into my strategies.

Of course, evenings aren’t all about work. They’re also for unwinding. I might catch up on a favorite show, read a book, or just enjoy a quiet moment. It’s essential to recharge, as the next day will bring new challenges and opportunities.

Before I wrap up, I revisit my long-term goals. I remind myself why I started this journey and what I aim to achieve. This practice keeps me motivated and focused. Adding new projects and continuously innovating is part of my DNA. Curious about what drives me? Here’s why I keep adding new projects and how I keep them fresh and exciting.

As I close my laptop and dim the lights, there’s a sense of fulfillment. Each day as a solopreneur is a step towards building something remarkable. And that, my friends, is what keeps me going. Ready to dive into your own solopreneur journey? Remember, reflection and planning are your best allies. Here’s to another productive day tomorrow!

About

Follow my journey as a solopreneur, and my evolution from launching Somiibo, a single project, to expanding my empire with multiple innovative projects like Slapform.com, StudyMonkey.ai, and more