Why Long Hours Don't Equal Productivity
Why Working 4-6 Hours a Day Can Make You More Successful
What if I told you that as a business owner, you should only work four to six hours a day? Sounds crazy, right? But here's the truth: if you believe success requires grinding eight, ten, or even twelve hours a day, you're just going to find ways to stay busy. At that point, you might as well be back at your nine-to-five job.
I'm Kay, your go-to Business Coachsultant, big sis, and supervisor, here to help you build that vision-board-worthy business today, not someday. Let's break down why working less can actually move your business forward faster, and why that old "just grind harder" advice might be holding you back.
Why Long Hours Don't Equal Productivity
From an early age, many of us are conditioned to believe that being present equals being productive. We've been trained since grade school to sit for hours at a time, and that programming sticks. As adults, this mindset often leads business owners to spend endless hours "working" — but without real progress.
Ever sat at your laptop for hours, barely getting anything done, yet still feeling like you were working just because you were there? Yeah, me too. We've all been there.
But here's the thing: you probably didn't start your business to grind all day. You started it for freedom, more time, more financial flexibility, and a lifestyle you love. Working excessively won’t get you there faster; in fact, it could be slowing you down.
The Science Behind 4-6 Hour Workdays
Studies show that humans only have about four hours of truly meaningful, productive work in them each day. That's the sweet spot where focus, creativity, and strategic thinking thrive. Beyond that, you’re often just filling time with busy work, tasks that feel familiar and comfortable but don’t really move the needle in your business.
Of course, your workday may extend a bit with admin tasks or less intensive work, but anything beyond four to six hours often becomes inefficient. Busywork can easily eat away your time simply because it feels "productive."
The Power of Energy Management
This is where energy management becomes key. We've all felt it, certain tasks drain us, while others leave us feeling energized and motivated. Think of your energy like your phone battery: when it's full, that’s the time to tackle your most important, high-impact tasks. When it’s low, that’s when you’re more likely to zone out, fake work, or doom-scroll on Instagram.
This is especially true if you have ADHD, fluctuating hormones, anxiety, depression, or just the normal ebb and flow of human energy cycles. Some days, you might catch an idea at 10 p.m. and ride that creative wave until sunrise. Other days, you'll need to push yourself to stay on track, and that’s okay.
The key is adaptability. Most days will be fairly predictable if you structure your work around your energy peaks and focus on your most impactful tasks first.
Focus on What Matters
To truly thrive in this four-to-six-hour work window, you need to prioritize high-impact tasks. Stop filling your time with low-value busywork that doesn’t drive growth. This can be tough to figure out alone, which is why I always recommend working with a coach, joining a mastermind, or connecting with someone you trust to help you stay focused.
Use Your Free Time to Rediscover You
And now with that extra free time? Go rediscover what lights you up outside of work. Walk your dog, pick up a new book, or dive into a hobby, maybe even become a crochet master if that’s your thing. You didn’t start your business to be chained to your desk, so embrace the freedom you’ve been working for.
Until next time, stay focused and take care!
