Timely Tips: How entrepreneurs can Improve their Productivity

Last Updated on February 1, 2026 by Dave Schoenbeck

Productivity is the holy grail for all leaders. The quest for productivity for entrepreneurs is never-ending. We are all looking for the next great tip or idea. However, sometimes all it takes is a new approach to revolutionize your workday. 

Author Daniel Pink introduces one such approach in his book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing. He asserts that entrepreneurs’ productivity isn’t a matter of willpower as much as it is of timing their tasks correctly. If you can uncover the hidden patterns in your day, you can use them to your advantage to maximize your to-do list. 

When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing by Daniel Pink


In When, Daniel Pink lays out research and data on optimal timing. His studies examine unconventional sources, such as student exam-taking, to draw conclusions about how society operates. It’s a fascinating glimpse at natural patterns in the brain and our potential if we manage to harness them. 

He discusses topics ranging from the best time to quit your job to when to get married, but his ideas apply to the workplace as well. In that research, there are several takeaways on how to leverage optimal timing to increase entrepreneurs’ productivity.


Productivity Hacks for Entrepreneurs


Pink has found that, almost overwhelmingly, people are more productive in the morning. In addition, his research shows that most people tend to move through three phases throughout the day: a peak, a trough, and a recovery. Because of this, it’s better to tackle your highest-priority items early in the day, when your productivity is at its peak, rather than waiting for the trough. 

The trajectory reflects mood changes as the day progresses. Pink suggests that we’re better at tackling analytical work in the morning when our mood is at its highest. When our mood dips during the trough, we are better suited to administrative tasks that don’t require much brainpower or critical thinking. 

Finally, we’re ready to take on more creative tasks as our mood improves during the recovery period, and we’ve got the analytical and administrative work under our belts. This explains 
why we are more creative at night
. This is why night is often the best time to write. The key to entrepreneurs’ productivity is following this natural flow daily.  

Of course, night owls will experience a slightly different trajectory and should adjust accordingly, but most people can hack their productivity by structuring their day around these three phases. 

Track your energy and productivity levels daily, tracking them for a week. Then divide your to-do list according to your body’s natural rhythm. You might be surprised at what you can do when the timing is right. 

Productivity for entrepreneurs is a skill that must be nurtured over time. A business coach can help. Sign up for a complimentary coaching call with me to discuss improving personal productivity with a few new productivity tips.

Coach Dave

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Dave Schoenbeck

CEO at Dave Schoenbeck - Business & Executive Coach

Dave Schoenbeck is a professional business and executive coach who translates complex business methods, processes, and strategies into actionable plans to dramatically improve financial results. Read more about Dave here.

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