From Stuck to Strategic: How Entrepreneurs Can Reclaim Their Time and Mindset
As entrepreneurs, we’ve all had those moments — feeling stuck, worn out, or like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But what if the biggest thing standing in the way of our productivity isn’t time or money, but our mindset? How can you go from stuck to strategic.
In a recent episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, I sat down with Kyle Gillette, founder of Champion Empire and creator of the 5E Framework. Kyle specializes in helping overwhelmed business owners move from SOS — stressed out, overwhelmed, and stuck — to feeling empowered and productive. We dove into powerful tools for mental clarity, time management, and emotional resilience that every entrepreneur should know.
Here’s what we uncovered — and how you can apply these same strategies to reclaim your time, energy, and business.
The 5E Framework: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Lead with Intention
One of the cornerstones of Kyle’s coaching approach is the 5E Framework, a system designed to support business owners holistically. Here's what it includes:
- Educate – Provide knowledge and insight to help business owners understand their challenges and tools.
- Equip – Supply the tools, strategies, and resources needed for sustainable change.
- Empower – Build confidence and agency through mindset shifts and practical systems.
- Encourage – Offer motivation and support, especially when things get tough.
- Evaluate – Reflect on progress and use data to measure effectiveness and growth.
This model is more than a checklist — it’s a transformational cycle that ensures entrepreneurs stay aligned with their goals without burning out.
NLP and Mindset: Why Language Matters
Kyle also introduced us to the concept of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) — a framework that explores how language and thoughts influence our actions. In simple terms, NLP suggests that the words we speak to ourselves become the blueprint for our behaviors.
Here’s a powerful question Kyle posed:
“If your friends heard you speak to them the way you speak to yourself in your mind… would they still be your friend?”
It’s a confronting thought, especially when we realize how often we use limiting phrases like “I can’t” or “I should.” NLP helps reframe this negative self-talk and allows us to adopt empowering, actionable language instead. This simple shift can radically transform how we approach challenges, make decisions, and follow through on tasks.
Going From Stuck to Strategic: How to Break Through Limiting Beliefs
Kyle shared a powerful story of a client who was struggling to move forward in her business due to lingering shame from a past miscarriage. Though the issue seemed unrelated to productivity on the surface, her unresolved emotions were creating subconscious blocks in her work and relationships.
Through a technique known as Mental and Emotional Release (MER), Kyle guided her to revisit the memory from a new vantage point — observing it as an outsider, without emotional attachment. This shift allowed her to gain clarity, release the shame, and start engaging with her life and business more freely.
This approach works with more than just traumatic memories. Even small, seemingly harmless beliefs like “I’m not good with numbers” or “I can’t be productive on Mondays” can build up and limit our potential.
Tip: Start identifying your inner language. Are you using words that support or sabotage your success?
Kyle's 5C Productivity System for Entrepreneurs
As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD and chose to overcome it without medication, Kyle developed a personal productivity system that helps him — and his clients — stay on track without the overwhelm.
Here’s the 5C Framework he uses daily:
- Capture – Dump every task and idea into a digital list (he recommends apps like Todoist).
- Categorize – Sort tasks into key life areas (work, family, finance, etc.).
- Calendar – Assign due dates or recurring times for each task.
- Complete – Focus on finishing your daily list or renegotiating tasks rather than carrying them over endlessly.
- Critique – Reflect on your week and assess what worked, what didn’t, and why.
This system isn’t just about staying busy. It’s about being intentional with your time, energy, and focus.
Pro tip: If a task lingers on your list for too long, ask yourself: Is it truly a priority? Or should it be delegated, delayed, or deleted?
Delegation and the CEO Mindset
Speaking of delegation — one of the biggest time drains for business owners is trying to do everything themselves.
Kyle recommends creating a “Delegate List” alongside your regular to-do list. Every time you catch yourself putting off a task, ask: Is this something only I can do? If the answer is no, consider outsourcing it or assigning it to someone else.
This isn’t about being lazy — it’s about stepping fully into your role as a visionary leader.
Productivity Starts With Values
Finally, Kyle emphasized that real motivation doesn’t come from doing more, but from knowing why we’re doing it in the first place.
By aligning our daily actions with our core values, we can stay energized and focused even when challenges arise.
For example, Kyle shared a personal goal of building an outdoor office so each of his daughters could have their own bedroom. That goal wasn't driven by vanity or ambition — it was rooted in values like honor, freedom, and family. And those values kept him going when the DIY project got tough.
Takeaway: Before you set your next goal, ask yourself: What value is this goal tied to?
Final Thoughts: Turn Minutes into Milestones
At the heart of Kyle’s message is a simple but powerful reminder — you don’t need more time, you need more clarity. And when you align your thoughts, values, and systems, you’ll move from feeling stuck to feeling strategic.
So whether you’re writing a book, growing a business, or just trying to get through your to-do list without losing your mind — give yourself permission to slow down, reflect, and rewire.
Remember: It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present, proactive, and purpose-driven.
Ready to go deeper?
Subscribe to The Minute Mastery Podcast for more conversations like this, and check out Kyle Gillette’s work at Champion Empire to learn more about the 5E framework and NLP-based coaching for entrepreneurs.
And below are additional tools you could use for a more productive life. Including my speacial Uber link. Because I recommend delegating tasks. And if you are a busy mom like me, you deserve to take a break and let someone else do the cooking. Order a beautiful meal from your favourite restuarant and enjoy your deserved rest from cooking. These are affiliate links and I get paid with no extra cost to you. It helps to support this blog and the Minute Mastery Podcast. Thanks for your support.
https://timeblockingmasterytakecontrolofyourtimeandgetmoredone-mc0.plannerpack.co
Join my newsletter for a weekly doze of motivation to help you reclaim time to do the things that matter: https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/personal-time-audit-discover-hidden-time-wasters-and-reclaim-your-day
Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
Uber Eats: https://ubereats.com/feed?promoCode=eats-cti1s9n7d9
Want to map out a more productive life use Todoist: https://get.todoist.io/s5yoni0
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