How to Master Time Management Like The Bees
Mastering time management like the bees: Beehive keeper Jones Loflin has studied bees for years and is using the instinctive way they manage time to teach us how to focus. I love storytelling, and I love using animals to teach and tell stories. So, my guest in this episode, Jones Loflin, delivered in this area. He used what he learned keeping bees to teach his clients how to focus and get tasks done!
Are you struggling to find time for your passion and wondering how successful writers balance deadlines, creativity, and real life? Time management is crucial for writers, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to stay focused and actually finish their projects. And Jones understands this very well.
Why Writers Struggle with Time Management
Writers often face unique challenges:
- Procrastination: Waiting for inspiration instead of creating structure.
- Distractions: Social media, emails, and daily responsibilities pulling them away.
- Overwhelm: Big projects can feel intimidating, leading to inaction.
The good news? Small, consistent changes can make a huge difference. Let’s dive into how you can regain control of your writing time.
Start Small: The Power of Five Minutes
Many people believe they need long, uninterrupted hours to write. But Jones Loflin suggests a different approach—starting small.
Instead of aiming for 30 minutes of writing, start with just five minutes. Take small steps, like:
- Jotting down ideas
- Writing a single paragraph
- Brainstorming character names
These small wins create momentum, making it easier to build longer writing sessions over time.
How to Overcome Procrastination
One of the biggest time management struggles is procrastination. Jones suggests breaking down tasks into tiny, manageable steps:
- Identify the first small action – If you need to write a chapter, start by outlining the first paragraph.
- Set a time – Decide exactly when you will take that action.
- Get accountability – Share your goal with someone who can check in on your progress.
By focusing on small steps, writers can reduce overwhelm and start making real progress.
Time management like the bees? The bees always focus on what task at a time. They complete before moving to another, thus, eliminating overwhelm.
Time Management Like The Bees: The Honeybee Mindset.
Jones draws inspiration from honeybees, which are highly efficient and productive. Each bee creates only 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey, but together, they produce an entire hive's worth.
Similarly, small consistent efforts in writing add up to finished books. The key is consistent, focused work rather than waiting for the perfect moment.
The Power of Being Unavailable: How to Focus Without Feeling Guilty!
In a world where availability often feels like a requirement, learning to be unavailable can be a game-changer for productivity and focus. But many people struggle with guilt when they set boundaries—especially when family, friends, and colleagues always seem to need something.
How can you carve out focused time without feeling like you're letting people down?
1. Reframe Your Absence as an Investment
2. Set Clear Expectations
3. Create a ‘Do Not Disturb’ Ritual
4. Trust That Others Can Handle Things Without You
5. Guilt-Free Unavailability is a Skill—Practice It Ready to Take Control of Your Focus?
Instead of seeing your unavailability as neglect, view it as an investment in becoming a better version of yourself. If you are constantly available, you are likely operating on a depleted battery, leading to frustration, inefficiency, and even resentment.
For example, a working parent who takes just 15 minutes in the morning for quiet reflection, exercise, or journaling might find themselves more patient with their kids throughout the day.
A business leader who schedules uninterrupted strategic thinking time will make better long-term decisions for their team.
Ask yourself: How will this time improve my ability to show up fully when I am available?
Guilt often stems from the worry that others will feel abandoned or frustrated when they cannot reach you. The solution? Communicate your boundaries clearly.
- Let family members know when you are not to be disturbed unless it is an emergency (and define what “emergency” means).
- If you manage a team, establish focused work periods and clarify when you will be available for questions.
- Tell friends when you are unplugging so they do not feel ignored if you do not reply immediately.
As Jones Loflin shared, kids learn quickly when they realize they can solve minor problems on their own. The same applies to colleagues and friends—they will respect your time when they understand your boundaries.
Making yourself unavailable is not just about telling others—it is also about structuring your environment for focus. Try these strategies:
- Tech boundaries: Put your phone on airplane mode, turn off notifications, or use apps like Focus@Will or Freedom to block distractions.
- Physical signals: A closed door, noise-canceling headphones, or a “Focus Mode” sign can serve as visual reminders that you are in deep work mode.
- Scheduled focus blocks: Book time on your calendar for uninterrupted work so others know when you are unavailable.
Many people struggle with being unavailable because they fear things will fall apart in their absence. But the reality is, giving people space to figure things out makes them more independent and resilient.
If you are a leader, trust that your team can manage without immediate responses. If you are a parent, trust that your kids can solve small issues without you. If you are a solopreneur, trust that the world won’t implode if you take an hour away from emails.
At first, setting boundaries and being unavailable may feel uncomfortable. But over time, it gets easier. Start small—maybe with a 15-minute focus session—and gradually extend your dedicated time as you gain confidence.
Ultimately, being unavailable is not about shutting people out—it is about protecting your ability to do deep, meaningful work. When you do it right, everyone benefits.
Time is your most valuable asset—use it wisely. The best writers do not wait for inspiration; they make time for it. Whether it is setting deadlines, using focus techniques, or learning when to step away, small changes lead to massive results.
So if you are feeling stuck, remember: You do not need more time. You need better strategies.
Start today, and watch your creative work thrive.
Connect with Jones Loflin for More Time Management Tips
If you are looking for more strategies to improve focus and productivity, connect with Jones Loflin:
- Website: JonesLoflin.com
- Book: Focus as a Bee (focusedasabee.com)
- LinkedIn: Jones Loflin
Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:
1 Mama's Daycare
2 Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3 The Proud Sunflower
4 Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5 Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6 Freddy and the Veggies
This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.
You will find the best stuff on the blog! Check out the following:
Like this post? Share it!
Fresh-squeezed how-to tips on book writing and busy mom life delivered to your inbox weekly.
My mama taught me never to brag. But permit me just this once to brag. Our emails kind of rock. This is where all the magic happens. Sign up for regular pep talks, inspiration, and all kinds of substance-packed goodness. Let's connect before you say goodbye.