The Framework That Brings Back the Joy in Your Business

Let’s face it—running a business can sometimes feel like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel.

When you first started, everything felt exciting. You had big dreams, and every small win felt like progress. But as the weeks turned into months and the months into years, that excitement started to fade. Mondays now feel heavy, and by the time Friday rolls around, you’re just relieved to have survived the week.

Here’s the truth: You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Many SMB owners hit this wall because their workload and goals are out of sync. You’re either overwhelmed by endless tasks or focusing so much on the wrong things that it feels like you’re spinning your wheels without going anywhere.

The good news? There’s a fix.

The Framework to Balance Workload and Reignite Passion

To get back in control of your time—and your business—you need a plan. But not just any plan. A plan that aligns your tasks with your energy and focuses on what truly moves the needle.

This 3-part framework has helped countless business owners not just regain their productivity but also reignite their passion for what they do.

1. Own Your 4.5-Yard Route

Every football team has a play that keeps them moving forward. It’s not flashy, and it’s not about scoring immediately. But it’s reliable, consistent, and crucial for long-term success.

In your business, your 4.5-yard route is the one task you do every week that drives consistent progress. It might be calling leads, reviewing financials, or creating content.

Here’s the key: Make it a non-negotiable.

• Action Step: Pick one task that, if done consistently, will keep your business growing. Schedule it for the same time every day or week and treat it like an unmissable meeting with yourself.

2. Chase the Touchdown

While the 4.5-yard route keeps you in the game, the touchdown is what gets you excited. It’s the big win you’re chasing this week—a high-impact goal that moves your business forward in a major way.

Touchdowns aren’t random. They require focus, planning, and execution. This could be launching a new product, landing a dream client, or solving a bottleneck in your operations.

• Action Step: Each week, identify your “touchdown.” Break it into smaller steps and block out focused time to work on it. Protect this time like gold.

3. Play Your 3 Supporting Roles

Every great game plan relies on supporting plays. These are the intermediate actions that enable your touchdown.

For example, if your touchdown is launching a new product, your supporting plays might include finalizing the marketing copy, testing the sales page, and preparing your email campaign.

The key here is focus: Limit your list to three critical actions each week. This keeps you from getting overwhelmed and ensures you make real progress.

• Action Step: At the start of each week, write down three actions that support your touchdown. These are your secondary priorities, so don’t overcomplicate it.

Aligning Energy with Action

Here’s where most business owners go wrong: They try to push through tasks at the wrong times of the day.

If you’ve ever tried to tackle complex strategy work at 4 p.m. after a full day of meetings, you know what I mean.

Instead, align your tasks with your natural energy levels:

• High-energy mornings? Tackle your 4.5-yard route or other essential tasks.

• Creative or focused afternoons? Dive into your touchdown goal.

• Low-energy end-of-day? Use that time for admin work or planning for tomorrow.

When you match your workload to your energy, you’ll find yourself getting more done in less time—and feeling better while doing it.

Why This Works

This framework isn’t just about productivity. It’s about clarity.

When you know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it, your work feels meaningful again. You stop dreading Mondays because you’ve designed your week to work for you—not against you.

Instead of feeling like you’re surviving the week, you start thriving.

Next Steps

If you’re ready to take this framework and truly transform your weeks, here’s your homework:

1. Choose your 4.5-yard route. What task will you commit to every week to keep your business moving forward?

2. Identify your touchdown goal. What’s the big win you’ll work toward this week?

3. Pick your three supporting plays. What smaller actions will help you achieve your touchdown?

Start small. Build momentum. And watch how this simple framework transforms your approach to business.

Talk soon,Ryan

P.S. If you try this framework, hit reply and let me know how it works for you. I’d love to hear your success stories!