GROW: Optimizing Your Time in a Season of Change

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Issue #75 - March 11, 2025

Welcome to G.R.O.W. (Guidance Redefines Our Way)!

What's up, GROW family! Man, if you're dragging a bit this week, join the club. That time change on Sunday did a number on most of us. I don't know about you, but my body's still wondering what happened to that missing hour. Small change on the clock, big impact on how we function.

I've got this whole love-hate thing with Daylight Saving Time. Love the extra daylight in the evening – perfect for shooting hoops or grilling out after work. But that adjustment period? Brutal. Trying to drag myself out of bed for my 4:30 AM workout feels like I'm getting up in the middle of the night.

This whole time shift got me thinking about how we generally look at time. We're always talking about time like it's money—saving, spending, and wasting it. But here's the thing—unlike cash, we can't make more of it. We all get the same 24 hours—Jeff Bezos, LeBron James, you, and me—the same amount of time every day.

What really separates people isn't how much time they have but what they do with it. I've seen folks accomplish amazing things in a few super-focused hours. Then there are people who run around all day, busy as can be, but can't tell you what they actually got done.

So while we're all adjusting our clocks and bodies this week, let's use this shake-up to rethink how we handle our time and productivity. Whether you're mentoring these young men, grinding at your job, or trying to keep up with family stuff, the ideas we're talking about today can help you squeeze more out of every minute.

Let's get into it!

Growth Spotlight: Spring Forward: Maximizing Your New Schedule

Let's discuss this clock-changing business and how we can turn it from a weekly disruption into an opportunity to increase our productivity.

I recently read an article by Chris Bailey, the author of Hyperfocus. He built his entire career around figuring out productivity—not the hustle-till-you-drop kind, but the smart, sustainable kind that actually works.

Bailey dropped some knowledge that changed how I view Daylight Saving Time. "Most people fight the disruption," he said. "But that's missing the point. Any disruption to your routine gives you a perfect chance to question what's working and what's not. When your pattern is already broken, that's the easiest time to rebuild it better."

Makes sense, right? It's like when construction forces you to take a detour, and you accidentally discover a better route to work. Sometimes the interruption is precisely what we need.

Bailey recommends using this week to perform what he calls a "time audit" – basically figuring out where your hours are going versus where you think they're going. "People are shocked when they track their time," he said. "The difference between perception and reality is usually eye-opening."

Here's the simple process he suggests:

1. For the next three days, track where your time actually goes. Be honest – including those 20-minute social media "breaks" and the YouTube rabbit holes.

2. Look for three things:

   • Energy patterns: When are you naturally most alert and focused?

   • Time leaks: What's eating up more time than it deserves?

   • Misalignments: Where are you spending time that doesn't match your priorities?

3. Make one or two targeted changes based on what you discover.

Bailey shared a story about a client who discovered he spent 2.5 hours daily on email but only 45 minutes on his top priority project. His productivity skyrocketed after he switched his morning routine to tackle the critical project first and push email to later.

I tried Bailey's approach last month when we had that unexpected snow day. My routine was already shot, so I tracked where my time was going. It turns out I was burning nearly an hour every morning scrolling news and social media before even getting out of bed. Talk about starting the day in reaction mode!

My goal is to eventually keep my phone in another room and use my an actual alarm clock. Now, my mornings start with prayer and planning instead of headlines and other people's highlight reels. It's a game changer.

The research backs up this approach too. Stanford University found that people are significantly more successful at creating new habits during natural transition periods – like moving to a new home, starting a new job, or you guessed it, seasonal time changes.

Bailey's approach isn't about cramming more into your day. It's about being intentional with the time you've got. "Productivity isn't about doing more things," he emphasizes. "It's about doing the right things, with the right focus, at the right time."

Since we're already adjusting to a time change this week, why not use it as a catalyst? Here are three simple ways to get started:

1. Reset Your Morning Routine

Use the earlier sunrise to create a new AM ritual that sets you up for success. Bailey recommends starting with just 15 minutes of focused planning before anything else. "How you start determines how you continue," he says.

2. Batch Similar Tasks

One of Bailey's game-changing strategies is to group similar activities instead of constantly switching gears. Try designating specific times for email, phone calls, creative work, and meetings. Your brain will thank you for not making it constantly shift contexts.

3. Create Energy-Based Blocks

Match your most demanding tasks to your natural energy peaks. Bailey suggests tracking your energy levels (high, medium, low) for a few days, then reorganizing your schedule to align with these patterns. Save the low-energy periods for administrative or routine tasks.

The bottom line? This clock change is actually a gift if we use it right. Instead of fighting the disruption, let's leverage it to create routines that actually work for us, not against us.

As Bailey puts it, "We all talk about wanting more time, but most people actually need more energy and attention for the time they already have." Amen to that.

Professional Growth Gateway: Effective Time Management Systems

I'll be real with you - as the President and Founder of AFGM, and the guy writing this newsletter, plus juggling family responsibilities and still trying to hit the gym regularly, I've had to get serious about managing my time. After trying just about every system out there, I've become a die-hard believer in the Time Block Method. It's literally saved my sanity. But let me break down a few proven systems so you can find what works for your life.

The Time Block Method: My Personal Go-To

This method comes from Cal Newport, a computer science professor who manages to teach classes, write bestselling books, and have a life. The basic idea? Instead of just making a to-do list, you assign each task a specific block of time in your day.

Here's how I use it:

• Every Sunday evening, I spend about 30 minutes mapping out my week in blocks, I typically use the OneNote app.

• Each morning, I review and adjust that day's plan (because let's face it, life happens)

• I color-code my blocks: blue for AFGM work, green for family time, red for must-do priorities, etc.

• When something unexpected pops up (and it always does), I don't just abandon ship – I move blocks around.

What I love most about time blocking is that it forces me to be realistic. When I can visually see that I've scheduled 26 hours of activities into a 24-hour day, I know something's gotta give. Before starting this system, I was constantly overcommitting and beating myself up for not getting everything done.

The 1-3-5 Rule: Perfect for Overwhelming Days

On those days when my time blocking gets blown up (like when a mentor crisis needs immediate attention), I fall back on the 1-3-5 Rule. This system comes from Alex Cavoulacos, who co-founded The Muse, and it's beautifully simple: commit to finishing ONE big thing, THREE medium things, and FIVE small things each day.

The magic here is setting realistic expectations. For me, a "big thing" might be finalizing our quarterly budget, a "medium thing" might be having a coaching call with a new mentor, and a "small thing" might be answering specific emails.

I've noticed that this approach keeps me moving forward even on chaotic days. There's something crazy satisfying about actually completing your list instead of carrying over the same items day after day.

The Pomodoro Technique: For When Focus Is a Struggle

We all have tasks we keep putting off because they require serious concentration. For me, it's grant writing—important but demanding. That's when I break out the Pomodoro Technique.

Here's the simple version:

• Pick ONE task to focus on

• Set a timer for 25 minutes (I use my phone)

• Work without distractions until the timer goes off

• Take a quick 5-minute break

• After four rounds, take a more extended 15-30 minute break

What's wild is how much this tricks my brain. When I tell myself "I just need to focus for 25 minutes" instead of "I need to write this entire grant proposal," suddenly the task feels doable. And once I get started, I often find myself in a flow state.

The key is being ruthless about distractions during those 25 minutes. That means phone on Do Not Disturb, email closed, and letting my team know I'm in a focus block.

The Eisenhower Matrix: When Everything Seems Urgent

Man, if there's one thing I've learned building AFGM, it's that emergencies are guaranteed. The challenge is not letting those urgent matters constantly push aside the important but not urgent work that actually moves us forward.

That's where the Eisenhower Matrix comes in. Named after President Eisenhower, this approach helps you sort tasks into four categories:

• Important & Urgent: Do these right away (mentor in crisis, deadline today)

• Important but Not Urgent: Schedule time for these (strategic planning, relationship building)

• Urgent but Not Important: Delegate these when possible (certain emails, routine reports)

• Neither Urgent nor Important: Eliminate these (busy work, specific meetings)

My goal is to keep a whiteboard in my office with these four quadrants to help me quickly sort through the chaos when everything's coming at me at once. Reviewing this method has taught me the most valuable lesson: identifying those "Important but Not Urgent" tasks—the ones that never scream for attention but make the biggest difference long-term.

Mix and Match What Works for You

After years of productivity trial and error, I've learned that no single system is perfect, and what works in one season of life might not work in another.

I use Time Blocking these days, but I'm not rigid about it. When my day gets derailed, I pivot to the 1-3-5 Rule. For deep work sessions, I use Pomodoros. I would like to try the Eisenhower Matrix to help with quick decisions when I'm overwhelmed.

The most important thing isn't which system you use – it's that you have some system. Without one, you'll constantly react to whatever's loudest instead of focusing on what matters most.

Want to improve your time management? Start small. Pick ONE of these approaches that addresses your biggest challenge right now. Try it consistently for two weeks, then evaluate and adjust. Remember, the goal isn't perfection—it's to be better than you were yesterday.

What's your biggest time management challenge? For recommendations, email [email protected]. I'm always looking for topics for future newsletters!

Success Spotlight: David Allen

This week, I want to spotlight someone whose work has been recommended to me countless times—David Allen, the guy behind "Getting Things Done" (GTD). Full disclosure: I haven't read his book yet, but it's been on my list for months, and after researching him for this newsletter, it just jumped to the top of my reading list.

Here's what's wild about Allen's story – this man worked 35 different jobs before becoming a productivity guru! I'm talking everything from magician to karate teacher to travel agent. When people ask me if their winding career path is a problem, I laugh and think about guys like Allen. His diverse background wasn't a liability; it became his superpower for understanding how different people handle workflow.

From what I've gathered from podcasts, articles, and conversations with GTD devotees, what makes Allen's approach stand out isn't complicated systems or fancy tech – it's his dead-simple insight that your brain is terrible at remembering things but fantastic at having ideas.

"Your head is for having ideas, not holding them," Allen says. That line resonates with me big time. I'm constantly walking around with dozens of mental sticky notes, afraid I forget something important. No wonder stress levels get through the roof!

The heart of Allen's approach is a five-step process that sounds simple but works like magic: capture, clarify, organize, reflect, and engage. From what I understand, it works like this:

• Capture: Get everything out of your head. I already use Evernote and a small notebook, so I'm halfway there.

• Clarify: Process what you've captured into clear next actions.

• Organize: Put things where they belong – calendar, project lists, waiting-for lists, etc.

• Reflect: Review your system regularly.

• Engage: Do the work, using your system to guide your choices.

What's impressive is that Allen practices what he preaches. At 79, this man is still going strong – teaching, consulting, and refining his methods. In an interview last year, he shared that his weekly review habit has been non-negotiable for over 30 years. That kind of consistency is something I aspire to!

Some of Allen's habits that I'm eager to try once I dive into his book:

1. The Two-Minute Rule: If something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately instead of filing it away. This sounds perfect for tackling my overflowing inbox.

2. The "Waiting For" List: Keeping track of everything you're waiting on from other people. As someone juggling multiple AFGM initiatives, this could be a game-changer.

3. The Weekly Review: Allen calls this his "secret weapon" for staying on top of everything. I'm curious how this might upgrade my Sunday planning sessions.

4. Clear Workspaces: Allen believes your physical environment affects your mental clarity. Looking at my desk right now... he might be onto something!

One Allen quote really stuck with me during my research: "The real art of productivity is knowing what not to do." In a world with endless demands, that might be the most valuable skill of all.

So here's my challenge to you this week (and to myself): Let's try just ONE piece of Allen's system. Maybe it's the two-minute rule or setting up a simple capture system. I'll be cracking open my copy of "Getting Things Done" this weekend, and I'd love to hear if any of you have read it and what you thought.

Community Corner: AFGM S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Program Progress

I can't believe we're just weeks away from launching S.H.I.E.L.D.S.! The countdown is on for April, and I'm pumped to give you the inside scoop on what we've been cooking up. Everyone has shown so much enthusiasm about this initiative – my inbox is overflowing with questions, but we also need help. Community support is why I know this program will make a real difference from day one.

Program Structure Updates

We've locked in our alternating month schedule, and I think you'll love how it flows. Even months (April, June, August, etc.) will bring mentors and mentees together, while odd months focus on leveling up our mentors' skills. This setup gives us:

• Consistent engagement for our young men with regular monthly touchpoints

• Continuous improvement for mentors (because we're all works in progress, right?)

• Community building that connects everyone in our AFGM family

• Sustainable commitment that works with real-life schedules (because we all know what happens when we overcommit!)

Each S.H.I.E.L.D.S. gathering will tackle one or more aspects of our core value framework: spirituality, Health, Integrity, Education, Leadership, Development, and Stewardship. I'm incredibly excited about how this rotation will help our young men see how these values connect and reinforce each other. Life isn't compartmentalized, and neither should our mentoring be.

Curriculum Development

We have been putting together activities that are both meaningful AND fun. For our April kickoff, we're diving into Leadership with hands-on experiences that will:

• Help each young man discover his natural leadership style (spoiler alert: there's no one "right" way to lead)

• Show how time management (tying into this newsletter's theme!) is essential for effective leadership

• Connect mentees with local leaders who look like them and come from similar backgrounds

• Create real opportunities to practice leadership skills (because you can't just talk about leadership – you gotta DO it)

As I keep telling our team, "We're done with just talking at these young men about leadership. They need to experience it, try it on, make mistakes, and grow from them." That's how real development happens.

Community Partnerships

We're actively seeking community partners to support AFGM and S.H.I.E.L.D.S., and I've been having some promising conversations. If your organization might be interested, contact me directly at [email protected]. I'd love to grab coffee and explore how we might collaborate.

How You Can Get Involved

Ready to jump in and make a difference? Here's how you can support S.H.I.E.L.D.S. right now:

1. Volunteer with AFGM – whether it's one event or ongoing support, we need you! Email [email protected] to find out where you fit best.

2. Sponsor a mentee – $150 covers a young man's materials for an entire year (less than $13 a month!)

3. Share your expertise – got knowledge in any of our seven pillars? Our young men need to hear from you!

4. Donate supplies – sometimes the most straightforward contributions make the most significant difference.

Our board member reminded me last week, "This program isn't just another activity – it's the structured, intentional approach to mentorship we've been working toward since AFGM began." I couldn't agree more. S.H.I.E.L.D.S. gives us the framework to deliver consistent, quality mentorship while still being flexible enough to meet our mentees where they are.

Keep an eye on your inbox in the coming weeks for more S.H.I.E.L.D.S. updates as we count down to launch day. I believe this will be a transformative year for our mentees and everyone in the AFGM family – mentors, supporters, and community partners included. We're building something special here, and I'm grateful you're part of it!

Michael's Hot Take: Your Productivity Hack Isn't Better Than Sleep

So I stumbled across this viral thread on Twitter last week with the headline "CEO shares productivity hack: Sleep just 4 hours a night!" The post had thousands of retweets, with comments ranging from admiration to people sharing their own extreme sleep deprivation "success" stories.

And honestly, I'm tired of this nonsense. Literally tired, because unlike these "productivity gurus," I actually value my sleep.

Let's get something straight: Surviving on four hours of sleep isn't a "hack." It's a health crisis in slow motion. The same executives bragging about their minimal sleep schedules are the ones nodding off during afternoon meetings, making impulsive decisions, and snapping at their team members over minor issues.

What's especially frustrating is how we've glorified this behavior. We act like destroying your body's most essential recovery mechanism is somehow a badge of honor rather than a fast track to burnout, poor health, and compromised decision-making.

The science on this is crystal clear. Matthew Walker, neuroscientist and author of "Why We Sleep," puts it bluntly: "The shorter your sleep, the shorter your life." Studies show that consistently sleeping less than six hours increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and even Alzheimer's disease. But sure, keep telling yourself that extra PowerPoint presentation was worth it.

Here's what the "I'll sleep when I'm dead" crowd doesn't want to admit: They're not more productive than well-rested people. They just spend more hours working because their efficiency is shot. Research from the Sleep Foundation shows that after 17-19 hours without sleep, your cognitive performance equals that of someone with a blood alcohol level of 0.05%. Would you brag about making business decisions while tipsy?

I've watched too many people struggle with this dangerous mindset, pushing themselves to exhaustion because they think that's what success requires. A few years back, I had a colleague at my previous job who was the poster child for sleep deprivation. This guy was holding down an important position and somehow trying to be a present father and husband—all while averaging four hours of sleep. When I asked how he was doing, his standard response was, "I'm good!" But the reality was obvious to everyone but him. His work quality was slipping, he constantly fought colds, and his family practically sent smoke signals for help.

Look, I get it. Sleep is the one thing we can sacrifice in a world with endless demands. But that's backward thinking. Sleep isn't what happens when you're done being productive—it's what makes productivity possible in the first place.

So here's my actual productivity hack: Guard your sleep like it's your most valuable resource, because it is. Create consistent sleep and wake times, even on weekends. Make your bedroom a technology-free zone. And the next time someone brags about their sleep deprivation, recognize it for what it is: not a success strategy, but a failure to understand the basics of human performance.

This is just my two cents. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a full eight hours calling my name.

Upcoming Events

Echo of Freedom Tour

• Date: April 5, 2025

• Duration: 4 hours

• The Echoes of Freedom Tour is a guided journey through Northern Virginia, uncovering the rich and often untold history of African American resilience, activism, and community-building. This immersive experience takes participants to key historical sites, including early freedmen settlements, civil rights landmarks, and educational institutions that shaped Black history in the region. The tour connects the past to the present through storytelling, reflection, and engagement, ensuring that these vital narratives continue to inspire future generations.

S.H.I.E.L.D.S. Program Launch

• Coming in April 2025

• Women's Leadership Panel: April 6, 2025

• Stay tuned for full schedule!

New Mentor Training Course (NMTC 25-02)

• Applications open March 15, 2025

• Training will be April 26, 2025

• Open to both new and experienced AFGM Mentors

Men's Bowling Event “Each One, Bring One” with Word Alive Church International

• Date: March 15, 2025

• Location: Uptown Alley (Manassas Mall) 8300 Sudley Road, Manassas, VA.

• Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Register: Now

• Contact me at [email protected] for more information

Word Alive Church International

• Looking for a church home? Visit WACI!

• Location: 8517 Rixlew Lane, Manassas, VA

• Sunday Services: 10:30 AM

• Mention Michael from A Few Good MENtors, Inc.!

Closing Thoughts

Daylight Savings Time might be throwing us off this week, but it's also giving us a perfect chance to rethink how we spend our minutes and hours. Time isn't just money – it's life itself.

The systems and strategies discussed today aren't about cramming more stuff into your already packed schedule. They're about making room for what matters— mentoring young men, building something meaningful, or being present with the people who count on you.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how I spend my time and where I can make the biggest impact. I’m excited to introduce something new—my YouTube channel, Morgan Unfiltered. This is where I break down news, politics, sports, and whatever’s on my mind—no fluff, no gimmicks, just real talk. But it’s more than that. I’ll share authentic leadership strategies from 36+ years of experience, raw conversations on success and failure, tactical mentorship advice, and exclusive interviews with experts and game-changers. You’ll also get FBI stories and leadership lessons you won’t hear anywhere else. I’d love for you to check it out, subscribe, and be part of the discussion. Just search "Morgan Unfiltered" on YouTube or click my image above—I’ll be there with a new video, doing what I do best: keeping it real. Look for other videos from my favorite leaders that will also be uploaded.

Remember, at the end of the day, we all get the same 24 hours. The difference isn't how much time we have – it's what we choose to do with it. So this week, as you're adjusting to that missing hour, take a minute to ask yourself: "Am I spending my time, or investing it?"

Until next Tuesday, be safe and be thankful.
Michael

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