By Cassi Hentzel, Project Manager & Strategic Business Coach
You started your business for the freedom to create your own schedule, for the flexibility to be with your family, and for financial independence. But as you’ve likely discovered, entrepreneurship comes with its own challenges, especially when you’re wearing all the hats and trying to figure out how to fit personal development into the mix.
Prioritizing learning can feel like just another item on an already long to-do list. But here’s the thing: learning is essential for growth—both personal and professional. The more you know, the better decisions you can make, the more confident you become, and the closer you get to achieving the financial freedom and fulfillment you envisioned when you started your business.
So how do you continue learning when you’re already stretched thin? Here are 10 ways to integrate learning into your routine, even when your schedule feels jam-packed.
1. Make Learning Part of Your Morning Routine
Starting your day with intention can set the tone for success. If you’re already incorporating habits like journaling, exercising, or a quick meditation into your morning routine, consider adding learning to that list.
Here’s how to do it: dedicate just 10-15 minutes to reading a business book, listening to a podcast, or even skimming industry news. Apps like Blinkist give you summaries of key non-fiction books, making it easy to squeeze in learning without the time commitment of a full book. By incorporating a short, intentional learning session in the morning, you’ll feel more energized and ready to tackle your day with fresh ideas and inspiration.
2. Turn Downtime into Learning Time
You probably have more pockets of downtime than you realize—waiting in line at the grocery store, commuting, or folding laundry. These are prime opportunities to fit in some learning.
Podcasts and audiobooks are game-changers here. Whether you’re in the car, cooking dinner, or walking the dog, you can use this time to listen to industry experts, motivational content, or niche-specific advice. Platforms like Audible or Spotify have an endless supply of entrepreneurial-focused material. By turning mundane tasks into opportunities to absorb new knowledge, you can stay up to date on trends or gain insights without taking away from your other responsibilities.
3. Batch Your Learning with Focused Sprints
The same way you batch tasks like email or social media content, you can batch your learning into short, focused sprints. Set aside specific blocks of time each week to dive into a new topic, complete a short course, or attend a webinar.
Let’s say you have two 30-minute blocks every week dedicated solely to learning. That’s one hour a week—or four hours a month—that you can use to advance your knowledge on a topic relevant to your business. Whether you’re learning about marketing strategies, leadership development, or financial management, batching your learning helps you stay consistent without overwhelming your schedule.
4. Invest in Microlearning
Microlearning is all about consuming bite-sized pieces of information in a short amount of time, making it ideal for busy entrepreneurs. This method allows you to learn quickly, without committing to long lectures or multi-week courses.
You can find microlearning content on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy, where lessons are often broken down into 5-10 minute segments. You could easily complete a lesson during a coffee break or while waiting for your next Zoom call. This approach allows you to gather new skills or insights in small doses that won’t disrupt your schedule.
5. Join a Mastermind Group or Accountability Circle
When you’re running a business solo, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and forget to invest in your personal growth. Joining a mastermind group or accountability circle with like-minded female entrepreneurs can help you stay committed to continuous learning.
In these groups, members share resources, discuss new business strategies, and challenge each other to grow. The beauty of a mastermind group is that it’s not only about learning from outside sources but also from the experiences of other entrepreneurs. It’s a way to stay motivated and accountable for your personal and professional development, all while building a supportive network.
6. Utilize Online Learning Platforms
If you have specific skills or knowledge you need to develop, online learning platforms are a fantastic resource. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare offer a wide range of courses on everything from marketing and business development to personal branding and productivity.
The flexibility of these platforms allows you to take courses at your own pace and on your own schedule, making it easy to fit them into your day. Look for short, targeted courses that are relevant to your current business challenges, and use them to solve immediate problems or gain new skills that will help you scale.
7. Read During Breaks or Before Bed
We all know how hard it can be to sit down and read a book when life gets hectic. But reading—whether it’s business books, industry journals, or thought leadership blogs—remains one of the most effective ways to grow as an entrepreneur.
Instead of trying to carve out hours to read, aim to read for just 10-15 minutes during breaks or before bed. You’d be surprised at how much you can absorb in short sessions. Keep a book or e-reader handy so it’s always accessible, or use apps like Kindle to read on your phone while you’re waiting for an appointment or during any downtime. Slowly but surely, you’ll build up your knowledge base without having to overhaul your schedule.
8. Take Advantage of Webinars and Virtual Summits
In today’s digital age, you don’t need to travel to conferences or workshops to gain access to high-level learning. Webinars and virtual summits have exploded in popularity, offering you the chance to learn from industry leaders and experts from the comfort of your home.
Keep an eye on online events in your niche and set aside time to attend the ones that interest you most. If you can’t attend live, many offer recordings you can watch later. These events are packed with value and often provide actionable takeaways that you can apply to your business immediately.
9. Delegate More to Free Up Time for Learning
As a female entrepreneur, it’s tempting to try and do everything yourself. But when you delegate tasks that don’t require your direct input, you free up time for higher-level activities like learning and strategizing for your business.
Start by identifying routine tasks that can be outsourced to a virtual assistant or automated with tools like Trello or Asana. Once you’ve delegated those, block out that freed-up time specifically for learning or personal development. The more you learn, the better positioned you’ll be to make informed decisions and scale your business, so see this time as an investment in both your personal and business growth.
10. Treat Learning as a Non-Negotiable Business Activity
Finally, you need to shift your mindset and treat learning as an essential part of your business, not an optional activity. When you’re constantly learning, you’re not just growing as an individual—you’re evolving as a business owner, a leader, and a strategist.
The key here is to make learning non-negotiable. Schedule it on your calendar the same way you would an important client meeting or a deadline. When you prioritize learning and treat it with the same seriousness as your other responsibilities, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can expand your skillset and grow your business.
Learning is a Lifelong Commitment
As female entrepreneurs, we often get caught up in the hustle of running our businesses, trying to create a life of freedom and fulfillment. But no matter how busy your schedule gets, learning should remain a top priority. It’s one of the most valuable investments you can make in yourself and your business.
By incorporating these practical strategies into your daily routine, you can stay on top of your personal development and business growth, even amidst the chaos. Remember, the more you know, the better you can serve your clients, lead your team, and scale your business.
So, what will you learn next?
FAQ:
1. Why is continuous learning important for female entrepreneurs?
Continuous learning allows female entrepreneurs to stay updated on industry trends, enhance their decision-making, and scale their businesses effectively. It fosters personal and professional growth, contributing to long-term success.
2. How can I prioritize learning when I have a busy schedule?
Integrate learning into your daily routine by utilizing downtime, listening to podcasts, reading during short breaks, batching learning sessions, and treating learning as a non-negotiable task on your schedule.
3. What are some quick ways to learn while managing a business?
You can listen to podcasts, attend short webinars, engage in microlearning through online platforms like Udemy, or join mastermind groups for peer-to-peer learning and support.
4. Can microlearning really make a difference for my business?
Absolutely! Microlearning allows you to absorb essential knowledge in small, manageable chunks, which you can apply directly to your business without overwhelming your schedule.5. How can delegation free up time for learning?
By delegating routine tasks or automating processes, you can free up time for high-priority activities like learning, which ultimately supports your business growth and success.
