When I became self-employed, I couldn’t believe how strongly I had internalised the 9 to 5 cycle.

I felt guilty when I wasn’t working during typical work hours (Monday through Friday).

Even though I was working remotely and had 100% control over when and how I did the work, I quickly fell into a routine of staring at my screen, eight hours a day, five days a week.

The worst part is, many Solopreneurs fall into the very same cycle.

And breaking it can be a bit trickier than you’d expect.

But, don’t worry. I’ve got you.

Here are 3 simple tips for breaking the 9 to 5 cycle as a Solopreneur.

3 Tips for Breaking the "9 to 5" Cycle as a Solopreneur

1) Set Boundaries

It’s so important to define when you want to work, and when you don’t.

But what’s the best way to do that? Manage your energy, not your time.

It’s a simple idea. Your energy fluctuates throughout the day.

So why not match your peak energy with your work?

For example, I’m a morning person. From 8:00am until 12:00pm, my energy continues to increase. This is when I choose to do my highest-leverage work.

But when 1:00pm rolls around, I start to slow down and my energy dwindles. This is where I batch my low-value work, like emails and admin.

By 3:00pm, my energy plummets—signalling the end of my work day—and the start of ME time.

You can try this for yourself. I like Khe Hy’s free energy map tool.

Just estimate your energy level (on a scale of 1-10) for each hour of the day and it will create your energy map.

Determine your work hours by matching your peak energy. Communicate your boundaries with anyone you work with, and don’t be afraid to say “no” to protect your time.

2) Prioritise Self-Care

I notice a lot of Solopreneurs falling into the same trap.

One where your perceived value is derived from your ability to keep working.

It’s your responsibility to figure out how to spend your time wisely. And if you don’t, you run the risk of burnout, resentment, and loss of motivation.

You have to make time to take care of yourself if you hope to break the 9 to 5 cycle.

So refer back to your energy map. Identify and block-out time in your calendar for YOU. Eat well, and prioritise sleep. Schedule time for hobbies, and allow yourself to properly rest.

Every Tuesday afternoon, I go and shred my local mountain-bike trails.

Could I get more done if I kept working? Probably. But why?

By prioritising self-care, my motivation, energy and productivity for the working week go through the roof.

So get off the computer and enjoy life.

3) Embrace Flexibility

Ironically this is one of the hardest things to do.

Yet, it’s exactly why we do what we do.

Flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of Solopreneurship.

Flexibility to take breaks (before you reach breaking point). To get outdoors and pursue your passions. To put family first, and spend more time with your kids.

Flexibility is the antithesis of 9-5.

But, if you can’t get away from the computer… None of this is possible.

So, to maximise your flexibility, I recommend approaching your schedule like this:

• Set boundaries: Define your start and stop times and stick to it.
• Prioritise: Schedule your highest-leverage work during your peak energy blocks, and avoid distractions at all costs.
• Work towards a 4-day workweek: I worked my way up to a 4-day workweek, making every weekend a long weekend. In doing so, I empowered myself to spend more time doing the things I love, and of course, allowed myself time to properly rest and recharge.

My day off is father-son day. We’ll ride our bikes, walk through forests, or occasionally head to the beach. If there’s one thing in common, we’re spending our day in nature.

And funny enough, that’s when I get my best ideas. While we’re outdoors enjoying life.

Conclusion

Breaking the 9 to 5 cycle is essential as a Solopreneur.

If you set boundaries, prioritise self-care, and embrace flexibility, one thing becomes clear:

Having ownership over your time enriches your life.

As you simplify, you’ll notice you have more time—you’re in less of a rush to “do things”.

You can take chances, go for random adventures, and open yourself to opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have.

If you’re ready to break the cycle, start by mapping your energy.

Build your workday around your peak energy, and prioritise self-care and flexibility everywhere else. You won’t regret it.

That’s it for today.

See you next week.

Josh

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