Founder Mode is a weekly newsletter for builders—whether it’s startups, systems, or personal growth. It’s about finding your flow, balancing health, wealth, and productivity, and tackling challenges with focus and curiosity. Each week, you’ll gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you think like a founder and build what matters most.
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Power Hour + 2 Lists = A Stress-Free Week
Published 7 days ago • 5 min read
Your Day, Your Rules: The Responsive Founder Framework
I’ve tried many productivity systems over the years. Despite all my efforts, most of these systems didn’t work for me. They weren’t designed for Founders. They fit those with steady workflows or more regular work flow. They don’t fit the unpredictable chaos of being a founder.
So, what did work? I leverage a few systems. It adapts to my needs and helps me stay focused as I move forward. I call it The Responsive Founder Framework.
The Responsive Founder Framework
As a founder, your days are never the same. Sometimes, you’re in "manager mode." Your calendar is full of meetings. Sometimes, you’re in "maker mode." You focus on creative tasks or deep work. Knowing your mode helps you choose the right system or technique.
Let’s simplify this. Here are 3 techniques that worked for me. Maybe they can help you too, without slowing you down.
1. The Power "Hour"
I’m an early riser, so I love starting my day with a focused hour. During the hour I aim for inbox zero (urgent emails) and attack small critical tasks that have come in over night.
The key is making sure you block time for this focused work. My Power Hour is divided into three blocks of 20 minutes each:
Critical Work (20 min): Work on tasks that truly move your business. Typically this is something tied to one of more long running OKRs. Maybe prep for the most imporant meeting of the day. Maybe it's to send off some work items Maybe reach out to a partner, customer, or investor. I try to use this time to check the box on something that would be a key win for the day.
Team Unblocking (20 min): Help your team move ahead. Answer questions, share resources, and clear roadblocks. Ensuring your team isn't waiting on you I look for ways to help. Most of the time this is in Slack DMs - meaning it was something critical someone sent to me alone.
Email Inbox (20 min): I have a pretty detailed approach to triaging email (rules, EAs, etc). This lets me already have an 'Urgent' list of emails labeled and sorted to the top of my inbox. During this time I focus on these. More on my custom email setup in a future newsletter. Most of the time these are external folks who need something or it's an imporant message I've been waiting on.
Even on chaotic days, I always try to protect this hour. If that’s the only thing I get done, it’s still a win.
"Inbox 0" x 5 - For my 5 'inboxes'
2. The 2-List System
I’ve noticed that traditional todo apps don’t work well. They combine tasks that need different mindsets. That’s why I split my to-do list into two categories:
Creation List: These tasks help the business grow. They include building, writing, and designing. I use Asana for these, as I loop in others to help out. If it's more long form then Notion.
Reaction List(s): These tasks keep the business and my life running smoothly. The goal here is for things to be quick 1-2min max and if they will take more time I delegate them or shift those to Asana/Notion. Examples are the typical 'inboxes' which others can send to you. ie you don't get as much control...
By separating these lists, I can batch similar work together. I set aside at least three 90-minute blocks each week for Creation tasks. I complete urgent Reaction tasks during power hours. For the rest lower priority I typically triage and process them 2 times a day. Lunch time and end of the day.
This system increased my creative output significantly and cut down time on distracted or interupt driven events.
3. The Weekly Reset
One major problem with productivity systems is they don’t keep up with the changes in a founder’s life. That’s why I do a Weekly Reset every Sunday evening. It takes just 30-60 minutes and includes something like:
Brain Dump (5 min): Write down everything on my mind. Typically stuff I've not yet put on a list or tracked hence why I'm thinking about it.
Review Last Week (5 min): What went well? What didn’t? I make notes on this in Notion.
Adjust System (5 min): Fine-tune my system for improvements. If I find themes of things on the list above I try to find ways to fix. Many times this ends up being finding a way to automate or delegate.
Set Weekly Intention (5 min): Choose one focus area for the coming week. Best way to ensure the week will be a winner is set a focus for a 'main' thing.
Lock Power Hours and Creative Blocks (5 min): Block off time for focused work. My EA typically has done this but it's important to make one final check on Sunday before the week kicks off that something did pop into the calendar unexpected.
Update Lists (5 min): Triage my Creation and Reaction lists. Many times I find task lists growing... Just never enough time. Taking a few min once a week to purge/prioritize I find it's easy to sometimes just close out things that no longer are important.
This helps my system grow with me. It keeps me stay on track without feeling stressed.
Why This System Works (When Others Don’t)
I found that traditional systems make three big mistakes:
1. Your work is predictable.
Reality: Founders deal with constant surprises.
2. You control your time.
Reality: Founders face many demands.
3. Your system is static.
Reality: Founders' priorities change often.
The Responsive Founder Framework helps you stay flexible and adapt easily. I can stay on track while juggling shifting demands.
How to Implement This Framework Today
Start simple:
Power Hour: Set aside an hour of your day. Use it for critical tasks and unblocking others.
2-List System: Split your to-do list into Creation and Reaction tasks.
Weekly Reset: Take time each Sunday night. Clear your mind, set direction and refine your approach.
Add one element at a time, and gradually make it part of your routine.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Keep it simple. Don’t feel the need to automate every part of your system.
Don't skip the Weekly Reset it is key for giving you time to breath and review.
Neglecting to Adjust: Founders must be quick to update their systems. Don't get stuck doing things that aren't working. Make your system your own.
Final Thoughts
Productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things and focusing on them. The Responsive Founder Framework shows you how to zero in on what matters most. It does this without adding too much complexity.
Begin with one element. Grow slowly and prioritize resilience, not perfection. Over time you'll achieve that "Perfect Day".
What’s your top productivity challenge as a founder? Hit reply and let me know—I read every response.
Founder Mode is a weekly newsletter for builders—whether it’s startups, systems, or personal growth. It’s about finding your flow, balancing health, wealth, and productivity, and tackling challenges with focus and curiosity. Each week, you’ll gain actionable insights and fresh perspectives to help you think like a founder and build what matters most.
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