My Workday as a New OBM
Time management isn’t just about squeezing more tasks into your day—it’s about setting up a system that works for you.
And for me, it’s a non-negotiable thing for every freelancer like me who juggles multiple clients (and a never-ending to-do list).
I work the night shift and have my own office space inside my bedroom—yes, my workspace doubles as my chill zone!
For me, making time for myself before the day officially starts is a game changer, even if it means battling the allure of snooze buttons and cat videos.
Kicking Off My Day…
I start my morning routine one hour before work.
As soon as I wake up, I grab my phone and listen to a podcast for a personal pep talk—usually something by Mel Robbins or another speaker who fires me up for the day ahead.
That simple step sets the tone.
Then I head downstairs to make a glass of lemon water. I drink it straight away—my “sip of sanity” before the madness starts—then brew my coffee.
While waiting, I spend about 10 minutes stretching, grab my coffee, and head back to my office space.
Once I’m all set, I put on my OBM hat and prepare to dive into my work.
Embracing the OBM Role…
I juggle multiple hats, but my OBM role is the ONE I really enjoy!
There’s always something new to do, and I love solving problems, analyzing workflows, managing initiatives and people, and all the creative, strategic things that come with it.
It’s like being a superhero—minus the cape and with way more coffee.
Sure, there are admin tasks I’d rather skip, but hey, they’re essential for keeping the whole operation from going haywire.
Once I’m in full OBM mode, my day is divided into clear blocks:
On-Call and Power Hour
I kick things off by checking in with my team, reviewing urgent messages, and setting my priorities. This focused hour really helps me start strong.
Core Work Block
I then switch into deep work mode—dedicating several hours to tackling client emergencies, strategic planning, and coordinating with my team. This is when the magic happens (and when I occasionally wonder where the day went).
Task Prioritization
Throughout the day, I stay on top of my tasks, always assessing which ones need my immediate attention and which I can delegate or defer.
“Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.”
Shifting Gears…
After my OBM role, I take a quick break, grab myself a cup of caffeine-free tea (because I’m about to go to sleep in the next six hours).
Then I move on to work with another client for the next few hours.
This session is a different kind of challenge, but the same focus applies. It’s all about switching gears smoothly like shifting from a brisk morning jog to a slow, thoughtful stroll—giving each client the best of what I’ve got.
Unwinding…
When I finally log off, it’s time to disconnect.
I’m still working on limiting my phone time (seriously, my phone seems to have a gravitational pull), but I’m getting there.
Around noon, I make it a point to work out at home. This workout is more than physical exercise—it’s a mental reset that keeps me energized and reminds me that, yes, I still have muscles.
After exercising, I take a refreshing shower, dress comfortably, and get my bed ready for a good night’s sleep.
I always make time to read on my Kindle for at least 30 minutes to an hour before bed.
And I aim for 7-8 hours of sleep because I know a well-rested mind is key to staying productive and continuously growing—plus, my dreams are way more fun when I’m fully charged.
Wrapping It All Up…
Every part of my day…
From that energizing morning podcast to structured work blocks and a mindful wind-down, has a purpose.
My Time Management System isn’t just about staying busy… It’s about creating a balanced routine that drives success both professionally and personally.
By setting clear priorities, sticking to a schedule, and making time for self-care, I know I’m building my strong foundation for success.
I’ve been in this industry for eight years, and if there’s one piece of advice, I could give to all my fellow freelancers…
It all starts with a mindset.
A mindset that values efficiency and growth.
So, this is me and my new OBM role—a mix of focused work, strategic planning, and dedicated self-care.
I hope sharing my routine gives you some ideas to create your own system that works for you!