[Definitive Edition] A 1-year-old's dad's gritty time-management techniques to solve the "no time" problem with just one smartphone

Hello, I'm nagi.
Are you all managing to find enough time for side hustles or studying for certifications?

"Managing a full-time job, raising children, and still carving out time for yourself"……This is truly tough, isn't it? I understand.

I used to try desperately to sit at my desk while rubbing my sleepy eyes, only to repeat the cycle of failure.

However, even in that situation, by changing my "daily routine" just a little, I became able to secure solid time for studying and side hustles.

This time, I will share my own way ofsecuring over 300 hours a year even as a busy dad.

1. The Golden Rule: First, fulfill your "duties as a dad"

The first thing I want to convey is that you should prioritize"family time"above side hustles or studying.

Spending time with your family with a smile. That is the most important responsibility for a dad.

My style is not to "cut into family time to study," but to think thoroughly about "how to use the gaps outside of that to protect family time."

2. Turn gap time into assets through "small accumulations"

The time I mainly utilize is as follows:

• Commuter train (approx. 1 hour one way): I dedicate about 40–60 minutes round trip to studying.
• Break time: Secure 10–20 minutes.
• Spare time after returning home: 20–30 minutes.

Of course, I don't do this perfectly every day.
On days when I'm tired or don't feel motivated during the day, I intentionally take a break.

However, I keep a guideline of "45 minutes to 1 hour in total" and stick to the rule of "always touching my smartphone (opening an app) every day."

[Surprising Simulation]

1 hour of gap time every day + 1 hour on weekends = about 350 hours per year.
Even without creating special "study days," you can secure this much time just by using gaps.

3. Turn your device into the "ultimate self-study room"

Honestly, it's tough to open thick reference books while on the go.
That's why I make full use of my smartphone and tablet.

• Utilizing video lectures: I am currently studying for the real estate notary exam, and I use YouTube and materials with video lectures.
If it's a 20–30 minute video, I can finish watching one during a single train segment, so my concentration doesn't break.

• iPad + Apple Pencil + Note app: I sync data so that I use my iPad for taking notes and my iPhone for quickly checking them while on the go.
This eliminates the time loss of "Wait, where is that note?"

• Decluttering notifications: Smartphones are bundles of temptation. Organize your icons and turn off notifications while studying.
The mindset of "turning daily life into study time" rather than "sitting at a desk" is important.

4. The truth about "continuation" learned from failure

……I write this sounding arrogant, but actually, I failed the real estate notary exam last year using this method (lol).

But there was a harvest."Even I, who never had a study habit, was able to study for 300 hours a year"is the fact.
This gave me great confidence.

This year, I am changing the "content" of those 300 hours to be more efficient and am taking my revenge.
Once I pass, I plan to share in detail "how to change the content"!

5. Live flexibly, like a dad

Finally, I will share 3 tips I value for "not breaking."

• Create a "sanctuary": Use 4:00 or 5:00 AM, or the quiet time after the kids are asleep, just for yourself.

• Pomodoro Technique: Decide on just 15 minutes! and run a timer, repeating short bursts of concentration.

• Abandon perfection: It's okay if you can't do everything. Forgive yourself by saying, "I looked at one word today, so I pass!"

While cherishing time with your family, for side hustles, for certifications.

Let's keep doing our best together while enjoying being a "dad"!

#GatherHotDads

nagi | Side hustles, diet, certifications. The struggle diary of a greedy dad
X account: https://x.com/nagi_crafts

I also post daily progress on X, so I would be extremely happy if you followed me there too.

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