By Lydia Kane, Business Reporter
Phoenix, AZ – June 11, 2025
Entrepreneurs across Arizona tuned in for a dynamic virtual workshop hosted by the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) Arizona chapter, featuring New York Times bestselling author and productivity expert Rory Vaden. The session, titled “How to Multiply Your Time,” provided attendees with valuable strategies for enhancing both personal and professional productivity. Vaden, known for his groundbreaking work on time management, shared critical insights from his popular book “Procrastinate on Purpose,” offering practical advice on how to optimize decision-making and prioritize tasks to achieve long-term success.
Rethinking Time Management
Time management is often seen as a challenge, especially for entrepreneurs juggling multiple responsibilities. Vaden’s approach, however, challenges conventional views on productivity. In his book, he introduces the concept of priority-driven productivity, a mindset that shifts focus from simply managing tasks to intentionally prioritizing the activities that yield the highest return on investment.
During the workshop, Vaden explained that in order to multiply time, individuals must stop thinking about time as a fixed resource and start viewing it as something that can be expanded through intentional decision-making. He discussed how many people mistakenly spend too much time on low-value activities, which ultimately leads to burnout and inefficiency.
For Vaden, productivity is not about doing more tasks in less time; it’s about doing fewer things with greater intention. He emphasized that true productivity comes from making conscious choices about what to work on and, equally important, what to ignore. Entrepreneurs, he noted, often fall into the trap of constantly reacting to immediate demands, leaving little room to focus on more strategic, long-term goals.
Insights and Takeaways
The event, which attracted a diverse group of entrepreneurs, was structured to not only deliver theoretical insights but also provide practical exercises. Participants took part in discussions and activities that challenged their existing notions of time management and productivity.
“I’ve always believed that time is the most precious resource we have. The key to multiplying it isn’t about working harder, but about working smarter,” Vaden remarked during the session. This resonated with many attendees, who appreciated the shift in mindset from productivity as a result of sheer effort to productivity as a result of thoughtful, strategic choices.
The key principle of Vaden’s framework is the idea of procrastinating on purpose. He encourages entrepreneurs to deliberately delay less important tasks so that they can focus on what truly matters. This counterintuitive approach helps individuals identify activities that, while urgent, might not be truly valuable in the long term. By delaying those tasks and redirecting attention to more significant projects, entrepreneurs can create more room in their schedules for high-priority work.
Vaden also stressed the importance of eliminating distractions and finding ways to automate or delegate tasks that don’t require one’s personal attention. “Entrepreneurs are often trapped in the day-to-day minutiae of their businesses, and by learning how to step back and make smarter choices, they can create more time for the activities that will drive sustainable growth,” he said.
Strengthening the EO Arizona Community
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization Arizona chapter has long been committed to supporting its members’ personal and professional development. By hosting events like this one, the organization continues to provide its members with access to expert guidance and resources designed to help them thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
“At EO Arizona, our goal is to empower entrepreneurs not just to succeed in business, but to grow as individuals as well,” said Maria Stevens, president of EO Arizona. “The feedback from this workshop has been incredibly positive, and it is clear that members are eager to implement Vaden’s productivity principles in their own lives.”
The workshop is just one example of how EO Arizona is providing its members with the tools they need to excel. The chapter regularly hosts virtual events, mastermind groups, and one-on-one mentoring sessions designed to foster collaboration and learning among entrepreneurs.
Moving Forward: Productivity as a Long-Term Strategy
As the session came to a close, attendees were left with a renewed perspective on time management. The core message of Vaden’s workshop—that productivity is about working smarter, not harder—served as a valuable reminder for all who participated. Entrepreneurs often face the challenge of balancing the many demands of running a business, but by learning to prioritize and make intentional decisions, they can achieve greater efficiency and success.
With the ever-increasing demands of modern business, the ability to manage time effectively has never been more important. Vaden’s workshop equipped entrepreneurs with tools that can help them not only optimize their productivity but also build more sustainable, successful businesses.
As EO Arizona continues to host events like this, the organization’s commitment to fostering growth within the entrepreneurial community is clear. For entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their time management skills and refine their approach to business, sessions like these offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
For more information on upcoming workshops and events, visit the Entrepreneurs’ Organization Arizona chapter’s website.