Ever wish you had more time? Between work, kids, errands, and all the other demands on your schedule, it can feel impossible to carve out space for yourself—whether that’s for your health, hobbies, or even a side hustle.
You’ve got 24 hours, just like everyone else. But the problem isn’t the hours—it’s finding chunks of time that fit real life. That’s where the Thousand Second Method comes in.
What Is the Thousand Second Method?
The Thousand Second Method is simple: it’s about breaking your day into 1,000-second blocks (that’s just under 17 minutes). Why 1,000 seconds?
It’s long enough to make real progress but short enough to fit into the busiest schedules.
This strategy is designed for dads who want to:
- Improve their health without 2-hour workouts.
- Work on a hobby or side hustle without pulling all-nighters.
- Take control of their time instead of being ruled by it.
Why It Works
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Micro-Wins Build Momentum
A 1,000-second workout might not feel like much, but do it three times a week, and you’ve stacked nearly an hour of movement. Compound that over months, and you’ve built a habit. -
No More "All or Nothing" Thinking
You don’t need hours to make progress. 1,000 seconds of writing is better than none. A quick walk, even for 17 minutes, still counts. Progress happens in these micro-blocks. -
You Can’t Procrastinate 1,000 Seconds
It’s manageable. You’re not scheduling a marathon—just a bite-sized chunk of time that feels achievable.
How to Use the Thousand Second Method
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Identify Your Target Habit
Pick one or two habits you want to build. Fitness, learning a new skill, journaling, or working on a side hustle—whatever matters to you. -
Set a Timer
When you have a gap in your day, set a timer for 1,000 seconds. It could be before the kids wake up, during lunch, or after bedtime. Use your phone or get a basic digital watch (I recommend a watch so that you aren't distracted by notifications during your 1000 seconds of focus). -
Do the Thing
During that time, focus only on the habit. No multitasking, no phone distractions. Just action. -
Track the Wins
Consistency builds confidence. Use a simple tracker to mark your 1,000-second blocks. Seeing those blocks add up is the kind of motivation that keeps you going.
Real-World Example
- Health: 17 minutes of bodyweight exercises before breakfast.
- Side Hustle: Write 300 words daily before work.
- Personal Development: Listen to an audiobook for 1,000 seconds during your commute.
The Thousand Second Method isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about making small, consistent choices.
You don’t need to overhaul your life to build habits—you just need 1,000 seconds. Start stacking those blocks, and over time, you’ll see progress in areas that once felt impossible to touch.
It’s not about time management—it’s about time ownership.
You’ve got 1,000 seconds today. What will you do with them?
Next week we'll continue discussion of the Thousand Second Method -- including habit stacking and real world examples of how I use the Thousand Second Method to build the Dad Habits brand while working a 50hr a week tech job and maintaing my positive presence as a father and husband.
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