Navigating Founder Life: The EPIC Way to Balance Your Priorities
I’ll admit it — I’m slightly obsessed with acronyms. Why? Because they help me remember complex things easily (and, let’s be honest, acronyms make otherwise dull frameworks feel a bit more fun). As a founder, there’s always something new to learn, and acronyms simplify that journey for me.
Unlike the usual advice about ruthless prioritization, I’ve found there are some areas you simply can’t afford to miss every single week. That’s where my “EPIC” framework comes into play. By clearly time-boxing at least 30 minutes weekly for each essential area, EPIC helps balance my calendar and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Being a founder means wearing multiple hats every single day. From managing teams and obsessing over products to chasing revenue, handling customer issues, and trying to stay ahead of competitors — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I’ve been there, and I’m guessing you have too.
Here’s how I define EPIC:
- E — Employees and Equity holders:
I try to spend dedicated time each week thinking deeply about my team — how I can support, motivate, and grow with them. I also consider equity holders since they’re invested in the vision we’re building. - P — Product and its Promotion:
No matter how good our product is, there is always room to innovate, specially in the fast paced AI era. I dedicate time here to ensure the product genuinely solves a real problem and has effective strategies to reach our target audience. - I — Investments and Income:
Cash flow and funding keep our vision alive. I regularly devote time to evaluating financial strategies, exploring potential investments, and maximizing revenue streams. - C — Customers and Competition:
I strive to never lose sight of our customers — they’re the compass. Listening closely to their feedback and keeping an eye on competitors helps continually refine our competitive edge.
After covering each EPIC area, I zoom in and put complete focus on whatever the week’s biggest priority is. This structured yet flexible approach has allowed me — and other founders — to build clarity into the chaotic life of entrepreneurship.
Now I’d love to hear from you. Share it in comments.
What frameworks or strategies do you use as a founder to navigate your responsibilities and prioritize effectively? I’m always learning, so share your thoughts — let’s grow together!
