The Community Bulletin

The Community Bulletin: The Value of Time and Focus – Insights from Abubakar Dilawar

This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Abubakar Dilawar, founder of Founders Kahani, a platform that amplifies the stories of entrepreneurs. Our conversation was nothing short of inspiring, and it reinforced some of the most important lessons I’ve learned about entrepreneurship and life.

One recurring theme across conversations with leaders like Salman Khan and now Abubakar is this: time is the most valuable commodity. We all want more of it, yet no one ever has enough. Success often comes from learning to manage our time wisely and aligning it with our purpose.

The Energy of Youth and Drive for Success

One of my favorite moments was Abubakar’s belief that, in our early 20s, we have the energy to forgo traditional work-life balance—if we truly love what we do. This is a time to push ourselves, build momentum, and propel toward a future where comfort is earned. This approach fosters a consistent drive, motivation, and a deep sense of self-appreciation for the dedication we show to our goals.

Redefining the Age of Scrolling

Abubakar offered an insightful perspective on our digital habits. In an age where scrolling is constant, he challenged the idea of putting phones down entirely. Instead, we can transition our focus to maximize downtime with micro-learning. Scrolling platforms like LinkedIn, for example, can foster new ideas, spark creativity, and help us stay informed about trends, technologies, and the successes of other founders.

As Abubakar highlighted, seeing the achievements of others can be an incredible source of motivation.

Giving “100% of 100%”

To truly succeed, we need to give our all to each task. As my manager, Craig Crampton, puts it: “Give 100% of 100%.” Every moment matters. Squandering time is a luxury entrepreneurs cannot afford.

Balancing Ideas and Execution

One of Abubakar’s favorite quotes is a raw yet profound reminder of life’s challenges:

“Life is a hassle and will fk you eventually, so you might as well fk yourself on the way to happiness, and then keep going.”

This unapologetic outlook ties perfectly into the disciplined strategy he shared for chasing ideas while staying focused.

We all experience bursts of inspiration, but to avoid getting lost in endless phases of ideation, we must prioritize. As Abubakar wisely pointed out, “The pyramids were built one brick at a time.” Each stone was carefully cut, placed, and aligned before moving to the next. Similarly, success requires us to finish current tasks before diving into new ventures.

These lessons are a testament to the power of discipline, time management, and focus. I left our conversation energized and inspired to implement these strategies in both my personal and professional life.