Gordon's Path

Time management isn’t just a skill I picked up along the way it’s something I had to master early on out of necessity. From overcoming learning challenges in school, to pushing my limits as a varsity athlete, and building a business from the ground up during university, I’ve lived in the fast lane for as long as I can remember.

And through it all, I’ve learned this: balance isn’t about doing everything it’s about doing the right things, at the right time.

The Early Struggles That Shaped Me

From grade one, I was told I wouldn’t make it through school. ADHD and dyslexia made every assignment feel impossible, and I had to work twice as hard just to keep up. I didn’t get top grades, but I refused to quit. I believed I belonged in those classrooms even when others didn’t.

That drive taught me the first real rule of time management: discipline beats motivation. I didn’t always feel like doing the work, but I did it anyway day after day, year after year.

Swimming at a National Level and Still Making Class

Competing as a varsity swimmer while studying full-time pushed my limits in every way. Early morning training, classes, assignments, recovery, meets, and barely enough sleep it was relentless. But swimming gave me structure and focus. It forced me to make every hour count.

I made it to the Olympic trials not because I was the most naturally gifted, but because I was the most consistent. That’s the second rule of time management: showing up consistently will take you places talent alone can’t.

Building a Business Out of Passion (and Necessity)

Somewhere in the chaos of swimming and school, I launched Sneakers Canada a sneaker reselling business I started from scratch. What started as a hustle turned into something real: 600+ pairs sold, an engaged Instagram following, and 24-hour delivery across Toronto and London. Best part? I paid for my entire university education with the profits.

Running a business while being a full-time student-athlete? Let’s just say I learned the hard way that time management also means knowing when to say no. I couldn’t do everything, and I made mistakes trying to. But every stumble taught me how to prioritize, delegate when I could, and create space to think clearly under pressure.

What It All Comes Down To

Through all of it, I’ve learned a few things that stick with me no matter what I’m doing:

• Consistency builds success. Talent fades without structure. Showing up especially on hard days is what makes the difference.
• Not everything needs to be done today. Urgency doesn’t always mean importance. Time management is often about choosing what not to do.
• Health is wealth. No matter how busy life gets, I’ve learned the hard way that you can’t perform your best without taking care of your body and mind. Burnout doesn’t help anyone.
• You can’t pour from an empty cup. If your schedule doesn’t leave time for rest and reflection, it’s not sustainable.
• Every challenge teaches you something. Whether it’s a failed project or a brutal practice, there’s always a lesson.

Now, as I take on new challenges, I carry these lessons with me. I’ve learned to prioritize, stay grounded, and keep showing up. Time doesn’t stretch but how you use it can shape who you become.