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The Challenge: Finding time to learn while balancing software development, triathlon training, and raising three curious kids
The Solution: A 15-minute daily morning routine with Headway
The Results: Over 120 book summaries in 4 months, transformed family conversations, and a sustainable daily learning habit
I've always been the kind of person who wants to know everything. As a kid, my favorite books were those massive '1000 Things You Didn't Know About...' collections. I'd devour them cover to cover, then immediately share the most fascinating facts with anyone who'd listen. That curiosity never left me; it only grew stronger.
Today, I'm a freelance software developer and startup founder, juggling client projects, product development, and the constant learning curve that comes with technology. I also do long-distance triathlons to balance out spending the entire day indoors staring at screens.ย
And on top of all that, I have three kids who bombard me with a million questions every day, essentially "forcing" me to learn about all kinds of subjects.ย
Honestly? I love it.
But here's the problem: curiosity without time is just frustration.
๐Here's how the Headway app helped me stay on track!
The problem: Too many interests, not enough hours
Before finding Headway, my learning attempts looked like this:
Audiobooks during runs: Lost focus on complex ideas while monitoring pace and heart rate
Reading before bed: Brain too exhausted to retain information after coding all day
Podcasts during commutes: Would zone out during lengthy discussions
Books on nightstand: A growing pile of guilt representing knowledge I wanted but couldn't access
The real problem wasn't that I didn't want to learn. It was that traditional ways of learning didn't fit my busy, broken-up schedule. With client calls, training, and family time, I needed something that could give me real insights without needing a full hour of focus.
I wanted to know if a book was worth my limited reading time. I also needed a way to keep learning without giving up the things that mattered most.
๐ Code all day, learn on your break โ start your 15-minute habit with Headway!
The discovery: Finding a springboard into knowledge
I honestly don't remember the exact moment I discovered Headway. I think it was a Facebook ad. I was skeptical at first. How could you possibly capture the essence of an entire book in 15 minutes?
But I downloaded it anyway, more out of curiosity than conviction.
My first book summary was 'Don't Overthink It' by Anne Bogel. I listened to it during a short break between coding sessions, and I was hooked immediately. It wasn't just a shallow recap; it was the key insights, the actionable takeaways, the stuff that actually mattered. I could feel my brain lighting up with new ideas, and it only took 15 minutes.
That's when I realized: Headway wasn't replacing books. It was helping me prioritize which books deserved my deeper attention. It became my springboard into a vast space of knowledge.
๐ Turn your commute into career growth with Headway!
The turning point: One morning walk changed everything
The breakthrough came one random summer morning about four months ago. I woke up at 5:30 am and didn't feel like going back to sleep. It was warm outside, the sun was just starting to rise, and the house was completely quiet; my wife and kids were all still asleep.
I decided to go for a walk. I always listen to something when I'm walking, so I opened Headway and picked a random book. As I strolled through my neighborhood, listening to fascinating insights flowing through my headphones, something clicked.
This wasn't just convenient. It was perfect. I was starting my day with something positive, something constructive, something that made me excited about the world around me.
That single walk turned into a daily habit that's now lasted four months and counting.
๐ Stop the "unread book guilt" and start learning on Headway!
The system: How I actually use Headway
Primary learning time: Morning walks (5:30โ6:00 am)
Duration: 15-30 minutes daily
Format: Audio summaries
Setting: Walking through the neighborhood while the family sleeps
Mental state: Fresh, focused, receptive
This became my anchor habit. I'm so consistent that I put on my headphones and open Headway before I even lock the door.
Secondary learning opportunities throughout the day:
During household chores: Cleaning becomes productive thinking time
Short breaks between coding sessions: 15-minute summaries provide perfect mental resets
Commutes: Even short drives become learning opportunities
Training sessions: Lighter summaries during recovery runs or cycling
When I choose what to listen to, I use Headway the way a developer uses documentation: I look for what's relevant and dig deeper if needed. Some summaries inspire me to take action right away. Others go on my list to read the full book later. The main thing is, I keep moving forward and never get stuck deciding what to learn next.
๐ Model lifelong learning for your kids, just like Ivan, with Headway!
The results: Measurable changes in 4 months
Quantifiable Outcomes:
Over 120 book summaries completed (averaging 1 per day)
Daily 15โ30 minute learning habit (zero missed days in 4 months)
Converted "dead time" into growth time: About 90 hours of learning that would have otherwise been lost
Reading list curated: Identified over 15 books worth reading in full based on summaries
Qualitative transformations:
In my work as a developer: Books like 'The First 20 Hours' changed how I approach learning new technologies. I no longer feel pressure to master everything. I focus on getting functional quickly, which has made me more productive and less paralyzed by perfectionism.
In my training: 'I Am Zlatan' reinforced the power of confidence and self-belief. As someone balancing multiple demanding roles, that mindset shift has been invaluable for pushing through difficult training blocks.
In my family life: This is where the most visible change happened. I'm even more excited about the world around me now. I find interesting connections in the most mundane things and share them with my wife and kids. My children love all the stories and facts I tell them.
"Ivan has probably read a book on this already." โ My wife, whenever a strange topic comes up in conversation
I'm showing my three kids that lifelong learning isn't a choreโit's an adventure.
๐Turn household chores into "me time" for your brain on Headway!
The books that stuck with me
Some summaries have genuinely influenced how I think and live:
'The First 20 Hours' confirmed what I'd always believed: you don't have to be perfect at something to enjoy it. Since I juggle being a developer, athlete, parent, and entrepreneur, being told it's okay to be 'good enough' was freeing.
'I Am Zlatan' resonated with me because I admire Zlatan Ibrahimoviฤ's confidence and self-belief. In the startup world and as a freelancer, that kind of unshakeable confidence is essential.
'Hiroshima' and 'Radium Girls' cover serious, often tragic topics, but still manage to give hope that things can get better. These summaries reminded me that resilience and progress are possible, even in tough times.
๐ Keep up with your curious kids' endless questions using Headway!
Why this works: The science behind the system
What makes this approach work isn't just Headway; it's a mix of proven learning principles:
Consistency over intensity: 15 minutes daily beats sporadic 2-hour reading sessions. The habit compounds.
Learning in optimal mental states: Morning walks combine physical movement (which enhances cognitive function) with a fresh, uncluttered mind.
Immediate application: I can share insights with my family the same day, reinforcing retention through teaching.
Low-friction entry: I didn't have to "find time to read". The time was already part of my routine.
๐ Transform your family conversations with fresh insights from Headway!
The framework: How you can replicate this
If you're a busy professional, parent, or multi-passionate person, wondering how to implement something similar:
Step 1: Identify your anchor time
Find 15โ30 minutes in your day that's currently "filler time" (commutes, walks, household chores, and waiting for coffee to brew). This becomes your learning window.
Step 2: Start with audio
If your anchor time involves moving around, like my morning walks, audio is the way to go. You can always switch to reading for deeper topics later.
Step 3: Pick based on immediate curiosity
Don't overthink your first choice. Pick something that truly interests you right now. The main goal is to build the habit.
Step 4: Share what you learn
Tell someone about one insight from each summary. This reinforces retention and makes learning social rather than solitary.
Step 5: Use summaries as a filter
Think of Headway as your reading guide. Some books will feel complete after the summary, while others will make you want to read the whole thing. Both are good outcomes.
๐ Show your kids that learning is an adventure โ start with Headway!
My message to other busy people
I often hear people say, "I don't have time for self-growth" or "I wish I could read more, but life is just too busy." I get it. I really do.
But I try to show them that we have more time than we think. Your commute can become an adventure with the right book. Cleaning the house can turn into a learning session. A morning walk can change your whole day.
The math is simple: 15 minutes a day equals 91 hours a year. That's roughly 45โ60 full books' worth of core insights, absorbed during the time you already have.
It's never been easier to grow than it is now, and Headway is a great tool to explore your interests and go deeper. You don't have to quit your job, wake up at 4 am, or give up family time. You just need to use the small pockets of time you already have.
For me, Headway is more than just an app. It helps me stay curious, keep learning, and show my three kids that learning never ends.
And it all began with one early morning walk at 5:30 am.
Want more inspiring stories?
Check out:
How I Read More Books in a Year Without the Overwhelm with Headway.
A Day in My Life with Headway: How I Use Bite-Sized Learning to Stay Inspired.
How Headway Helps Me Balance Work, Learning, and Personal Growth.
Too Busy to Read? How 10 Minutes Solved My Unread Book Problem.
๐ Train your body and your mind simultaneously with Headway!
Start learning over 120 books per year with Headway (even with a packed schedule)
For Busy Professionals, Parents, and Multi-Passionate People Who Want to Keep Growing
If Ivan's story resonates with you (if you're juggling multiple roles and feel frustrated by your inability to learn as much as you want), Headway can help you reclaim those fragmented moments in your day.
Start your 15-minute daily learning habit today. Download Headway and join thousands of busy professionals who've discovered that consistent micro-learning beats sporadic intensive study every time.
