Episode 18 - Real Talk: Time Management Q&A for Entrepreneurs

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Time for Living Podcast!

TRANSCRIPT

show notes

This week’s episode is all about tackling the real challenges entrepreneurs face every day. From managing time and energy to delegating tasks and staying consistent in the chaos, we’re diving into YOUR questions and offering practical, actionable strategies to help you navigate the ups and downs of running a business. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take your next step.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to prioritize what truly matters in your business and life.

• Why setting boundaries is essential for protecting your energy and focus.

• The power of small, consistent habits (and how to stick with them).

• Practical tips for delegating tasks without losing control of your vision.

• How to build flexibility into your systems so you can adapt when life gets messy.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel empowered with simple yet effective strategies to create a business (and life) that feels intentional, balanced, and aligned with your goals.

Resources

• Join The LAB - Life Aligned Blueprint - https://timeforliving.co/lab - my signature program designed to help entrepreneurs create time freedom while building a thriving business.

Let’s Connect:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timeforlivingco/

Final Thought:

Remember, building a business isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about showing up with intention and creating space for what matters most. Start small, stay consistent, and trust yourself to make progress every single day. You’re capable of incredible things—keep moving forward!

TRANSCRIPT - Real Talk: Time Management Q&A for Entrepreneurs

Introduction

Hey friend! Welcome to another episode of the podcast, this week I’m diving deep into the real, raw conversations that matter most to my incredible community. Today, I’m doing something a little different - I’m pulling back the curtain and answering YOUR burning questions.

Running a business isn’t just about strategy and success - it’s about the messy, beautiful journey of figuring things out along the way. And who better to navigate that journey than all of us, together? Every single question that lands in my inbox is a reminder that we’re not alone in this entrepreneurial adventure.

I love all these questions because they’re like sitting down with my best friend, tea in hand, and just getting real about the challenges, dreams, and wild ride of building something that lights you up. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need a little dose of inspiration, this episode is for you.

I’m going to tackle the questions that keep you up at night, break down the barriers that feel impossible, and remind you that you are so much more capable than you realize. So grab your favorite drink, find a cozy spot, and let’s get into some real talk from our amazing community.

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Question One: This question is from Desi

“Hey, I’m totally drowning! How do you actually manage everything without just time blocking? I’ve got two businesses and two wild kiddos, and I’m desperate to make money but also not lose my mind. Any real-world tips?”

Oh, I hear you loud and clear—two businesses, two little ones, and a desire to not just survive but thrive. When I hear this question, you’re not just asking how to manage your time; you’re asking how to design a life where you’re present for the things that matter most. So, let’s dive into this together, because efficiency isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most.

First, let’s talk about prioritization. You’ve got a lot on your plate, so it’s time to get crystal clear on what really moves the needle in your businesses and your life. I love using the Eisenhower Matrix for this. It’s simple: divide your tasks into four quadrants—urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. Focus most of your energy on what’s important but not urgent; that’s where growth happens. And for the tasks that aren’t important? Delegate or eliminate them without guilt.

Next up is theme-based scheduling, which is a game-changer when you’re juggling different roles. Assign specific days or parts of your day to specific types of work. For example, maybe Mondays are for marketing, Tuesdays for client work, and mornings are for deep focus while afternoons are for meetings or admin. This reduces decision fatigue and keeps you in the right mindset for each task.

Now let’s tackle the family side of things because I know how easy it is to feel pulled in every direction. Set boundaries—and I mean real ones. Communicate with your family when you’re working and with your team when you’re with family. Use visual cues like a closed door or even a simple sign to signal when you’re “on” or “off.” And remember, boundaries aren’t just about saying no; they’re about saying yes to what matters most.

Speaking of family, let’s flip the script on “quality time.” It doesn’t have to be hours-long outings; sometimes it’s about being fully present in small moments. Try micro-moments—a quick walk after lunch, playing without distractions, or even a 10-minute dance party in the kitchen. These little bursts of connection add up in big ways.

Now, let’s talk about systems because efficiency loves structure. Automate what you can—whether it’s scheduling social media posts, setting up recurring bill payments, or using tools like Trello or Asana to keep your tasks organized. For home life, create routines that everyone can follow—like meal prepping on Sundays or having a set bedtime routine for the kids.

One thing I can’t stress enough? Buffer time. Life happens—kids get sick, clients have emergencies—and if every minute of your day is packed, there’s no room to breathe. Build in buffers between tasks so you can handle the unexpected without derailing your entire day.

Finally—and this is my favorite tip—embrace imperfect action. You don’t have to do everything perfectly to make progress. Some days will be messy; some weeks will feel unbalanced—and that’s okay Desi. What matters is that you keep showing up with intention.

Question Two: This question is from Elena

“How do I keep my energy up and avoid feeling completely drained? I’m juggling so much right now, and while I love what I do, I can feel burnout creeping in. I know I need to find a better balance, but how do I stay productive without running myself into the ground?”

Oh friend, balancing the demands of running a business with your own well-being can feel tough, right? You’re pouring so much of yourself into your work, but if you’re not careful, that hustle can sneakily turn into burnout. Let’s talk about how to keep your energy high and your spark alive while still crushing those business goals.

Firstly let’s think about what productivity really means. It’s not about working every waking second; it’s about working smarter, not harder. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so keeping your energy tank full is actually part of the job description as an entrepreneur.

Here’s the deal: we all have natural rhythms when we’re at our best. For some, mornings are when the ideas flow and the to-do list gets tackled with ease. For others, creativity strikes in the afternoon or even late at night. Pay attention to when you feel most energized and focused during the day and schedule your most important tasks for those times. The rest? Save it for when your brain feels like mush—things like answering emails or organizing files don’t need your peak energy.

I know it sounds counterintuitive, but stepping away from work can actually make you more productive. Think of breaks as little resets for your brain. Try the Pomodoro Technique: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Or go big and schedule longer breaks during the day to recharge—whether that’s a walk outside, a quick workout, or just sitting quietly with your coffee, or tea if you’re me (without scrolling Instagram!). These moments of pause will help you come back sharper and more focused.

Let’s be real: as entrepreneurs, our work tends to bleed into every corner of our lives if we let it. But here’s the thing—boundaries aren’t just nice to have; they’re essential for protecting your energy. Similarly to my answer to Desi’s question decide when you’re “on” and when you’re “off,” and communicate those boundaries to your family, clients, or whoever needs to know. For example, maybe you don’t check emails after 6 PM or you block off Sunday mornings for family time or self-care. The key is sticking to these boundaries like they’re non-negotiable meetings with yourself.

This one’s tough—I get it—but saying no is one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Every “yes” is a commitment of your time and energy, so make sure it aligns with your goals and values before agreeing to it. If something doesn’t light you up or move your business forward, it’s okay to pass. Trust me, protecting your time is one of the best ways to avoid burnout.

Please make sure you schedule time for self-care, self-care is not selfish! Whether it’s moving your body, eating nourishing food, meditating, journaling, or just getting enough sleep (seriously—don’t skip this one), taking care of yourself isn’t optional if you want to show up as your best self for your business and loved ones. Block out time in your calendar for these activities just like you would for an important meeting.

Sometimes we get so caught up in what’s next that we forget to acknowledge how far we’ve come. Take a moment each day—or each week—to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and give yourself a little pat on the back. Gratitude and celebration are powerful motivators that can help keep burnout at bay.

At the end of the day (literally), remember this: running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. You’re building something amazing here, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your health or happiness. By managing your energy intentionally and giving yourself permission to rest and recharge, you’ll not only avoid burnout—you’ll thrive. Now go take that break Elena—you deserve it!

Question Three: This one’s from Terri

“I know I need to start delegating, but honestly, the thought of handing things off makes me so nervous. How do I let go of tasks without feeling like I’m losing control of my business? I’ve worked so hard to build this, and I want things done a certain way, but I also know I can’t do it all myself. What’s the secret to delegating effectively while still making sure everything stays on track?”

Oh Terri, I feel you on this one—it’s such a vulnerable place to be! Delegating can feel like handing over a piece of your heart because, let’s be honest, your business is your baby. You’ve poured so much time, energy, and passion into building it, and the idea of someone else stepping in can feel a little scary. But here’s the thing: delegation isn’t about losing control; it’s about gaining freedom and focus.

First, let’s reframe what delegation really means. It’s not about giving up ownership—it’s about empowering others to help you carry the load so you can focus on the things only you can do. Think of it this way: when you delegate effectively, you’re not just lightening your workload; you’re creating space for growth—both for your business and for yourself.

Start small. You don’t have to hand over everything at once. Pick one task that feels manageable to let go of—something that takes up time but doesn’t require your unique touch or expertise. Maybe it’s scheduling social media posts, managing your inbox, or handling customer inquiries. Choose something that feels like a good starting point and ease into the process.

The next step is all about clarity and communication. When you delegate, don’t just toss a task at someone and hope for the best (we’ve all been there!). Take the time to explain what success looks like—be specific about your expectations, provide examples if needed, and give them the tools they need to succeed. The clearer you are upfront, the less likely you’ll feel like you need to micromanage later on.

Here’s a little mindset shift that helped me: instead of thinking of delegation as “losing control,” think of it as creating collaboration. When you bring someone onto your team—whether it’s an employee, a contractor, or even a virtual assistant—you’re not just handing them tasks; you’re inviting them into your vision. Trust them enough to let their strengths shine while staying available for guidance when needed.

And yes, mistakes might happen—but guess what? That’s okay! No one gets everything perfect right out of the gate (including us). Give yourself—and whoever you’re delegating to—some grace as you both learn and grow together.

One practical tip that helped me was creating systems and processes for repetitive tasks before delegating them. For example, if there’s a way you like things done—say, how you onboard new clients or organize files—document it in a simple step-by-step guide or record a quick video walkthrough. This not only helps with consistency but also gives your team something solid to refer back to without needing constant input from you.

Finally—and this is big—remind yourself why you’re delegating in the first place. You didn’t start your business to spend all day buried in admin work or juggling every single detail alone. You started it because you had a vision, a passion, and something amazing to share with the world. Delegating allows you to step into your role as CEO—the visionary leader who steers the ship while trusting others to help keep it running smoothly.

So take a deep breath, Terri—you’ve got this! Start small, communicate clearly, and trust that letting go doesn’t mean losing control; it means gaining more time to focus on what truly matters most in your business and your life. You’re building something incredible here—and now you get to build a team that helps make it even better!

Question Four: This one’s from Natalie

“I’ve tried ALL the productivity hacks, planners, and time management strategies, but here’s my struggle - I can never seem to stick with anything when life gets crazy. One week I’m totally crushing my goals, and the next week everything falls apart. How do successful entrepreneurs actually create habits that last? I want something that works for real life - you know, the messy, unpredictable entrepreneurial journey with kids, unexpected client emergencies, and those days when everything feels like it’s falling apart”.

Natalie I love this question, life as an entrepreneur is anything but predictable. One minute you’re on top of the world, and the next, it feels like everything’s spiraling out of control. Consistency can feel impossible when chaos strikes, but here’s the good news: it’s not about being perfect; it’s about being adaptable. Life will always throw curveballs, but the secret to staying consistent is learning how to bend without breaking.

The key is to focus on anchors rather than rigid systems. Anchors are those small, non-negotiable habits that ground your day no matter what’s happening around you. Think of them as your “bare minimums”—the things that keep you tethered to your goals even when everything else feels unpredictable. Maybe it’s starting your day with 10 minutes to plan your priorities or ending it by reviewing what you accomplished and setting intentions for tomorrow. These little rituals create a sense of stability and help you stay connected to what matters most, even when the rest of your day feels like a whirlwind.

And here’s the thing about anchors—they don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, the simpler they are, the more likely you’ll stick with them. It could be as small as jotting down three key tasks for the day or taking five deep breaths before diving into your work. The goal isn’t to add more pressure; it’s to create moments of clarity and intention that help you navigate the chaos with a little more ease.

Another game-changer? Build flexibility into your systems. Life isn’t static, so your approach to time management shouldn’t be either. Instead of packing your schedule so tightly that there’s no room to breathe, leave some wiggle room for the unexpected. Block off “catch-up” time in your calendar—an hour or two each week where you can handle whatever didn’t get done earlier—or designate one day a week as a buffer day for tying up loose ends. This way, when life happens (because it will), you’ve already built in space to adapt without feeling like everything’s falling apart.

Here’s where mindset comes into play because this part is huge. Consistency doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly every single day—it means showing up more often than not. It means giving yourself permission to have off days without throwing in the towel completely. Progress isn’t about perfection; it’s about persistence. It’s built in those moments when you choose to keep going, even if it’s just one small step forward. So if a day doesn’t go as planned? That’s okay. Reset tomorrow and remind yourself that one rough patch doesn’t define your journey.

And let’s not forget how powerful accountability can be. Whether it’s a business buddy who checks in with you weekly, a coach who helps you stay focused on your big-picture goals, or even just a system where you track your progress and celebrate small wins, having someone (or something) to hold you accountable can make all the difference when life gets messy. Accountability isn’t about pressure—it’s about support and encouragement when you need it most.

Lastly, let me remind you of this: consistency isn’t about sticking to a rigid plan; it’s about creating habits that work with your life, not against it. It’s about knowing what truly matters and finding ways to prioritize those things even when things feel chaotic. Some days will be messy—some weeks might feel like a total write-off—but what matters is that you keep coming back to what grounds you.

So Natalie give yourself grace on the hard days and celebrate every small win along the way because those little victories add up over time. You’re building something amazing here—not just in your business but in how you show up for yourself and your life—and that deserves recognition. Keep pushing forward—even on the messy days!

Conclusion

Wow, what an incredible episode! I just want to take a moment to thank YOU—our amazing community—for showing up, being vulnerable, and sharing your questions with us. Every single one of these questions reminds me how connected we all are in this entrepreneurial journey. Whether it’s figuring out how to manage your time, protect your energy, delegate without fear, or stay consistent when life gets messy, there’s this beautiful common thread: we’re all striving to create lives and businesses that feel aligned, intentional, and fulfilling.

What I love most is that these questions don’t just come from a place of wanting to do more—they come from a place of wanting to do better. Better for your business, better for your family, and better for yourself. That’s the heart of this community: we’re not just chasing success; we’re chasing balance, purpose, and joy.

So here’s my challenge to you: pick one or two of these strategies and start today. Efficiency isn’t about squeezing every last drop out of your time; it’s about designing a life where you can be fully present—for your work, your family, and yourself. Maybe it’s creating a simple anchor habit that grounds your day or building in some buffer time to handle life’s inevitable curveballs. Whatever it is, start small, stay intentional, and give yourself grace along the way.

We have our own unique paths, but remember, you’re never alone in this journey. This community is here for you—cheering you on every step of the way. And if you’ve got any more burning questions DM over on instagram @timeforlivingco or email me at hello@timeforliving.co. Until next time, keep showing up for the life and business you’re building because it’s worth it—and so are you.