Episode 32 - Find Time for What Matters Most: How Successful Women Balance Every Area of Their Lives

Welcome to Episode 32 of the Time for Living Podcast!

TRANSCRIPT

show notes

Do you ever feel like you’re constantly in motion, yet still falling short of what matters most to you? If you’re tired of feeling overextended and disconnected from the people and passions you love, this episode is for you. We’re diving into how to intentionally design your week using time blocking, so you can finally take control of your schedule and make real progress on what lights you up-without burning out.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why autopilot scheduling leads to overwhelm-and how to reclaim your calendar

• The six key domains of life-and how to assess where you’re investing your energy

• A step-by-step guide to time blocking-including how to protect your priorities and build in buffers for a smoother flow

• Pro tips for making it work-start small, use the right tools, celebrate your wins, and stay flexible as life changes

• A simple challenge-choose one thing in two domains, block them on your calendar, and honor those commitments like appointments

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan for how to spend your time on what matters most, plus practical strategies to make those changes stick-so you can feel more in control, more present, and more fulfilled ev

Free Resource:

If you want to get clear on where your time is actually going, grab your free ‘Taking Control of Your Time Workbook’. It will help you quickly spot the pockets of time you can use for your new time blocks, so you can start making real progress. Grab it at timeforliving.co/takingcontrol.

Join my email list at timeforliving.co for weekly quick-win tips, exclusive resources, and a supportive community of ambitious women who get it.

Let’s Connect:

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

Final Thought:

You weren’t meant to just survive-you’re meant to thrive. Take one small step from today’s episode and watch how it opens up space for what truly matters. Go ahead-take back your time, and make it work for you.

TRANSCRIPT - Find Time for What Matters Most: How Successful Women Balance Every Area of Their Lives

Introduction

Ever felt like you’re drowning in your to-do list? You sit down, pen in hand, determined to take control of your day-but instead, the list just grows. Every time you cross off one thing, three Have you ever had one of those weeks-maybe even one of those months-where you feel like you’re operating at your limits, barely keeping up? You’re checking off the to-do list, meeting deadlines, showing up for your family, and somehow, at the end of the day, you still feel like you’re falling short. You look at your calendar and wonder: When did I last do something just for me? When did I last feel truly present-not just physically, but emotionally-with the people I love? And when did I last make real progress on the dreams that light me up?

You’re definitely not the only one who feels this way. In fact, you’re in the company of some of the most driven, ambitious women I know. Women who are juggling careers, families, friendships, health, and personal goals-all while trying to keep up with the never-ending demands of everyday life. If you’re listening to this, chances are you’re someone who wants to do more than just survive. You want to thrive. You want to feel in control of your time, your energy, and your life. You want to wake up each day knowing you’re making progress on what matters most-not just what’s urgent or expected of you.

But here’s the thing: wanting all of that is a beautiful, powerful thing. And it’s absolutely possible. And I know that because I’ve seen it-in the women I mentor, in the stories I hear from listeners, and in my own journey. The secret isn’t working harder or longer. It’s not about squeezing even more into your already packed schedule. It’s about making intentional choices with your time, so you can finally stop feeling stretched thin and start making room for what truly matters.

That’s what today’s episode is all about: how successful women intentionally balance every area of their lives-without sacrificing their joy or their ambition. We’ll talk about the six key domains of life, and I’ll walk you through a simple but powerful question: “How much time do you WANT to spend on each domain of your life?” Not how much time you think you should spend, or how much time you feel obligated to give-but how much time you genuinely want to invest in each area, right now, in this season of your life.

This is your chance to take a step back, to pause and reflect. What does your ideal week look like? Where do you want to be spending your energy? And how can you start making small, intentional shifts so you feel more in control and more fulfilled? Because here’s the truth: you deserve to feel good about how you spend your time. You deserve to thrive in every area of your life-not just one or two.

So, if you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and start making real, meaningful progress on what matters most to you, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started.

The Power of Intentional Time Allocation

Let’s just talk for a moment about what happens when we let our calendars fill up on autopilot. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of reacting-saying yes to every request, filling our days with tasks that feel urgent, but aren’t always meaningful. We end up living our lives in response mode, bouncing from one obligation to the next, and before we know it, the weeks blur together. The result? We’re left feeling exhausted, overextended, and disconnected from the things-and people-that truly matter to us.

Burnout and overwhelm aren’t just side effects of busyness; they’re the natural consequences of letting our time be dictated by others’ priorities, rather than our own. And the real cost? Missing out on the moments, experiences, and relationships that light us up and make life feel rich and full. I know, because I’ve been there. I’ve looked back at weeks and months and realized I was everywhere and nowhere at once-constantly in motion, but not necessarily moving toward the life I really wanted.

But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to stay that way. The moment you start asking yourself, “How much time do I want to spend on each area of my life?”-instead of just, “How much time do I have to give?”-everything changes. This simple shift in perspective puts you back in the driver’s seat. It’s about reclaiming your time as your own, and using it intentionally to build a life that feels authentic, joyful, and aligned with your deepest values.

When you start making choices based on what you truly want, you create space-not just for productivity, but for peace, connection, and fulfillment. That’s the real power of intentional time allocation. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters, with purpose and presence. And that’s how you begin to design a life that feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside.

The Six Key Domains of Life

So, what are these areas of life I keep talking about? Let’s break it down simply. When we look at our lives through the lens of intentional time, there are six key domains that most of us are balancing every day. First, there’s Family, Friends & Love-the relationships that fill our hearts and give us a sense of belonging. Then there’s Health & Wellness, which is about taking care of our bodies and minds so we can show up as our best selves. Environment & Home Life covers the spaces we live and work in, and how they shape our energy and mood. Career & Business is where we channel our ambition and make an impact in the world. Personal Development & Leisure is all about growth, learning, and the activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. And finally, Finances & Wealth-because feeling secure and in control of our resources matters, too.

Now, here’s a question to pause on: Which of these areas are getting the most and least of your time right now? And most importantly-is that what you truly want? Because when you know where you’re spending your energy, you can start making choices that align with the life you’re longing to create.

Step-by-Step: How to Time Block for What Matters

Now that we’ve looked at the six key domains of life and reflected on where we’re currently investing our time, let’s talk about how to actually make intentional time blocking work for you. This isn’t about overhauling your entire life overnight-it’s about starting where you are and making small, meaningful shifts that add up over time.

Step 1: Get Clear on Your Current Season

First, take a moment to recognize the season you’re in right now. Are you in a phase where your career or business is demanding extra attention? Maybe you’re focusing on family, or perhaps health and wellness have moved to the top of your list. There’s no right or wrong answer here-just an honest acknowledgment of where your energy is most needed right now. When you’re clear about your season, it’s easier to set realistic expectations for yourself and let go of the guilt that comes from not being able to do it all at once.

Step 2: Ask Yourself: “How Much Time Do I Want to Spend on Each Domain This Week?”

Next, grab a notebook or open a note on your phone and write down each of the six domains. Beside each one, jot down how much time you’d ideally like to spend there this week. Not what you think you should do, or what others expect of you, but what feels right for you in this moment. This is your chance to design your week from a place of intention, rather than obligation.

Step 3: Time Block Your Calendar

Now, open your calendar and start assigning specific blocks of time to each domain. Begin with your top priorities-the areas that are most important to you right now. Maybe that’s a morning walk for health, an evening family dinner, or a dedicated hour for personal development. The key here is to make these blocks as concrete as possible. When you see your commitments on your calendar, they become real-not just ideas or wishes.

Step 4: Protect Your Blocks

This is where the real work begins. Once you’ve scheduled your time, it’s up to you to protect it. That means communicating your boundaries to the people around you-your family, your colleagues, even yourself. It also means learning to say no to distractions and requests that don’t align with your priorities. Remember, every time you protect your time, you’re sending yourself a powerful message: “I matter. My priorities matter.”

Step 5: Review and Adjust Weekly

Finally, make it a habit to review your time blocks at the end of each week. Ask yourself: Did I spend my time the way I wanted to? What worked well? What needs to change? Life is always shifting, and so are your needs and priorities. By regularly checking in and adjusting your schedule, you ensure that your time continues to reflect what matters most to you.

This process isn’t about perfection-it’s about progress. Each week, you get to refine and recommit to the life you want to live. And over time, those small, intentional choices add up to big shifts in how you feel and what you’re able to accomplish. So, take a deep breath, start where you are, and trust that you’re building the life you truly want-one block at a time.

Step-by-Step: How to Create and Manage Your Domain-Based To-Do List

Now, let’s walk through exactly how you can create and manage your own domain-based to-do lists. If you’re listening and thinking, “This sounds great, but where do I start?”-I’ve got you. I’ll break it down step-by-step so you can follow along.

Step one is the brain dump. This is where you grab a notebook, open a fresh document, or even use the notes app on your phone. Write down absolutely everything on your mind-no filter, no order, no judgment. Big things, tiny things, things you’ve been putting off for months, and things you just remembered you need to do today. Get it all out of your head and onto the page. This step alone can feel like a huge relief because you’re no longer carrying all those reminders around in your mind.

Step two is to sort. Now, look at your big list and start to group each item into one of the six life domains we talked about: Family, Friends & Love; Health & Wellness; Environment & Home Life; Career & Business; Personal Development & Leisure; and Finances & Wealth. Don’t worry about getting it perfect-just do your best to match each task to the area it fits best. This step helps you see where your energy is going and where you might be neglecting something important.

Step three is to refine. Go through each domain and turn any vague or ambiguous items into clear, actionable tasks. For example, instead of “get healthier,” write “schedule a check-up” or “go for a 20-minute walk.” Instead of “sort out finances,” try “review credit card statement” or “set up automatic savings transfer.” The clearer your tasks, the easier it is to take action.

Step four is to prioritize. This is where you look at each domain and pick the top one or two tasks that will make the biggest difference for you this week. You don’t need to do everything at once. By focusing on what’s most important in each area, you make real progress without feeling overwhelmed. And here’s an important mindset shift: as you prioritize, remember that not everything has to be done by you. If a task can be delegated-whether to a colleague, a family member, or a service-give yourself permission to hand it off. Likewise, if a task keeps getting pushed aside week after week, ask yourself if it’s truly necessary. Sometimes, deleting or postponing a task frees up mental space and time for what really matters. This isn’t about giving up; it’s about being intentional with your energy.

Step five is to schedule. Assign a deadline to each of your top tasks and, if possible, block out time in your calendar for them. I know the idea of organizing your time by domain might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a powerful way to make sure you’re spending time on what matters most to you. Maybe Tuesday evenings are for self-care, Saturday mornings for family, and you carve out a lunch break to handle finances. When you see your week laid out this way, it becomes much easier to stay balanced and intentional.

Now, let’s talk about recurring tasks. These are the things you do regularly, like meal prep, paying bills, or your weekly team meeting. Instead of writing these on your to-do list every week, try to automate them into your schedule. For example, set aside Sunday afternoons for meal planning, or make every Friday morning your time to review finances. By turning these into routines and blocking out time for them, you keep your daily to-do list focused on what’s unique and urgent. This frees up mental space and makes your week more predictable, so you’re not constantly reinventing the wheel.

Step six is to review and update. Set a weekly check-in-maybe Sunday night or Monday morning-where you look over your lists, celebrate what you’ve accomplished, and update your priorities for the week ahead. This keeps your lists fresh, relevant, and aligned with your real life.

Try this process just once and you’ll feel lighter, clearer, and more in control. Remember, the goal isn’t to add more to your load, but to unburden your mind from the clutter of endless tasks. When your mental space isn’t cluttered by everything you need to do, you can focus more fully on what truly matters-one step at a time.

Pro Tips for Making It Work

Now, I know that setting up intentional time blocks is only half the story-the real magic happens when you put these ideas into practice and make them stick. So, let’s talk about a few practical ways to help you stay on track and actually feel the benefits of this approach.

First, start small. It’s tempting to want to overhaul your entire schedule all at once, but lasting change happens one step at a time. If looking at every area of your life seems daunting perhaps focus on one or two domains at a time. Maybe this week, you commit to protecting your health block or making time for a creative project. Small, consistent choices add up over time and help you build confidence as you go.

Next, lean into tools that work for you. Whether you love the feeling of writing in a beautiful planner or prefer the convenience of a digital calendar, find a system that fits your style. Set reminders or alarms to help you transition between blocks, and be sure to build in buffers-those little pockets of time between commitments-so you don’t lose track of your intentions and can move through your day with more ease.

And don’t forget to celebrate your wins-no matter how small. Notice how it feels when you honor your commitments to yourself. Maybe you feel more energized, less stressed, or simply more present. Acknowledging these moments helps reinforce the value of your choices.

Finally, be flexible. Life is always changing, and your needs will shift, too. Give yourself permission to adjust as you go, and trust that you’re always moving toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.

Summary

So, here’s your invitation to take the first step-and I promise, it’s simpler than you think. This week, let’s keep it easy. For two of the six domains we talked about, pick just one thing you want to do. Maybe it’s a phone call with a friend, a walk outside, or spending a few focused minutes on your side project. Then, block out 30 minutes for each of those things on your calendar. Treat these blocks like appointments you can’t miss-because they’re appointments with what matters most to you. When you honor these commitments, you’ll start to feel the difference right away.

If you want more support, join my email list, head over to timeforliving.co. You’ll get regular quick wins, exclusive resources, and encouragement from a community of ambitious women just like you. And as we wrap up, remember this: you have more control over your time than you might realize. By asking yourself, “How much time do I want to spend?” and actually carving out those blocks, you’re taking the first real step toward a life that feels more intentional and fulfilling.

And I can’t wait to talk more about how to stay consistent with these habits. Because when you show up for yourself, day after day, that’s when real change happens. Join me next week as we explore how to build momentum and make these shifts last.

Until then, take good care of yourself, you deserve days that feel intentional. So go ahead-take back your time, and make it work for you.