Episode 34 - Maximize Momentum: Achieve Your Biggest Goals Now

Welcome to Episode 34 of the Time for Living Podcast!

TRANSCRIPT

show notes

Momentum is the secret ingredient that turns dreams into reality—and it’s within your reach. In this episode we’ll guide you through practical ways to cultivate steady progress, even when life feels overwhelming. You’ll discover how to build meaningful connections, shift your mindset to embrace growth, and set boundaries that protect your time and energy. These strategies will empower you to move forward with confidence and clarity.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to create a supportive network that fuels your motivation and keeps you accountable

• Why embracing failure as feedback accelerates your growth and resilience

• Techniques to develop a growth mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities

• How to implement a “not-to-do” list to safeguard your focus and reduce overwhelm

• The power of daily focus blocks and how they help you make consistent, impactful progress

By the end of this episode, you’ll have actionable tools to build lasting momentum and take meaningful steps toward the life you’re creating.

Free Resource:

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:

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Final Thought:

You have everything you need to build momentum and design a life that feels fulfilling. Take one intentional step today and watch how it opens up space for what truly matters.

TRANSCRIPT - Maximize Momentum: Achieve Your Biggest Goals Now

Introduction

Welcome back to the Time For Living podcast, or if you’re new here, welcome to our family. I’m Lucy Clarke, your guide for building a life where your time and energy fuel your biggest ambitions, rather than just getting you through the day. If you’re a driven woman balancing a demanding career, family, and personal growth-always striving for that next level-this episode is for you.

Have you ever wondered why momentum fades, even when you’re motivated? Or how some small shifts can keep you moving forward, even on your busiest days? Today, I want to talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention: how to create real, lasting momentum in your life. Not just a burst of motivation that fizzles out, but a steady, unstoppable force that keeps you moving forward, even on the days when your calendar is full and your energy is running low.

I know you have big goals. Maybe you want to launch a passion project, carve out more time for your family, or finally feel like you’re in control of your schedule. But here’s the truth: momentum isn’t about doing more or pushing harder. It’s about building the right support around you, choosing a mindset that helps you grow through challenges, and protecting your boundaries so you can focus on what truly matters.

In this episode, I’m going to share practical strategies you can use right away-no extra hours required. We’ll talk about how to surround yourself with people who lift you up, how to turn setbacks into stepping stones, and how to create space in your life for the things that light you up. My promise is that you’ll walk away with simple, actionable steps to help you build momentum that lasts-so you can move closer to the life you’ve been working so hard to create. Let’s get started.

The Power of a Supportive Network

Let’s talk about something that quietly shapes our progress, our confidence, and even our happiness: the people we surround ourselves with. I call this your “supportive network,” and it’s one of the most powerful, yet underestimated, resources you have for building momentum in your life.

I want to take you back a few years to a time when I was standing at a crossroads in my own life. I had this big, exciting goal: I wanted to become a personal trainer. On the surface, it looked like a straightforward path-study, get certified, start helping people. But the reality was messier. My days were packed with a demanding job, family commitments, and a never-ending list of errands and responsibilities, leaving little room for anything else, my energy was stretched thin, and the dream felt like something I’d get to “someday.” Maybe you’ve been there too, with a goal that keeps getting nudged to the back burner because life just doesn’t slow down.

For a long time, I tried to handle it all myself. I told myself I should be able to juggle it, that asking for help would somehow mean I wasn’t capable enough. But the truth is, that mindset kept me stuck. The turning point came when I opened up to a close friend about my dream. She didn’t just offer polite encouragement-she became my accountability partner. Every week, she checked in on my progress. She celebrated the small wins, like finishing a chapter in my study guide or squeezing in a practice session with a friend. When I hit a rough patch, she reminded me why I started and helped me see a way forward. That steady encouragement and gentle accountability changed everything. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone with my ambition. I had someone in my corner, and that made all the difference.

Here’s what I’ve learned: No matter what your goal is, you don’t have to do it alone. In fact, you’ll go farther, faster, and with a lot more joy if you don’t. Research backs this up, too. Studies have shown that people who share their goals with supportive friends or accountability partners are significantly more likely to achieve them. It’s not just about having someone to report to-it’s about feeling seen, understood, and encouraged. When you know someone else cares about your progress, it’s easier to keep showing up, even on the tough days.

Let me share a story about one of my clients, Isla. She’s a high-achieving executive who wanted to launch a side business, but every week, something seemed to get in the way. She’d set intentions, make plans, and then watch them slip through the cracks as her work and family life took over. When we started working together, one of the first things I encouraged her to do was find an accountability partner-someone who could check in with her regularly about her business goals. She reached out to a colleague who was also starting a project, and they made a pact to support each other. Every Friday, they’d have a quick call to share wins, talk through challenges, and set intentions for the week ahead. That simple act of connecting-of knowing someone else was cheering her on and expecting an update-helped Isla turn her ideas into action. Her progress became steady and real, and she started to feel more in control of her time and her future.

Why does this work so well? Because we’re wired for connection. When you share your ambitions with someone who gets it-someone who’s also striving, growing, and leveling up-you create a sense of shared momentum. You’re no longer carrying your dreams in isolation. Instead, you have someone to brainstorm solutions with when challenges pop up, and someone who will gently nudge you forward when your motivation starts to waver. It’s not about having a huge circle; even one or two supportive people can make a world of difference.

And it’s not just about accountability. Encouragement is just as important. Think about the last time you faced a setback. Did you have someone who reminded you of your strengths, who helped you see the possibilities when you felt stuck? Those are the people who help you build resilience. They remind you that progress isn’t always linear, and that every step forward-no matter how small-counts.

I’ve also seen the flip side. Sometimes, the people around us-often unintentionally-can hold us back. Maybe they don’t understand our goals, or maybe they’re stuck in their own patterns of overwhelm and scarcity. That’s why it’s so important to be intentional about who you let into your inner circle.

Surround yourself with women who lift you up, who believe in your potential, and who inspire you to keep going. If you don’t have that network yet, start by seeking out communities-online or in person-where women are supporting each other’s growth. Join a mastermind group, a book club, or a professional association. Even following and engaging with like-minded people on social media can help you feel less alone in your journey.

Here’s a practical action step you can take this week: Identify just one person you trust-someone who understands your ambitions and wants to see you thrive. Share your current goal with them. It could be a friend, a colleague, or even someone you’ve connected with online. Let them know what you’re working toward, and ask if they’ll check in with you about it. You don’t have to make it formal or complicated-a simple text or coffee chat can be enough. The key is to invite someone into your journey, to let them see your progress and your challenges.

And if you’re feeling nervous about sharing your goal, that’s completely normal. Vulnerability can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’re used to handling everything on your own. But remember, support is not a sign of weakness-it’s a strategy for success. Every woman I’ve worked with who’s embraced accountability and encouragement has seen her confidence and momentum grow.

If you want to take it a step further, consider creating a small accountability group. This could be two or three women who meet regularly-virtually or in person-to share updates, celebrate wins, and offer support. Keep it simple and focused. The goal isn’t to add another obligation to your schedule, but to create a space where you can show up as your best self and help others do the same.

As you build your supportive network, remember to be that encourager for others, too. Celebrate their progress, listen without judgment, and offer your perspective when they hit a rough patch. The energy you put into supporting others will come back to you, often in unexpected and beautiful ways.

So, as you think about your own goals-whether it’s advancing in your career, prioritizing your health, or making more time for what you love-ask yourself: Who’s in my corner? Who can I invite into my journey? And how can I show up for others in return?

Momentum isn’t built in isolation. It’s built in community, in connection, and in the quiet power of encouragement and accountability. This week, take that small but significant step: reach out, share your goal, and let someone support you. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter-and more joyful-the journey feels when you’re not walking it alone.

Remember, you don’t have to do this by yourself. Support is not just helpful-it’s essential. And when you lean into it, you’ll find yourself moving forward with more confidence, more clarity, and a renewed sense of possibility.

Embracing a Positive Mindset

Let’s talk about something that quietly shapes every step of our progress: our mindset. Even with the best support system, setbacks are simply part of the journey. It’s so easy to slip into self-doubt when things don’t go as planned. Maybe you missed a workout after a long day, or a project at work didn’t get the response you’d hoped for. In those moments, it’s natural to feel frustrated or even question your direction. But what if you saw those moments as invitations to grow, rather than reasons to stop?

This is where a growth mindset becomes your greatest ally. Instead of seeing challenges as proof that you’re not capable, you can choose to see them as opportunities to learn and adjust. Imagine telling yourself, “This didn’t work out the way I wanted-so what is this experience teaching me?” That simple shift turns every obstacle into a stepping stone. It’s not about ignoring disappointment or pretending everything is perfect. It’s about giving yourself permission to learn and try again, a little wiser each time.

It’s important to remember that failure is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey-and in fact, most successful entrepreneurs fail many times before they find their breakthrough. Each setback, each “no,” and each misstep is part of the process that builds resilience, sharpens your approach, and ultimately leads to success. The key is to keep moving forward, learning from each experience, and not letting temporary setbacks define your worth or your potential.

One way to practice this is to reframe “failure” as feedback. When something doesn’t go as planned, pause and ask yourself two questions: What did I learn from this? And how can I adjust moving forward? Maybe you discover that your schedule needs more flexibility, or that you need to ask for help sooner. Each lesson, no matter how small, moves you forward.

Here’s your action step: The next time you face a setback, write down one thing you learned and one way you’ll adjust. Keep these notes somewhere visible as a reminder that progress is built on learning, not perfection. Remember, resilience isn’t about never stumbling-it’s about rising with new insight, every single time. That’s how you keep your momentum strong, even when the path gets bumpy.

Protecting Your Boundaries

Let’s spend some time on a topic that’s truly at the heart of everything I teach: boundaries. If you’ve listened to this podcast before, you know I talk about boundaries a lot-and for good reason. They are not just a helpful strategy; they are the key to any effective life management plan and the secret ingredient to building unstoppable momentum in your life.

Here’s what I’ve learned, both from my own journey and from working with so many incredible women: you can have the best planner, the most color-coded calendar, and a dozen productivity apps, but if you don’t have strong boundaries, it’s all too easy for your time and energy to slip away. Boundaries are what protect your priorities. They’re what ensure that your goals don’t get buried under everyone else’s demands.

Let’s be honest-setting boundaries isn’t always easy. Many of us are used to being the go-to person, the one who says yes, who steps up, who fills in the gaps. But over time, that pattern leads to feeling stretched thin, resentful, and disconnected from what really matters to us. That’s why boundaries are not just about saying no to others-they’re about saying yes to yourself, your dreams, and your well-being.

One of the most powerful tools I use and recommend is the “not-to-do” list. We’re all familiar with the classic to-do list, but a not-to-do list is where you get honest about what you’re ready to let go of. It might be things like checking your email after dinner, scrolling social media first thing in the morning, or automatically agreeing to every meeting or request that comes your way. When you write these things down, you make a conscious decision to reclaim your time and mental space. You’re sending yourself a message: my time is valuable, and I get to choose how I spend it.

Let me give you some real-life examples. For me, one of my non-negotiable boundaries is no work emails after 4pm. That’s my time to be present with my family, unwind, and recharge for the next day. I used to think that being constantly available made me a better professional, but what I realized is that it actually drained my creativity and left me feeling exhausted. When I started protecting my evenings, I showed up more focused and energized during my work hours-and I was a lot happier, too.

Maybe for you, the boundary you need is turning off notifications during focused work blocks, so you can actually get into a flow state. Or maybe it’s blocking out one evening a week just for yourself, with no obligations or interruptions. It could even be as simple as deciding you’re no longer going to say yes to commitments that don’t light you up or move you closer to your goals.

Boundaries aren’t about building walls or shutting people out. They’re about creating healthy limits so you can show up as your best self in every area of your life. They help you protect your energy, reduce overwhelm, and make space for the things that truly matter-whether that’s your health, your relationships, your passion projects, or simply your peace of mind.

I want to challenge you this week: take a close look at your schedule and your habits. Where are you giving away your time and energy without even realizing it? What’s one thing you could stop doing that would immediately create more space in your life? Maybe it’s saying no to a recurring meeting that’s no longer relevant, or deciding not to check your phone during family time. Write it down. Make it official. And then, honor that commitment to yourself.

Put your not-to-do item somewhere you’ll see it-on your fridge, your desk, or as a reminder on your phone. Every time you see it, remember that boundaries are an act of self-respect. They are the foundation that allows you to build momentum, stay focused on your goals, and create a life that feels balanced and fulfilling.

Protecting your boundaries is not selfish-it’s essential. It’s how you ensure that your time and energy are spent on the things that matter most to you. And when you get intentional about your boundaries, you’ll be amazed at how much more control, clarity, and freedom you feel in your day-to-day life.

So this week, give yourself permission to let go of at least one thing that’s no longer serving you. Trust that by protecting your boundaries, you’re not only managing your time-you’re creating the space you need to thrive.

Build Momentum

Let’s bring all of these strategies together by talking about how to truly build momentum in your life-one intentional step at a time. Momentum isn’t about perfection or waiting for the stars to align. It’s about showing up, consistently, for the things that matter most to you. And sometimes, the most powerful changes come from the smallest shifts in how you use your time.

I want to share story about another one of my clients, Lisa, who, like so many of us, was caught in a cycle of busyness. She was always moving, always working, but felt like her most important goals were stuck on the back burner. Instead of overhauling her entire routine, we started with something simple but transformative: Lisa created a daily focus block.

A focus block is a dedicated, uninterrupted window of time-just for your most meaningful work or personal priorities. For Lisa, that meant setting aside thirty minutes each morning, marked clearly on her calendar, when she would close her email, silence her phone, and focus on her top priority for that day. Sometimes it was a work project, sometimes it was self-care, and sometimes it was planning for her side business. The key was that this time was protected-no multitasking, no distractions, just deep, focused effort.

The results were remarkable. Lisa found that, by giving herself permission to focus fully-even for just half an hour-she could make real progress on things that had felt impossible to tackle before. She wasn’t just busy; she was productive and fulfilled. That sense of accomplishment fueled her motivation, and soon, she was looking forward to her focus block each day as a non-negotiable appointment with herself.

This is the power of steady, intentional action. Research shows that when we schedule specific, concrete time blocks for our priorities, we’re much more likely to follow through and see results. Focus blocks help us minimize distractions, reduce decision fatigue, and enter a state of deep work where our best ideas and most meaningful progress happen. Instead of spreading your attention thin across dozens of tasks, you bring all your mental resources to bear on one thing-and that’s where real momentum is built.

You don’t need to overhaul your life or wait for a perfect week to start. Progress is about small, consistent steps. Every time you show up for your focus block, you’re building the mental muscle of deep work, and you’re proving to yourself that your goals are worth your time and attention. Over time, these small wins compound. Lisa didn’t just get more done-she felt more in control, less stressed, and more connected to what truly mattered to her.

So, if you’re listening and thinking, “I don’t have hours to spare,” remember: even a 20- or 30-minute focus block can be a game-changer. The most important thing is to make it intentional and protected. Put it on your calendar, treat it like any other important meeting, and honor that commitment to yourself.

Summary

Let’s quickly recap the three strategies we’ve explored today, because together, they create the foundation for unstoppable momentum:

First, surround yourself with a supportive network. Let others in on your journey and allow them to encourage and hold you accountable. When you share your goals and progress, you tap into a wellspring of encouragement and shared momentum.

Second, embrace a positive mindset. Setbacks are inevitable, but when you see them as opportunities to learn and adjust, you transform obstacles into stepping stones. Remember, every misstep is just feedback-information you can use to get better and stronger.

Third, protect your boundaries fiercely. Get clear on what you’ll say no to, so you can say yes to what matters most. Use tools like a not-to-do list and focus blocks to defend your time and energy.

If you’re ready to keep building momentum and want more support, I’d love to invite you to join the Time For Living email list at timeforliving.co. When you sign up, you’ll get exclusive tips, practical resources, and access to a community of women who are all working to create more time freedom and fulfillment in their lives. You’ll receive actionable strategies, inspiration, and ongoing support-because you don’t have to do this alone. We’re in this together, cheering each other on every step of the way.

And if you’ve ever wondered what to actually put in those focus blocks-how to choose the right tasks, how to structure your time for maximum impact-make sure to tune in to the next episode. I’ll be sharing simple, high-impact ideas for making the most of your dedicated time, so you can keep moving forward on your goals without feeling overwhelmed or scattered.

Thank you so much for spending this time with me today. I know your schedule is full, and I’m truly honored that you chose to invest these moments in yourself and your growth. Remember, you have the power to create momentum and design a life you love. It doesn’t have to happen all at once. Start with one small, intentional step-and let that progress build.