Episode 35 - Find Hidden Time: 25-Minute Focus Blocks for Busy Women
Welcome to Episode 35 of the Time for Living Podcast!
TRANSCRIPT
show notes
Do you ever feel like your day is packed from sunrise to sunset, yet your own goals and dreams keep getting pushed to the bottom of the list? This week, we’re sharing a proven strategy to help busy professional women reclaim their time and energy—no matter how hectic life gets. Discover how 25-minute focus blocks can transform your productivity, reduce overwhelm, and help you finally make progress on what matters most.
What You’ll Learn:
• Why short, focused work sessions are more powerful than marathon to-do lists
• How to identify your “power tasks” and avoid the busywork trap
• The best way to choose the right time of day for your focus block
• Simple steps to structure your 25-minute block for real results
• How to build momentum with consistency—without burning out
By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear, actionable plan to carve out space for your priorities and move forward with confidence, one focus block at a time.
Free Resource:
Ready to spot hidden pockets of time in your day? Download your free ‘Taking Control of Your Time’ workbook for a quick, effective time audit and start creating space for what matters most: 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:
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Final Thought:
You don’t need hours to make real progress. Start with one focused block, honor your priorities, and watch how small steps add up to big changes. You’ve got this!
TRANSCRIPT - Find Hidden Time: 25-Minute Focus Blocks for Busy Women
Introduction
Welcome back to Time For Living and as you’re listening right now, I know you’re probably squeezing this podcast into the tiny cracks of your day—maybe while you’re powering through your morning coffee, waiting in the school pickup line, or folding laundry after a marathon of meetings.
Let’s be real: your calendar is a color-coded battlefield. You’re fielding work emails at 7 a.m., making sure everyone’s got what they need, and somehow remembering to buy birthday gifts, prep dinner, and maybe—just maybe—get five minutes to yourself. You’re the woman who gets things done, but lately, it feels like your own dreams are gathering dust on the back shelf. You tell yourself, “I’ll get to it when things calm down,” but deep down, you know that moment never really comes.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to overhaul your life or find an extra hour hiding under the couch cushions. Today, I want to share the strategy that helped me—and so many of my clients—finally carve out time for what matters, even on the busiest days: the 25-minute focus block. This isn’t about hustling harder or cramming more into your day. It’s about reclaiming a slice of your time and using it with intention, so you can move your goals forward—one focused block at a time.
Stick with me, because by the end of this episode, you’ll have a blueprint for picking tasks that actually matter, structuring your 25-minute block for real impact, and—most importantly—proving to yourself that you can make progress, even when life feels relentless. Let’s get started.
Why 25-Minute Focus Blocks Work for Busy Women
Let’s talk about why these 25-minute focus blocks work so well—especially for women like us, whose days are already bursting at the seams. I know you’re used to the idea that progress requires giant leaps or marathon work sessions. Maybe you’ve even caught yourself thinking, “If I can’t give it a whole afternoon, what’s the point?” But here’s what I want you to know: you don’t need hours of uninterrupted time to move forward. In fact, research shows that short, focused bursts—like the 25-minute Pomodoro—are not just effective, they’re often more productive than slogging through endless to-do lists.
Think about the last time you had a looming deadline or a last-minute project. You probably got more done in that crunch time than you did in the entire week leading up to it. That’s because our brains thrive on clear boundaries and focused attention. When you give yourself just 25 minutes, you’re telling your mind, “This is it. This is my window.” Suddenly, distractions fade, and your energy zeroes in on what matters.
But the benefits go deeper than just getting things done. Let’s talk about decision fatigue for a second. You know that feeling when you’ve made so many choices—what to wear, what to cook, how to respond to that tricky email—that by 3 p.m., you can barely decide what’s for dinner? Focus blocks erase that. When you sit down for your 25 minutes, you’ve already chosen your task. There’s no mental ping-pong, no scrolling through your to-do list wondering where to start. You just begin.
And here’s what’s really powerful: those small wins you rack up in each focus block? They add up. Every time you complete a task—no matter how small—you’re building momentum. You’re proving to yourself, “I can do this.” Even on days when everything feels out of control, you can look back and say, “I made progress.” That feeling of accomplishment isn’t just nice—it’s fuel. It keeps you moving, even when life is throwing curveballs.
What I love most about this approach is how it puts you back in the driver’s seat. Instead of feeling swept along by everyone else’s needs, you’re carving out a pocket of time that’s just for you and your priorities. You’ll notice a shift: less overwhelm, more clarity, and—believe it or not—more energy. When you stop trying to multitask and start focusing on one thing at a time, your brain thanks you. Suddenly, you’re not just busy—you’re effective.
Let me share a quick story. One of my clients, who works full-time, raising two kids, and dreaming of launching her own side business. For years, had told herself she’d start when things slowed down. Spoiler alert: they never did. So, she tried something different. She set aside just one 25-minute focus block each evening. No marathon sessions, no sacrificing sleep. In those short bursts, she wrote her business plan, set up her website, and finally launched. It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened—because she committed to showing up for herself, one block at a time.
So if you’re listening and thinking, “I don’t have time,” I want you to know: you absolutely do. All it takes is 25 minutes, and a willingness to put yourself on your own priority list. This is how real progress happens, even in the busiest season of your life.
How to Choose the Right Tasks for Your Focus Block
Now, let’s get honest about what really fills up our days. If you’re anything like me—or most of the women I work with—your to-do list is a mile long and somehow keeps growing, no matter how much you cross off. I’ve talked about to do lists in previous episodes, and how to build them so they don’t take over your life, so if you want a deeper dive listen to episode 31 after this. But the reality is: not all tasks are created equal. Some move the needle, and some just keep us busy. That’s why, when it comes to your focus block, I want you to think in terms of what I call your “power task.” This is the one action that, if you get it done, will move you closer to your most important goal.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of doing what’s right in front of us—answering emails, checking notifications, handling the next “urgent” thing that pops up. But if we’re always reacting, we never get to the work that actually matters to us. The trick is learning to pause and ask: “If I only get one thing done today, what will make the biggest difference?” This question is a compass. It points you away from busywork and toward progress.
Let’s break this down. Start by looking at your list and separating the urgent from the important. Urgent things scream for your attention—like a client email marked “ASAP” or a last-minute request from your boss. But important things? They’re quieter. They’re the projects and dreams that matter to you: outlining that proposal, brainstorming your next big idea, or finally starting the book you’ve been thinking about for years. Research and time management experts agree: focusing on important, not just urgent, tasks is what leads to real results and a greater sense of control over your time.
One of my favorite tools for this is the Eisenhower Matrix—a simple way to sort your tasks into four boxes: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither. Your power tasks almost always live in that “important but not urgent” box. They don’t have a deadline breathing down your neck, but they’re the ones that will move you forward if you make time for them.
Here’s the next step: break those big, meaningful goals into bite-sized actions. Instead of “write the report,” your power task for today might be “draft the outline” or “write the introduction.” Instead of “launch my website,” maybe it’s “choose a template” or “write my about page.” When you shrink your goals down to something you can actually finish in 25 minutes, you set yourself up for a win—and that win builds momentum.
But let’s be real: the world is full of distractions and busywork. It’s so tempting to use your focus block to clear out your inbox, pay a bill, or scroll through social media “just for a minute.” But those things rarely move you closer to your goals. They might feel productive in the moment, but they’re not your power tasks. If you want your focus block to count, you have to guard it fiercely. That means saying no to admin, to notifications, to anything that doesn’t truly matter right now.
So, how do you actually choose your power task? Here’s a simple routine that works: each morning before the rush begins, or even at the end of your day, take a moment to write down your top power task for the day. Not a laundry list—just the thing that, if finished, would make you feel accomplished. When your focus block starts, look at that list, and go all in. No multitasking, no second-guessing. Just you, your task, and 25 minutes of undivided attention.
Let me give you a real-world example. One of my clients, who was constantly overwhelmed by her job and family life. She wanted to work on a professional certification, but the thought of fitting in study time felt impossible. Together, we started identifying her power tasks: one day, it was “review one chapter summary”; another day, “complete one practice quiz.” By focusing on just one meaningful action per focus block, she made steady progress—and within a few months, she’d passed her exam and opened new doors for her career.
The beauty of this approach is that it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters. When you shift your thinking from “How much can I get done?” to “What’s the most important thing I can do right now?” you reclaim your time and your sense of purpose. You start to see that even in a life packed with obligations, you can make room for your dreams, one power task at a time.
So, as you plan your next focus block, remember: don’t let busywork steal your best energy. Choose your power task with intention, break it down into a bite-sized action, and give it your full attention. That’s how you build momentum, create real progress, and prove to yourself that your goals are worth your time—even if all you have is 25 minutes.
Structuring Your 25-Minute Focus Block for Maximum Impact
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of how to structure your 25-minute focus block for maximum impact. This is where intention meets action, and where you start to see that real progress is possible—even in the busiest season of your life.
Step 1: Set a Clear Intention
Before you even touch your timer, pause and ask yourself: “What, specifically, am I going to accomplish in this block?” Not just “work on my project” or “catch up on emails.” Get granular. Maybe it’s “draft the opening paragraph of my proposal” or “brainstorm five new ideas for next quarter.” Write this intention down, or say it out loud. There’s something powerful about naming your focus—it’s like drawing a line in the sand and saying, “This is what matters right now.” When you start with clarity, you’re far less likely to drift into distraction or busywork.
Step 2: Eliminate Distractions
Now, it’s time to protect your focus like it’s the most important meeting of your day—because it is. Silence your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and let anyone around you know you’re unavailable for the next 25 minutes. If you’re working from home, maybe that means putting a sticky note on your door or telling your family, “I’ll be back in 25.” If you’re in the office, headphones can be your “do not disturb” sign. This is your protected time, and you deserve it. Remember, most distractions can wait. Your goals shouldn’t have to.
Step 3: Use the Timer (Pomodoro Technique)
This is where the Pomodoro Technique comes in. Set a timer for exactly 25 minutes—use your phone, a kitchen timer, or one of the many Pomodoro apps out there. The ticking clock isn’t just a countdown; it’s a commitment. For these 25 minutes, you’re giving yourself permission to focus on one thing and one thing only. You’ll be amazed at how this simple act creates a sense of urgency and helps you resist the urge to multitask or wander off task.
If a distraction pops into your head—like remembering you need to order groceries or reply to a text—just jot it down on a piece of paper and return to your task. This keeps your mind clear and your attention anchored on what you set out to do.
Step 4: Take a 5-Minute Break
When the timer rings, stop. Even if you’re in the middle of a thought, honor the break. Step away from your workspace, stretch, grab a glass of water, or take a few deep breaths. Avoid screens if you can—give your brain a real reset. These breaks aren’t just a reward; they’re essential for preventing burnout and keeping your energy high throughout the day.
Research shows that these short pauses actually help your brain process and retain more information, and they make it easier to return to your next block with renewed focus and creativity.
Pro Tip: Make the Most of Every Minute
If you finish your task early, don’t just scroll your phone while the timer runs out. Use those extra minutes to review what you’ve accomplished, make small improvements, or plan your next steps. This is a great time to reflect: What worked? What could go better next time? If you’re interrupted, don’t beat yourself up. Gently reset, and start a fresh 25-minute block when you can. The Pomodoro Technique is about progress, not perfection.
Why This Works
Breaking your work into 25-minute intervals makes even the biggest projects feel less overwhelming. You’re not staring down a mountain—you’re taking one manageable step at a time. The timer creates a sense of healthy pressure, helping you get more done in less time. And those five-minute breaks? They’re your secret weapon against exhaustion and decision fatigue, giving you the stamina to keep going.
The beauty of this method is its flexibility. You can use a focus block for anything: writing, planning, brainstorming, or even tackling a dreaded admin task—just make sure it’s a power task, not busywork. The more you practice, the more you’ll trust yourself to use your time with intention and see real results.
So, as you plan your next focus block, remember: set a clear intention, guard your time, use your timer, and honor your breaks. This is how you turn 25 minutes into real progress, one block at a time.
Keeping Momentum Without Overwhelm
Let’s talk about how you keep this momentum going—without tipping into overwhelm or burnout. The beauty of the 25-minute focus block is that you don’t need to overhaul your schedule or stack your day with endless productivity hacks. You start small. One focused block a day is enough to start seeing real results. That’s it. Just one. As you build the habit, you’ll notice little pockets of time opening up—maybe you’ll add a second block some days, or find a rhythm that works with your energy and your life.
And here’s a secret: batching similar tasks can make your focus blocks even more powerful. If you have a stretch of time, group your creative work together, or set aside a block just for planning or brainstorming. It’s like giving your brain permission to settle into one mode, instead of constantly switching gears. You’ll find you get more done, with less effort and less mental clutter.
But let’s be honest—life happens. Some days, your focus block will get interrupted. Some days, you’ll miss it altogether. That’s okay. Progress isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up for yourself, again and again, in whatever way you can. Give yourself grace. Celebrate the blocks you complete, and let go of the ones you miss.
Most importantly, remember this: you deserve this time. Every single focus block is an act of self-care and self-respect. It’s you saying, “My goals matter, too.” So, keep showing up, keep carving out those 25 minutes, and watch how even the smallest steps add up to something extraordinary.
Summary
As we close out today’s episode, I want to invite you to take a simple but powerful step toward reclaiming your time and your life. If your days feel like a constant race against the clock, and finding even a moment for yourself feels impossible, I’ve created something just for you. It’s my free ‘Taking Control of Your Time’ workbook—a straightforward, no-fluff time audit that helps you uncover those hidden pockets of time hiding in plain sight. This workbook isn’t about adding more to your plate; it’s about showing you where the minutes are slipping away and how to gently reclaim them for your priorities, your passions, and yes—your peace of mind.
You can grab your copy right now at timeforlivibg.co/takingcontrol. Think of it as your personal roadmap to creating space for those focused, intentional 25-minute blocks we talked about today. Because progress isn’t about squeezing more hours into your day—it’s about making the time you have truly work for you.
And also if you want a little extra support as you build this new rhythm, I’d love to welcome you into my email community. Every week, I send out bite-sized, actionable tips and exclusive resources designed to help you take back control of your schedule—without overwhelm, guilt, or burnout. It’s a space where you can feel seen, supported, and inspired to keep moving forward, one mindful step at a time. Sign up on my website timeforliving.co
Remember, you don’t need a perfect day or endless free time to make meaningful progress. Just 25 focused minutes—and once you’ve found them—can shift your entire trajectory, together, let’s uncover the quiet moments that can change everything.
Until next time keep moving forward-one quiet, gentle step at a time.