Prioritizing Personal Time in a Busy Work Schedule

Work will take all the time you give to it. This thought came up today in the classroom I was teaching, and it made me reflect on the times I’ve let work steal time from other things that truly matter. I once told my husband, 'I just need 20 minutes to respond to a few work emails, and then we can watch the movie.' Famous last words. Two and a half hours later, I walked into the living room… only to find him asleep on the couch, with a note next to him that read, 'You meant 200 minutes?' That was a pretty clear sign that work had taken more than its fair share of time that night. Since then, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep work from creeping into every corner of my day. Here are three tips that have helped me (and saved my evenings!): (1) Set clear boundaries: It’s easy to get sucked into work and lose track of time. Now, I set specific work hours and stick to them. They vary by day, depending on what is on the agenda. The laptop gets closed at a set time, and the phone stays close to it, out of sight. If something urgent comes up… well, it can wait until tomorrow. (2) Prioritize what's really important: I used to think every email and task was top priority, and I’d reply within hours. Now, I focus on the three most important things each day. If it’s not on that list, it doesn’t get my immediate attention. (3) Practice saying no: I used to say yes to most things—meetings, projects, you name it—thinking I could squeeze it all in. But it turned out I was squeezing out time for other parts of my life I cared about. Learning to say no (politely) has freed up my time for things I enjoy, like movie nights. It’s easy to let work take over, especially when we love what we do. But with some boundaries, we can reclaim our time… and make space for the people and moments that matter most. #timeManagement #time #work #life #relationships #planningFallacy #leadership #boundaries

⁉️How do you manage it all? ⁉️How do you find time for yourself amidst the whirlwind of meetings at work, coaching sessions, family time, gym and public speaking? This is generally the first question asked when people meet me. 😜My answer starts with , "I don't have it all figured out myself.", "I am work in progress", I have systems in place, but they are all adaptable to change. ✅The serious answer lies in strategic multitasking and meticulous time management which work majority of time! Sharing at the start of 2024 for you all as well, my take on balancing the scales, with actionable tips that each one of you can incorporate: 1. Prioritize and Plan: Every Sunday evening, I sit with a cup of tea and plan my week. I use tools like Microsoft Office 365 outlook calendar to allocate time slots for work, family, fitness, and self-improvement. This isn’t just about work; it’s about life. Remember, if it’s not on the calendar, it’s not happening. 2. Efficient Multitasking: I love listening to podcasts and TEDx talks, Blinkist during gym time . So, it’s a double win - staying fit while fueling my mind with innovative ideas and leadership strategies. 3. Tech to the Rescue: As a tech leader, I lean heavily on technology to streamline my tasks. Again outlook, onenote, Sticky notes, Azure Dev Ops for automating repetitive tasks save me precious hours every week. I used focus time, schedule send for my emails, my social media posts. I write those in my lunch/free time and schedule them in advance. Even this post, I am writing on a Saturday night which will go live on Monday 1/8 morning PST :). 4. Delegation is Key: I’ve learned to delegate both at work and home and be OK with that. It’s about trusting your team and family members to handle tasks. This not only empowers them but also frees up your time for critical thinking and strategic planning. 5. Quality over Quantity: Whether it’s a work project, time with my kids, or a gym session, I focus on making each moment count. Mom guilt is always there but again think about quality and your relationship with kids. 6. Mindfulness and Self-care: Amidst the hustle, it’s crucial not to lose yourself. I meditate in morning and ensure to have a ‘me-time’ that lets me unwind and reflect. Stepping away helps in productivity too. ✨ Here's what I would suggest: Start small. Pick one area of your life you’d like to manage better. Plan it out, use a tool to help you, and stick to the schedule. Remember, the key to multitasking isn't doing everything simultaneously; it’s about efficiently managing your time to do what matters most. Prioritize ruthlessly. 💬 I’d love to hear your strategies and tools you use as well. Let’s share with all and grow/learn together! #Leadership #TimeManagement #WomenInTech #LifeBalance #whyblendin #keynotespeaker #careercoach #linkedincreator #communications

When I was working 9–5 in the military… I had to learn this the hard way. Work can take over your life if you let it. So I made a decision early on: My work would support my life — not replace it. Here are the 10 principles I followed to create real work-life balance (even with a demanding schedule): → Prioritize quality of life over hustle → Set non-negotiable boundaries around your time → Make rest and recovery part of your routine → Don’t say yes to everything — say yes to what matters → Schedule time for family like you schedule meetings → Stop glorifying “busy” — aim for being intentional → Build a career that aligns with your values → Take breaks without guilt — you're not a machine → Communicate your needs clearly (at work and at home) → Remind yourself daily: You work to live, not live to work I didn’t always get it right. But these principles kept me grounded. And today, as an entrepreneur and investor — they still guide me.

I used to walk through the door at 9 p.m., smelling like dust and concrete, boots still caked with mud. My kids were already asleep. My wife was tired of hearing me say, “Honey, it’s just a hard time right now.” Weekends? Gone. PTO? Didn’t happen. Balance? Forget it. That was me—working all the time as a Superintendent. What shook me was when Kate said one time, "It's always a busy time. We will just go without you." 😳 I was devastated. And decided to make a change. I went from missing family dinners to taking PTO, working standard hours, and actually being present for my kiddos. Here’s the pattern that made the difference: Top 10 Habits for Work–Life Balance in Construction ↗️ Schedule Your PTO at the Beginning of the Year - (Family time is a milestone. Put it on the calendar first and guard it.) ↗️ Create a Coverage Plan for All PTO - (Peace of mind comes when the project can stand without you. Build that into the culture.) ↗️ Prioritize Stability with Standard Meetings - (Fire drills steal your evenings. Rhythm and consistency with communication give them back.) ↗️ Make Planning Visual and Clear - (Get it out of your head. Put it on boards so others can lead in your absence.) ↗️ Time Block Your Days - (Protect deep work, meeting rhythms, and family transitions.) ↗️ Have Morning & Afternoon Routines - (Start with intention. End with a reset so you walk through the door calm, not chaotic.) ↗️ Go on a Weekly Date Night - (The foundation at home matters more than any foundation you place on site.) ↗️ Schedule Your Health Appointments (and Keep Them) - (Doctor. Dentist. Therapy. Don’t wait until you’re broken.) ↗️ Keep Leader Standard Work - (Daily, weekly, monthly checklists keep you proactive—not reactive.) ↗️ Create Buffers in Your Plan - (Don’t jam every minute. Leave space for calls, surprises, and just breathing.) Construction doesn’t have to cost you your family. It doesn’t have to cost you your health. If you drive your project with stability and a lot of discipline with planning—while protecting these habits—you can win both at work and at home. 💡 Which of these habits do you already use? Which one do you need most right now? Love, J$

"I don't have time." Yes, you do. You're more than familiar with the daily grind. Each day feels like a relentless spin on the hamster wheel, with your career's demands tightening their grip around your health, relationships, and peace of mind. Every morning, it's the same routine. The alarm blares, and instantly, you're mentally scrolling through your endless to-do list. Before the day has even started, you're already in overdrive. But let's hit pause for a moment. When was the last time you asked yourself, "WHY am I doing this?" The harsh reality is you've been trading your well-being for a hollow version of success that feels more like a prison than a reward. Imagine, for a moment, being 80 years old and reflecting on your life, only to realize...you never truly lived. That's the haunting cost of your relentless "too busy" mantra. Here's the good news: It's not too late to change the narrative. You can transform "I don't have time" to "I make time for what's important." Here's your blueprint for change: 1. 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲. Dedicate 1 week to track every moment. 2. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼. Use the Eisenhower Matrix (determine urgent vs important.) 3. 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼. Alignment with goals = keep. Everything else = discard. 4. 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲. Use your resources and the power of technology. 5. 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀. Define clear limits for your work and personal life. Your action plan to freedom: 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭: Kickstart your time audit. Every minute counts. 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮: Reflect and strategize. Cut out time-wasters. 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟯: Practice saying No. Enjoy feeling lighter. 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟰: Firmly set your boundaries. 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗴: Refine and adapt. Soon, you'll notice the shift. Morning runs, family dinners, and pursuing hobbies will no longer be just wishes. They'll become your new reality. This journey isn't only about reclaiming time. It's about crafting a life filled with moments that matter most to you. Ready to break free?

Most people believe Work-life Balance is a Myth. And I disagree with all of them; here's why: Because I believe it is really possible! After years of late nights and missed weekends, I've cracked the code of maintaining balance. Here's my secret: it's all about boundaries. Sounds simple, right? But it's not easy to follow this. Here's how I make it work: -> Make a to-do list When work hours end, the laptop closes. Period. No sneaky email checks! -> Calendar blocking I schedule everything - work, gym, family time. And I mean everything. Pro tip: Let your assistant know these blocks are sacred. Trust me, no one's going to die if that meeting waits till Monday. -> Do physical work-out regularly 3-4 gym sessions a week keep me sane. It's non-negotiable "me time." -> Friends & family first I carve out dedicated time for loved ones. No phones, no distractions when I am with them. -> Ruthless prioritization I review my calendar weekly. Is anything not aligned with my goals? Gone. Remember: in headhunting (and most jobs), few things are truly urgent. That "emergency" can probably wait. It feels weird at first, but it gets easier. Now, I'm not saying I've achieved perfect balance. Some weeks are crazier than others. But overall? I'm happier, more productive, and actually present in my personal life. So yes, I believe work-life balance is possible. It just takes practice, discipline, and the courage to say "no" sometimes. Have you found your balance? Or are you still struggling? #WorkLifeBalance #Corporate #Career #Life