Have you ever thought that all your planning could actually be a sneaky form of procrastination? In this episode, I dive into the heart of the issue, focusing on two prime suspects: fear and perfectionism. I'll delve into how the fear of an uncertain outcome and the quest for the 'perfect' plan often freezes us in our tracks. Yet, ironically, we still feel accomplished because planning in itself creates a sense of control and productivity. Tune into this episode to learn about:The concept of planning as a form of procrastinationReasons for planning procrastinationOvercoming planning procrastinationCheckout The TOP Planner store:www.thetopplanner.comBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

This week on the podcast, I welcome health coach Jen Trepick to discuss strategies for moving away from guilt and embracing gratitude. Timely for the Thanksgiving season in the US, our conversation delves into the challenges women face in balancing various aspects of their lives and the guilt that often accompanies these struggles. Jen shares her personal journey of overcoming food issues and emphasizes the importance of keeping commitments to oneself. The discussion shifts towards practical strategies, such as setting realistic and manageable goals, shifting perspectives to view self-care as support for other priorities, and focusing on presence instead of an elusive balance.In this episode, we cover:Shifting Perspectives on Guilt and GratitudeGratitude's Role in WillpowerPresence Over BalanceConnect with Jenn:www.asaladwithasideoffries.com@JennTrepeck (IG, FB, Twitter, TikTok) @saladwithasideoffriespod (IG only)Want something to smile about? Join Jenn's EXCLUSIVE Salad with a Side of Fries FB group for VIP only info, delicious & nutritious recipes, plus tips for living your happiest, healthiest life!Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Ever feel overwhelmed by your overflowing digital storage spaces? Join me in this episode as I unpack the world of digital organizational tools and reveal my top three favorites that have revolutionized my productivity. Juggling too many tools can be counterproductive, but I will guide you on how to centralize your data and make your life more streamlined.Tune into this episode to learn about:Streamlining Information StorageGoogle Suite and Productivity ToolsPersonal Workflow and Tool IntegrationPlus, there's an early access Black Friday deal on the horizon, offering a free mini-course that will jumpstart your journey to organized bliss.www.thetopplanner.comBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Today, I'm joined by my CPA, Kimberly Tara. Kimberly is a mom to four young children and manages a thriving CPA firm. In this episode, we'll dive into how she manages her family and business without burning out. Her story serves as a reminder that achieving work-life harmony is possible when you prioritize what truly matters and seek support where needed.One of the central themes of this episode is the idea of saying "no" and the art of prioritization. Kimberly shares her experience with learning to say no to certain commitments and projects that don't align with her current season of life. She discusses the importance of discerning between a definitive "no" and a "not right now."However, the most significant revelations come from Kimberly's experiences in her business. She acknowledges that her relentless pursuit of perfection and her tendency to take on too much were unsustainable. Recognizing the need to let go of certain responsibilities, she began making changes in her business model. Kimberly shares how she overcame the challenges of relinquishing control and discovered the power of trusting others to support her vision.Connect with Kimberly:http://www.taracpafirm.comhttps://www.instagram.com/taracpafirm/12 tax deductions that you are missing: https://www.taracpafirm.com/downloadCEO Moms Building Wealth Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ceo-moms-building-wealth-tax-strategy-for-female-service/id1613419377Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Ever wondered how the pearls of wisdom from our elders shape our life? Join me on a journey today as I reminisce about my father, a 30-year Marine veteran, and his invaluable life lessons that have become the bedrock of my teachings. In his honor, I discuss three key lessons from him - not judging a book by its cover, thinking and dreaming big, and the essence of kindness in our lives. As we sail through these life lessons, you'll discover how they are intertwined in my work and the advice I share with you, our listeners.But we're not stopping at just life lessons today. We're going full circle, celebrating the man who taught me so much and the impact he's had on my approach to time management and productivity. I'll be dishing out my most effective tips on staying on top of your goals, managing your time better, and boosting your productivity levels, all in a special tribute to my father. Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Ever wondered why seemingly simple tasks like making your bed or planning meals can feel like chores? Join me as business coach Sarah Walton guides us on a journey to find joy in these everyday activities and introduces the concept of high-functioning codependence. But that's just the beginning.In this episode, we'll also explore the fascinating differences in multitasking abilities between men and women. Understanding these distinctions can be a game-changer for improving your time management skills.Let's break free from the cycle of over-functioning and neglecting our own needs to please others; it's time to prioritize ourselves.And in our grand finale, Sarah shares her powerhouse productivity strategies. Get ready to gain insights into your relationship with multitasking, learn how to reclaim your time, and live in harmony. Discover simple yet effective tips to escape the whirlpool of overwhelm and sail toward serenity.Connect with Sarah:https://www.youtube.com/@TheSarahWaltonhttps://www.instagram.com/thesarahwalton/https://www.tiktok.com/@thesarahwaltonhttps://sarahwalton.com/The freedom calculator: sarahwalton.com/freedomBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Have you ever wondered how starting your week with meetings can affect your entire week? Well, I've got some fantastic ideas for you. In this episode, we're going to explore what happens when you decide to keep your Monday mornings free from meetings. It's a simple change, but it can make a big difference in how productive and organized your week becomes.Join me as I share my personal journey of how I improved my Work+Life Harmony by reserving Mondays for planning and preparation. I'll share some strategies that have worked for me to manage my time effectively, and I'll even talk about the best times to schedule meetings to make your week flow smoothly.We'll also discuss why Thursday afternoons might be a great time for meetings. It gives you a chance to review what you've accomplished during the week and plan for the next one. Plus, it frees up your Friday for cleaning up loose ends and getting ready for the weekend.So, let's leave behind the old ways of doing things and start paving the way for a more Work+Life Harmony! Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Can a wall calendar revolutionize the way you connect with your family or plan your meals? Tasha Agruso of Kaleidoscope Living graced us with her presence in this episode, sharing the genesis of her innovative, bright wall calendar. Each month has its own page, and Tasha's creative vision shines as she shares how this functional art piece can turn any space into a vibrant hub of productivity. Together we dive into the multitude of ways to use Tasha's colorful calendar - from tracking habits, planning meals, to even serving as a family communication center.  My chat with Tasha doesn't just stop at wall calendars though; she shares her brilliant insights on repurposing household items, saving you both time and money. This episode is a bounty of inspiration - it will leave you eager to infuse your own spaces with color, functionality, and a bit of Tasha's signature style.Get your own wall calendar here: https://shopthekaleidoscope.com/?sca_ref=3031436.BYXi1LP8x5Connect with Tasha:IG: @tasha.kaleidoscope  @kaleidoscopelivingFacebook: @tasha.kaleidoscopePintrest: @kaleidoscopelivingYouTube: @TashaKaleidoscopeLivingBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Welcome to the final part of the 4 levels of planning...weekly planning! This episode unlocks the mystery of weekly planning and unveils the differences between weekly and monthly planning. I smash the myth that continuous list-making equates to effective weekly planning and equip you with practical strategies to boost your productivity.Weekly planning takes those vague monthly intentions and transforms them into actionable tasks with set dates and times. We're not striving for a jam-packed schedule; we're ensuring balance by scheduling white space to absorb unexpected tasks. The real game-changer? The introduction of a weekly checklist that keeps recurring tasks on track.When it comes to weekly planning, a question I get a lot is "What about all the stuff that pops up during the week?"  I cover that in a short blog post here: https://www.megansumrell.com/blog/3-planning-systems-to-stop-overwhelm-in-its-tracksGRAB THE 4 LEVELS OF PLANNING CHECKLISTAka get my (never-before-shared) cheat sheet of what you need to do when doing annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning.https://www.megansumrell.com/4levelsBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Welcome to part three of the 4 levels of planning. In this episode, I am unraveling the subtle power of monthly planning. This episode presents you with clear strategies on how to efficiently map out your month and get a grip on how much of your time is already accounted for. I'll guide you through a process of evaluating your quarterly activities, tweaking them if necessary, and capturing your monthly planning details, irrespective of whether you're a digital calendar user or a paper planner fan.No one wants to be swamped with too much detail, so I'll show you how the level of detail changes from quarterly to monthly planning. I’ll reveal how to block off chunks of time in your calendar, make notes in your planner, and set aside personal time without feeling guilty. GRAB THE 4 LEVELS OF PLANNING CHECKLISTAka get my (never-before-shared) cheat sheet of what you need to do when doing annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning.https://www.megansumrell.com/4levelsBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Welcome to part two of the 4 levels of planning. By the end of this episode, you will have the tools you need to create an effective quarterly plan that aligns with your annual goals. In today's episode, I cover the basics of quarterly planning, discussing how to incorporate your personal, work, and business activities seamlessly. Beyond this, you’ll gain insight into how to prioritize and protect time for business activities without sacrificing your personal life events.GRAB THE 4 LEVELS OF PLANNING CHECKLISTAka get my (never-before-shared) cheat sheet of what you need to do when doing annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning.https://www.megansumrell.com/4levelsBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Want to know the secret to harmonizing all aspects of your life? I'm here to share with you the 4 levels of planning to do just that! This week, I'm kicking off a four-part series that is set to revolutionize the way you plan. With my guidance, you'll gain insights into integrating personal, work, and business plans for a more balanced life. In today's episode, we're kicking things off with a deep dive into the highest and most abstract level of planning: Annual Planning. I want you to rethink what annual planning means. It's not just about adhering to the January-to-December calendar; it's about creating a personalized blueprint for your future, regardless of the timeline that suits you best, whether that's a fiscal year or a unique 18-month strategic plan.GRAB THE 4 LEVELS OF PLANNING CHECKLISTAka get my (never-before-shared) cheat sheet of what you need to do when doing annual, quarterly, monthly, and weekly planning. https://www.megansumrell.com/4levelsBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Ever wondered how to stay on top of the digital declutter? In this week's episode, I'm going to guide you through five effective strategies that have transformed my digital life, from managing emails and digital photos to social media and data backups. Digital decluttering refers to the process of organizing and streamlining the digital aspects of our lives, including emails, files, photos, and tasks. It's a vital practice in our increasingly tech-driven world where the digital clutter can accumulate quickly, leading to stress and overwhelm. The digital realm's stress factor arises from the fact that, unlike physical clutter, we often don't see it until it's too late. Hidden behind screens, the accumulation of unorganized emails, countless unsorted photos, and incomplete tasks can become a daunting, invisible source of anxiety. Join me, as I share my personal weekly tasks that ensure a clutter-free digital environment. Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Are you stuck in a cycle of constant overwhelming feelings and procrastination? We've all been there! Today, I'm breaking down the barriers to your productivity and reclaiming your time. We'll discuss the whys and hows of procrastination and, based on my personal journey, I'll be sharing three practical, life-changing tools to get you past these hurdles. But we're not stopping there! I'm delving deeper into the psychology of our brains - how they seek pleasure and avoid pain, and how we can flip that to our benefit. You'll discover the concept of temptation bundling and how it can be instrumental in overcoming procrastination. Plus, you'll learn about the intriguing productivity power of self-talk. So get ready to trade in the stress and chaos for a harmonious, productive life. Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Tired of the chaos in your digital world? Fear not, we've got you covered with some remarkable takeaways you'd get from my chat with Lydia Martin, the brain behind Banish Business Clutter. Lydia, known for her profound understanding of the human brain and its operations, shares her wisdom on organizing your digital space. Together, we explore the benefits of digital decluttering and the remarkable transformation one can achieve by establishing a confident system.Brace yourself as Lydia guides us through her two-step process to conquer eight major online systems and turn that digital dread into digital prowess. So, consider this your golden ticket to a cleaner, more effective tech space.Connect with Lydia:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiamartinbiz/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lydiamartinbiz/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiamartin1/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LydiaMartin117 Mentioned in the episode:Free bookmark folder system: https://msumrell--banishbusinessclutter.thrivecart.com/digital-clutter-cure/6475e64a67f44/Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Are you grappling with the conundrum of how to synchronize your digital and paper planning systems without duplicating information? The answer lies within this episode where I  demystify the necessity of digital calendaring for effective time blocking and shed light on why a paper planner provides a superior bird’s-eye view of my schedule. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies that harmonize these two systems for efficient time management and planning.Join me and dive into the nuances of my weekly planning, nestled within the realm of my paper planner, and contrast it with my monthly planning, which takes up residence in my digital realm. Get ready to embrace the best of both worlds without the overwhelm of information redundancy. Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

How can you as a mom retain your individuality while taking care of your family? Meet Dr. Morgan Cutlip, a psychologist who's dedicated her career to relationship education and is a mother herself. We'll get a glimpse into her journey from the academic world of psychological theories to the practical world of day-to-day motherhood. Just like machines, we too need regular refueling to function efficiently. The crux of our conversation with Dr. Cutlip revolves around the concept of self-care in motherhood, a topic often pushed to the back burner. We deliberate on how the starvation principle affects both our needs and those of our children, and the shifts we need to make to prevent reaching that point of desperation. We also explore the art of rediscovering joy and using self-care as a decompression tool rather than merely a path to self-improvement. Motherhood can leave you feeling misplaced. Dr. Cutlip and I delve into the importance of acknowledging this sense of displacement and debunk the myth of balance. We talk about the significance of having systems to check in with ourselves constantly and how to put a pin in issues when we don't have time to deal with them. Not only do we discuss the importance of maintaining self-focus as mothers, but Dr. Cutlip also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming book filled with invaluable insights for moms.Purchase her book: Love Your Kids Without Losing Yourselfhttps://a.co/d/4PHJrbRConnect with Dr. Morgan Cutlip:http://www.drmorgancutlip.comhttps://www.instagram.com/drmorgancutliphttps://www.facebook.com/mylovethinksBummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Ever feel overwhelmed by the plethora of apps and tools available, each one claiming to skyrocket your productivity? Let's pull back the veil together and learn how to critically evaluate these digital offerings, ensuring they're worthy of your time and energy. We'll tackle questions like "What's the true purpose of this tool?" and "Is it really solving a problem for me?". We take this evaluation a step further by assessing if the tool is indeed worth the time it takes to master it, creating a foolproof process that saves you both time and resources.In this episode, I also focus on helping you first make the most of what you already have before splurging on the latest shiny app. This includes setting a time-box to thoroughly test the tool, ensuring it effectively addresses your needs. If it's a hit, we discuss processes to prevent your valuable information from getting lost in the digital abyss. And as an extra treat, I introduce the Pink Bee app, a treasure trove of my training materials, ready to boost your productivity. So, buckle up and join me on this enlightening journey to work smarter, not harder.Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Can you imagine the transformation your work + life would undergo if you learned to DITCH work-life balance and aim for work + life harmony instead? That's precisely the journey we've embarked on together over the last 200 episodes of the Work + Life Harmony podcast! As we ring in this milestone episode, I take a reflective pause to distill some vital lessons learned along the way. Tune in, as I reminisce on the critical necessity of preparation, the magic of a well-structured script, the need for systems for regular tasks, and the perils of procrastination. But, the icing on the cake is the revealing of how a robust and supportive team can turbocharge a podcast's success. Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining

Tired of the daily scramble to answer the 'what's for dinner' question? Longing for a way to streamline your meal planning and preparation routine that doesn't involve spending hours in your kitchen every weekend? Nakita, a meal prep expert, joins me to share her unique approach and practical tips on transforming meal prep and planning from a chore into a game-changer! Together, we unpack the key differences between meal planning and meal prepping, and how integrating these practices can shave hours off your weekly routine. Nakita shines a light on batch cooking, sharing how even one simple recipe per week can free up time and, more importantly, mental energy. But we don't stop there! We also dive into the ripple effect meal planning can have on your lifestyle, like conscious recipe choices and reduced time wasted on impromptu grocery shopping. Nakita offers an insight into how cooking for the following day has saved her from stress and introduces her meal planning membership service, designed to take the guesswork out of dinner time completely. Tune in, and discover how meal planning and prepping can offer relief from daily decision fatigue and pave the way for work-life harmony.Connect with Nakita Attard Vassallo:https://www.instagram.com/the_mama_manualhttps://www.fb.com/themamamanualhttps://www.themamamanual.com/Bummed you missed Plan-a-Palooza? We have bundled up the replays and you can now purchase the full experience! Make 2024 the best year ever: www.megansumrell.com/planOverwhelmed? Frazzled? Tired of your calendar controlling you?You are in the right place! Sign up for this free, on-demand training and learn how to gain control of your time no matter what life throws at you!>>> https://www.megansumrell.com/freetraining