Picture this.
You wake up tomorrow morning… and you’re 90. Your knees creak, your skin is softer, your energy a little more measured—but your eyes? Your eyes blink open to the miracle of being 37 again.
Just imagine what that version of you would do with today. That version wouldn’t be worried about the pile of unread emails or the slightly-too-late start to the morning meeting. She’d be grateful. She’d move with purpose. She’d choose what matters.
That’s where real productivity begins—not with planners or apps, but with perspective.
Let’s talk about what it means to master your productivity—not in the buzzwordy, hustle culture way—but with reverence for your time, your energy, and your life.
Why “Time Management” is a Flawed Concept (and What to Do Instead)
Let’s call it like it is: you can’t manage time.
Time doesn’t flex. It doesn’t bend to your will. It ticks on, second after second, whether you’re in flow or in fight-or-flight. The idea that we can somehow “control” time feeds a false sense of failure every time life doesn’t go to plan.
So, let’s reframe it.
Productivity mastery isn’t about managing time—it’s about how you utilise time.
It’s about aligning your attention with your intention.
Think of your time like a passport filled with stamps. Every activity, every yes, every mindless scroll on your phone—it’s a stamp. The real question becomes: Where are you allowing yourself to travel today?
When I started shifting from time management to time utilisation, everything changed. I stopped measuring success by how many tasks I could tick off. Instead, I started asking: Did I move the needle on what really matters to me today?
Focus on What You’re For — Not What You’re Fighting
Let’s bring in a bit of James Clear wisdom here:
“Focus on the things you are for, not the things you are against.”
In the coaching sessions I facilitate, this shift alone often brings tears—and relief.
It’s exhausting to live in opposition. To define your day (and your worth) by what you haven’t done, or what others did wrong, or how behind you feel. The news, the noise, that difficult team member—when your focus is wrapped around what frustrates you, your energy leaks like a sieve.
Instead, ask: What do I love? What energises me? What do I want more of in my life?
As a high performance coach, I’ve seen this pivot create clarity in women who’ve spent decades doubting their worth and direction. One client—an executive who felt perpetually stuck in reaction mode—simply began her day with the question: “What am I creating today?”
It sounds simple. It is. And it’s revolutionary.
The Truth About “Not Having Enough Time”
Here’s a tough pill wrapped in love: not having enough time is often not about time at all.
It’s about misalignment.
It’s about expectations set by a younger version of yourself who didn’t know better—and maybe never gave herself permission to want differently.
When you’re in a high-stakes career, surrounded by the ever-on hum of urgency, it’s easy to believe that busyness equals worth. But if everything’s urgent, nothing is important.
Let me share something personal. There was a season in my life when I could barely breathe. I was ticking all the boxes—successful job, mortgage, child, partner. On the outside, I had it “together.” But inside? I was crumbling. And in one of the darkest moments, sitting in that chair with my baby in the next room, I almost gave it all up.
Why? Because I couldn’t feel myself in any of it anymore.
And what brought me back?
Slowing down long enough to ask: What am I doing with this one, precious life of mine?
And deciding—bravely—to do it differently.
The Productivity Shift: From To-Do Lists to Values-Driven Living
Here’s the shift that made the difference:
- Instead of starting my day with a to-do list, I started with a value list.
- Instead of prioritising urgency, I prioritised meaning.
- Instead of saying “yes” out of obligation, I began choosing what aligned with my purpose.
That’s not fluff. That’s neuroscience-backed, behaviourally sound high performance living.
The High Performance Institute’s research shows us that people who regularly experience joy, confidence and engagement aren’t “better” at tasks—they’re clearer about what matters. They don’t waste time chasing significance—they create it by aligning their energy with their values.
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most.
Practical Tools to Utilise Time with Purpose
Let’s bring it down to earth. Here are three ways to master productivity through intentional utilisation:
1. Adopt the “One Page Week”
Take a single sheet of paper. On one side: What matters this week (3–5 priorities). On the other side: What could sabotage it (distractions, mindless tasks, etc). Stick it somewhere visible.
Why it works: It trains your focus. You stop confusing motion with progress.
2. Practice 10 Words or Less Thinking
Inspired by Stanford’s high performance psychology program, try distilling your daily goal into 10 words or less.
Example: “Deliver with clarity and confidence in every conversation.”
Why it works: Your brain is a messy copier. It throws thoughts at you like confetti. But clarity? That’s like having a filter.
3. Anchor Your Day in Reverence
This one is deeply personal.
Instead of seeing your day as something to get through, treat it like a gift. Even a sacred one.
I often remind my clients—and myself—that this life is not a rehearsal. This is it. We don’t get to be 37 again. But we can act like our 90-year-old self just gifted us a second chance.
Wake up with reverence. Breathe with gratitude. Act with intention.
Productivity with a Pulse
Productivity without meaning is just busyness.
When you harness your time through the lens of reverence, self-awareness, and aligned action, life begins to breathe again. Not perfectly. But purposefully.
So if today feels like another blur of meetings, expectations, and inner criticism, pause for a second. Imagine you’re 90. And you just woke up at 37 again. What would you do with this moment?
Go do that.
Want help with that? Let’s work together. I’d love to support you on the journey to a more engaged, confident, and joyful life.
Remember, you can unleash your unique version of success.
Your Coach
Stephanie
Ready to Ignite Your SPARK?
As a Certified High Performance, Wayfinder and Imposter Syndrome Informed Coach, I’m here to support you on this transformative journey. Whether it’s in your career, health, or relationships, my coaching programs are designed to help you achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance and potential. Are you ready to embrace these inner shifts then let’s embark on this journey together!
Whenever you’re ready, here are a few ways I can support you:
Join our IYS Community – to connect with like-minded individuals focused on increasing their ENGAGEMENT, CONFIDENCE & JOY in work (and life)
Access your FREE Online Training – and learn how you can immediately hit higher levels of performance and potential in all you do!
Take the High Performance Questionnaire – to understand if you’re ready to go to the next level and live a life full of engagement, joy and confidence…
Book a Chat – so we can breakthrough what you’re currently challenged with and take the next action towards living the life of your dreams!