Finding Flow: The 3 Strategies That Transformed My Schedule

Y'all, I'm in a flow.

You’ve probably noticed that I’m posting regularly on Substack (hello!), I’m engaged on LinkedIn and sharing consistently, and if you’re a client—you’ve likely felt me tapped in on another level in our sessions. I’m referring to this current state as simply being “in flow.” I didn’t get here by architecting a grand plan. Instead, I’ve been on what I call a reflective growth loop, quietly observing what wasn’t working for me and making small, deliberate tweaks to my lifestyle and schedule to get better results.

Simple, right? Not quite.

Here’s what I changed that’s made all the difference:

• Taking time to deeply understand my schedule and what I need to thrive: I created set coaching hours and blocked off times of year for breaks, based on client booking patterns.

• Creative outlets: I need to create—content, frameworks, ideas—to feel connected to my work. That’s why I’ve leaned into posting here and recording episodes of my podcast, The Impactful Conversations Effect, with Winy.

• Clarifying my mission, vision, and brand values: I’ve gained more clarity about who I work with and why, which meant saying goodbye to services (like my previous version of job search coaching) to focus on my sweet spot—working with high-achieving leaders.

These shifts have been transformational. But here’s the key lesson I’ve learned: intentionality—knowing what you need and designing your life around it—is the foundation for success as a high achiever.

Believe me, I've been in situations where I’ve experienced the opposite. I had a calendar stacked with 10–12 meetings per day, 5 days a week and it took a toll on me. It wasn’t just my energy that suffered during this time—it was my creativity, my patience, and even my health. I felt like I was on a treadmill I couldn’t get off. I felt depleted, on edge, and it felt damn near impossible to produce anything of value. The opposite of being in flow. If we crossed paths during this time, I’m sorry (lol).

For high performers, stepping away strategically and regularly isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

In reflecting on my own journey, I’ve developed three high impact strategies to protect my energy and prevent burnout. They’re simple but powerful.

3 Strategies for Taking Control of Your Time

1. Set It and Forget It

There’s something magical about taking time off without overthinking it. Early in my career, I realized that the “perfect” time to take PTO never actually arrived. So I created my own system: At the start of each quarter, I’d pick three random Fridays, submit PTO, and block those days off on my calendar. No guilt, no stress, and I treated them like non-negotiable appointments with myself.

Why it works: I recently discovered that there’s something called time affluence. Research on time affluence—the feeling of having enough time—shows it’s directly linked to greater happiness and lower stress levels. Giving yourself intentional breaks allows your brain to recharge and makes you more productive when you’re working.

How to make it work for you: Choose days ahead of time and stick to them. Whether you spend them decompressing, indulging in a hobby, or simply being unavailable, these “surprise” breaks create moments of reprieve that feel both intentional and energizing.

2. No-Meeting Blocks

I’m flexible by nature, which used to mean I’d say yes to everything—back-to-back meetings, last-minute calls, and full schedules. I’d leave those days exhausted and frazzled, wondering where my focus had gone. So, I started blocking 2–3 hours of no-meeting time on my calendar each day. Sometimes I used that time for deep work; sometimes, I simply used it to breathe. Taking the time for myself wasn’t easy. It felt like submitting a PTO request to the universe: “Hi, I’d like 2–3 hours of uninterrupted time to get my life together, please. Don’t judge me!” But once I did it, I realized how much better my work—and my mood—was.

Why it works: I’ve been a fan of Cal Newport for over a decade. His research on deep work highlights the value of uninterrupted time for focus and productivity. High performers often need this space to work through complex problems, generate creative ideas, or simply recharge.

How to make it work for you: Treat your no-meeting blocks as sacred. Don’t let them be overtaken by tasks that drain your energy. Use this time to dive into projects, brainstorm, or reflect—it’s your time to move the needle.

3. Holiday Stacking

Taking a day or two before or after holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas became a game-changer for me. These quieter periods let me recharge deeply without feeling like I was falling behind. They gave me room to breathe when others were also out, so I could reset without the constant pull of notifications or expectations. There’s nothing quite like waking up on a Friday after a holiday knowing your emails can wait until Monday. You take your time grabbing your morning coffee, you saunter instead of speed walk, and for once, you’re not rushing to catch up on your emails. Those moments? They’re everything.

Why it works: Combining natural lulls with intentional time off amplifies their benefits. Studies show that true recovery comes not just from time away but from being able to mentally detach from work. Holiday stacking allows for exactly that.

How to make it work for you: Look at your calendar now and pick a few extra days around upcoming holidays. Whether it’s a long weekend or a midweek reset, these intentional pauses create room for recovery and reflection, setting you up to tackle your next challenge with clarity.

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Looking back, I’ve realized that not having control over my time as a high achiever wasn’t just frustrating—it was destabilizing. Time is one of my core values, and when I didn’t have it, I showed up as the worst version of myself: reactive, grasping for control in ways that didn’t align with who I want to be. Now, I know better. I have a choice—a choice to design a life and career that centers my needs, where being intentional about my times helps me show up as my best self.

These strategies helped me reclaim my time and energy, but they’re not just about avoiding burnout—they’re about unlocking your best work. Protecting your time is a form of self-respect, and as high performers, it’s one of the most critical investments we can make in ourselves.

If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these strategies and see how it feels.

The bottom line? Intentionality fuels success. When you take charge of your time, you step into a state where flow becomes not just possible—but inevitable.

How do you protect your time? What strategies work for you? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear them.

P.S.
If you’re looking to level up your leadership, check out my 2025 Vision Planner. It’s packed with tools to help you reflect, reset, and lead with intention in the coming year.