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Maximizing Life's Moments: Navigating Time Use Across Six Life Stages

In today's episode, we're delving deep into the American Time Use Study that has opened our eyes to how we allocate our time across different stages of life. This discussion is particularly poignant as we both celebrate turning 50 recently, a milestone that brings reflection and a renewed focus on intentional living. We break down the study's six shocking statistics that outline the typical American's time allocation from birth through old age, offering insights and practical advice on making the most of the time we have.

In This Episode:

• Introduction to the American Time Use Study: We introduce the study's approach to analyzing how different age groups spend their time, setting the stage for a detailed discussion on each of the six defined life stages.

• Stage 1: Birth to Age 18 — Family Time Peaks: The study reveals that the most time spent with family occurs before turning 18. We discuss the implications of this finding and share personal reflections on valuing family time.

• Stage 2: Ages 20-60 — Dominance of Work Life: With four decades often spent in the workplace, choosing a positive work environment is crucial. We talk about the long-term impact of work relationships and environment on overall well-being.

• Stage 3: The Decline of Friendships: Post-18, time spent with friends begins to wane, hitting a low at age 29. We explore why this happens and how to maintain these important relationships despite life’s changes.

• Stage 4: Choosing a Life Partner: Recognizing the lifelong impact of this decision, we emphasize the importance of choosing a partner who aligns with your values and with whom you can envision a lifelong journey.

• Stage 5: Increasing Solitude Post-40: As we grow older, solitude becomes more prevalent. We discuss how to embrace and find joy in solitude, ensuring it enriches rather than detracts from life.

• Stage 6: Parenting and Empty Nesting: The time spent with children is concentrated in the years before they reach adulthood, with a sharp decrease once they do. We offer strategies for maintaining strong relationships with adult children.

Key Takeaways:

• Make Family Time Count: Understanding the limited time frame for maximum family interaction can inspire more meaningful and intentional family engagements.

• Prioritize Workplace Happiness: Given the significant chunk of life spent at work, fostering a healthy work environment is essential for long-term happiness.

• Keep Friendships Alive: We discuss the importance of actively maintaining friendships and adapting social circles as life evolves.

• Thoughtful Partner Selection: Choosing a life partner is a monumental decision, and we stress the importance of thoughtful consideration about this life-altering choice.

• Embrace and Enjoy Solitude: Learning to appreciate alone time is crucial as its frequency increases with age.

• Engage Actively with Your Children: Even as children grow and become independent, finding ways to remain an influential and supportive presence in their lives is key.

Thank you for tuning in. We hope this exploration into the stages of time use empowers you to make informed decisions about how you spend your time. Remember, it's never too late to adjust your course and make the most of the time you have. Be the architect of your own life, and make choices that let you live fully and joyfully.

Links:

Mel Robbins Episode: This one study will change how you think about your entire life.

World Economic Forum: Who Americans spend most of their time with.

Our World in Data: Who do we spend time with across our lifetime?

Our World in Data: How do people across the world spend their time?

Our World in Data: One-person households becoming increasingly common.

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

Maximizing Life's Moments: Navigating Time Use Across Six Life Stages

In today's episode, we're delving deep into the American Time Use Study that has opened our eyes to how we allocate our time across different stages of life. This discussion is particularly poignant as we both celebrate turning 50 recently, a milestone that brings reflection and a renewed focus on intentional living. We break down the study's six shocking statistics that outline the typical American's time allocation from birth through old age, offering insights and practical advice on making the most of the time we have.

In This Episode:

• Introduction to the American Time Use Study: We introduce the study's approach to analyzing how different age groups spend their time, setting the stage for a detailed discussion on each of the six defined life stages.

• Stage 1: Birth to Age 18 — Family Time Peaks: The study reveals that the most time spent with family occurs before turning 18. We discuss the implications of this finding and share personal reflections on valuing family time.

• Stage 2: Ages 20-60 — Dominance of Work Life: With four decades often spent in the workplace, choosing a positive work environment is crucial. We talk about the long-term impact of work relationships and environment on overall well-being.

• Stage 3: The Decline of Friendships: Post-18, time spent with friends begins to wane, hitting a low at age 29. We explore why this happens and how to maintain these important relationships despite life’s changes.

• Stage 4: Choosing a Life Partner: Recognizing the lifelong impact of this decision, we emphasize the importance of choosing a partner who aligns with your values and with whom you can envision a lifelong journey.

• Stage 5: Increasing Solitude Post-40: As we grow older, solitude becomes more prevalent. We discuss how to embrace and find joy in solitude, ensuring it enriches rather than detracts from life.

• Stage 6: Parenting and Empty Nesting: The time spent with children is concentrated in the years before they reach adulthood, with a sharp decrease once they do. We offer strategies for maintaining strong relationships with adult children.

Key Takeaways:

• Make Family Time Count: Understanding the limited time frame for maximum family interaction can inspire more meaningful and intentional family engagements.

• Prioritize Workplace Happiness: Given the significant chunk of life spent at work, fostering a healthy work environment is essential for long-term happiness.

• Keep Friendships Alive: We discuss the importance of actively maintaining friendships and adapting social circles as life evolves.

• Thoughtful Partner Selection: Choosing a life partner is a monumental decision, and we stress the importance of thoughtful consideration about this life-altering choice.

• Embrace and Enjoy Solitude: Learning to appreciate alone time is crucial as its frequency increases with age.

• Engage Actively with Your Children: Even as children grow and become independent, finding ways to remain an influential and supportive presence in their lives is key.

Thank you for tuning in. We hope this exploration into the stages of time use empowers you to make informed decisions about how you spend your time. Remember, it's never too late to adjust your course and make the most of the time you have. Be the architect of your own life, and make choices that let you live fully and joyfully.

Links:

Mel Robbins Episode: This one study will change how you think about your entire life.

World Economic Forum: Who Americans spend most of their time with.

Our World in Data: Who do we spend time with across our lifetime?

Our World in Data: How do people across the world spend their time?

Our World in Data: One-person households becoming increasingly common.

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

Embracing 2024 Business Trends: Essential Insights for Women Entrepreneurs

Hey everyone! We dove into a Forbes article that's all about the business trends for 2024. We didn't just skim through; we dug deep to make these trends more relatable and useful for women entrepreneurs like us. We wanted to break down the tech stuff and mix it with that essential human touch, which we all know is the heart of our businesses.

In our chat, we explored how AI isn't just a techy tool but a real helper for any business, making our tasks easier without losing our personal voice. Remember Episode 71 where we talked all about using AI tools like ChatGPT? We're still all about making tech work for us without letting it take over.

We also got real about the economy's ups and downs and how, as women entrepreneurs, we can navigate these with savvy and style. We discussed the importance of keeping that personal touch in our businesses—how making our customers feel seen and understood is totally irreplaceable by any AI.

And you know, with all the talk about remote work, Julie reflected on how grateful she is to live in an era where she can work from virtually anywhere. It's a game-changer for maintaining that work-life blend (not balance, because let's be real, it's never perfectly balanced!).

So, if you're curious about making your business more dynamic and ready for the future, or if you just want some company while you tackle your entrepreneur journey, give this episode a listen. We're here to share what we learn, laugh a bit, and maybe just inspire each other to be a little braver every day. Because, let's face it, bravery looks good on you! Tune in and let's get excited about what 2024 has in store for us.

Links:

Episode 71 - Maximizing Creativity and Efficiency: How Chat GPT Transforms Our Podcast Production

Download our FREE eBook, ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

Embracing 2024 Business Trends: Essential Insights for Women Entrepreneurs

Hey everyone! We dove into a Forbes article that's all about the business trends for 2024. We didn't just skim through; we dug deep to make these trends more relatable and useful for women entrepreneurs like us. We wanted to break down the tech stuff and mix it with that essential human touch, which we all know is the heart of our businesses.

In our chat, we explored how AI isn't just a techy tool but a real helper for any business, making our tasks easier without losing our personal voice. Remember Episode 71 where we talked all about using AI tools like ChatGPT? We're still all about making tech work for us without letting it take over.

We also got real about the economy's ups and downs and how, as women entrepreneurs, we can navigate these with savvy and style. We discussed the importance of keeping that personal touch in our businesses—how making our customers feel seen and understood is totally irreplaceable by any AI.

And you know, with all the talk about remote work, Julie reflected on how grateful she is to live in an era where she can work from virtually anywhere. It's a game-changer for maintaining that work-life blend (not balance, because let's be real, it's never perfectly balanced!).

So, if you're curious about making your business more dynamic and ready for the future, or if you just want some company while you tackle your entrepreneur journey, give this episode a listen. We're here to share what we learn, laugh a bit, and maybe just inspire each other to be a little braver every day. Because, let's face it, bravery looks good on you! Tune in and let's get excited about what 2024 has in store for us.

Links:

Episode 71 - Maximizing Creativity and Efficiency: How Chat GPT Transforms Our Podcast Production

Download our FREE eBook, ChatGPT: Unlocking its Potential For Your Business + Everyday Life!

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

From Teacher to Cheese Artist, Kerry Hymas of Harvest & Graze Shares Her Incredible Journey to Entrepreneurship

We had a great time chatting with Kerry Hymas from Harvest and Graze.  Her journey from being a public school teacher to diving into the world of charcuterie is really incredible. Kerry shares how her decade-long teaching career and her mother’s influence as a long-time educator shaped her own path before she took a creative leap into entrepreneurship.

Kerry’s venture into charcuterie began quite spontaneously at her mom's 60th birthday party, where she crafted an elaborate charcuterie board that spanned a 10-foot island. The board was a hit, inspiring her to consider turning this passion into a business. Despite the daunting aspects of starting up, Kerry’s love for hosting and entertaining fueled her decision to push forward.

The turning point came when her mother-in-law showed her an Instagram post that sparked the idea that this could be more than just a hobby. This led to a whirlwind of activity, from brainstorming business names on a drive home to navigating the complexities of food laws with helpful guidance from a surprisingly supportive health department official.

Kerry also dives into how she utilized a ghost kitchen to comply with food safety regulations, allowing her to expand her offerings from the comfort of a professional setting without the overhead of owning a physical space. Her story is a vibrant tale of community support, creative passion, and entrepreneurial spirit, showing how she turned a simple idea into a thriving business that combines her loves of teaching, hosting, and creating beautiful, delicious food.

For anyone who's ever thought about turning a passion into a profession or adding a little creativity to their culinary endeavors, Kerry’s journey from choir teacher to charcuterie connoisseur is truly inspiring. She wraps up by sharing some tips for anyone looking to create their own charcuterie boards at home, emphasizing the joy of mixing flavors, textures, and colors to create something uniquely satisfying. Tune in to hear how Kerry crafts not only beautiful grazing boards but also a vibrant, fulfilling life that blends family, creativity, and business.

Links:

Harvest and Graze Website 

Cross Creek Sandwich Shop in Conway, Arkansas Website

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

From Teacher to Cheese Artist, Kerry Hymas of Harvest & Graze Shares Her Incredible Journey to Entrepreneurship

We had a great time chatting with Kerry Hymas from Harvest and Graze.  Her journey from being a public school teacher to diving into the world of charcuterie is really incredible. Kerry shares how her decade-long teaching career and her mother’s influence as a long-time educator shaped her own path before she took a creative leap into entrepreneurship.

Kerry’s venture into charcuterie began quite spontaneously at her mom's 60th birthday party, where she crafted an elaborate charcuterie board that spanned a 10-foot island. The board was a hit, inspiring her to consider turning this passion into a business. Despite the daunting aspects of starting up, Kerry’s love for hosting and entertaining fueled her decision to push forward.

The turning point came when her mother-in-law showed her an Instagram post that sparked the idea that this could be more than just a hobby. This led to a whirlwind of activity, from brainstorming business names on a drive home to navigating the complexities of food laws with helpful guidance from a surprisingly supportive health department official.

Kerry also dives into how she utilized a ghost kitchen to comply with food safety regulations, allowing her to expand her offerings from the comfort of a professional setting without the overhead of owning a physical space. Her story is a vibrant tale of community support, creative passion, and entrepreneurial spirit, showing how she turned a simple idea into a thriving business that combines her loves of teaching, hosting, and creating beautiful, delicious food.

For anyone who's ever thought about turning a passion into a profession or adding a little creativity to their culinary endeavors, Kerry’s journey from choir teacher to charcuterie connoisseur is truly inspiring. She wraps up by sharing some tips for anyone looking to create their own charcuterie boards at home, emphasizing the joy of mixing flavors, textures, and colors to create something uniquely satisfying. Tune in to hear how Kerry crafts not only beautiful grazing boards but also a vibrant, fulfilling life that blends family, creativity, and business.

Links:

Harvest and Graze Website 

Cross Creek Sandwich Shop in Conway, Arkansas Website

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

Mastering Daily Decisions: Navigating Life's Choices with Confidence and Courage

Welcome back! Today's discussion dives into a topic that resonates deeply with everyone: decision-making. Melissa shares her exhausting experience of making countless decisions during a recent two-week event, sparking a deeper conversation about the number and impact of daily decisions.

Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions each day? This episode explores not just the sheer volume of choices we face but also the distinction between two types of decisions:

1. Type 1 Decisions: These are significant choices with long-lasting effects, often requiring careful thought and consideration due to their irreversible nature.

2. Type 2 Decisions: More common and less impactful, these decisions should be made quickly as they usually don’t have lasting consequences.

We delve into the "51 Percent Rule," a strategy suggesting that for significant decisions, being just 51% sure can be enough to take action. We discuss how overthinking can paralyze progress and share personal anecdotes to illustrate the practical application of this rule in both personal and professional contexts.

This episode is not just about making decisions but about making them wisely and bravely. Whether it's choosing what to have for lunch or making a career-altering move, the way we make decisions shapes our lives. We encourage you to embrace both the small and significant choices with courage and to remember that not making a decision is, in fact, a decision.

Join us as we unpack these insights and offer encouragement for anyone facing decision fatigue. Remember that each decision, no matter how small, contributes to the larger picture of our lives. So tune in, get inspired, and remember—bravery isn't just about the big moments; it's about the many small choices we make every day.

Links:

Inspired by The Mel Robbins Podcast - The 51% Rule

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

Mastering Daily Decisions: Navigating Life's Choices with Confidence and Courage

Welcome back! Today's discussion dives into a topic that resonates deeply with everyone: decision-making. Melissa shares her exhausting experience of making countless decisions during a recent two-week event, sparking a deeper conversation about the number and impact of daily decisions.

Did you know that the average person makes about 35,000 decisions each day? This episode explores not just the sheer volume of choices we face but also the distinction between two types of decisions:

1. Type 1 Decisions: These are significant choices with long-lasting effects, often requiring careful thought and consideration due to their irreversible nature.

2. Type 2 Decisions: More common and less impactful, these decisions should be made quickly as they usually don’t have lasting consequences.

We delve into the "51 Percent Rule," a strategy suggesting that for significant decisions, being just 51% sure can be enough to take action. We discuss how overthinking can paralyze progress and share personal anecdotes to illustrate the practical application of this rule in both personal and professional contexts.

This episode is not just about making decisions but about making them wisely and bravely. Whether it's choosing what to have for lunch or making a career-altering move, the way we make decisions shapes our lives. We encourage you to embrace both the small and significant choices with courage and to remember that not making a decision is, in fact, a decision.

Join us as we unpack these insights and offer encouragement for anyone facing decision fatigue. Remember that each decision, no matter how small, contributes to the larger picture of our lives. So tune in, get inspired, and remember—bravery isn't just about the big moments; it's about the many small choices we make every day.

Links:

Inspired by The Mel Robbins Podcast - The 51% Rule

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!

Turning Passion into Profession: Rhonda Bell on Art, Business, and Embracing the Beginner's Mindset

We're thrilled to have Rhonda Bell share her journey from embracing the gift of being a beginner to flourishing as both an artist and a businesswoman. Rhonda Bell Studio, based in Boerne, Texas, is where she creates art that celebrates the beauty of everyday life through vibrant colors and emotive compositions.

Key Insights from Rhonda:

• The Gift of Being a Beginner: Rhonda reflects on valuable advice she received during her artistic development: the importance of allowing herself to make "really bad art" as part of the learning process. This mindset has enabled her to develop her skills without the pressure of perfection, highlighting the idea that mastery in art, like in any field, requires patience and time.

• Transition to a Business Mindset: Rhonda shares her unexpected journey into the business side of art. Starting from a few friends noticing her art to being invited to sell in a local store, she navigated the complexities of pricing, inventory management, and establishing an online presence. This transition marks her shift from hobbyist to professional, illustrating the challenges and triumphs of turning a passion into a thriving business.

• Commissioned Art and Customer Interaction: Rhonda discusses her experiences with commissioned projects, emphasizing the personal and emotional connections that people have with art. She explains how she collaborates with clients to ensure that the art not only fits their space but also resonates with them personally, which sometimes involves aligning the artwork with the interior design elements of a room.

At the core of Rhonda's work is a deep appreciation for the simplicity and beauty of life, which she translates into her art. Her approach is intuitive and emotionally driven, aiming to elevate the human spirit through her pieces.

Rhonda's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in yourself and embracing every step of the creative process. We encourage you to explore your passions with the same openness and bravery that Rhonda has demonstrated on her artistic journey.

Links:

Rhonda Bell Studio

Fiddlin Frogs

Instagram: rhonda.bell.studio

Join our Newsletter

Want to be on our podcast? Click to make an appointment to chat about it!

More info on our website!