Work + Life Harmony | Time Management, Organization and Planning for Overwhelmed Women

This week, I’m diving into the planning tools that will set you up for success in 2025. Specially, I’m highlighting the two or three tools I believe everyone needs to master their time management and keep things simple. Whether you’re managing only your schedule or balancing family calendars, I’ll help you figure out what works best for you—and let you in on my personal favorites that I use every single day. 

Key Takeaways:

• How Many Tools Do You Really Need?
  I’ll help you figure out if two or three planning tools are right for you, depending on where you are in life and what you’re juggling.
• The Essential Planner for Weekly & Monthly Organization
  Let’s talk about the go-to tool for managing your weekly and monthly schedules—the one that keeps you on track with your daily life. I’ll share my personal favorites and why these choices make a difference.
• Making Family Planning Easier
  If you’re coordinating schedules with family, you’ll want to know about this tool that’s been a lifesaver for us at home. Spoiler: it cuts down on those “What’s happening today?” questions!
• High-Level Planning for Big Goals
  I’m diving into how to keep the bigger picture in view with a special tool I rely on for annual and quarterly planning. This one’s all about setting yourself up for a smoother, more intentional year.

Resources Mentioned:

• TOP Planner - The go-to for anyone who loves pen and paper planning. Check it out at TheTOPPlanner.com.
• Artful Agenda - My top pick for digital planners, with fun customization options like color schemes and stickers. Syncs with Google Calendar, iCal, and Outlook. Check it out at www.megansumrell.com/artful
• Skylight Calendar - Perfect for family or household coordination. For a detailed breakdown, go back and listen to Episode #251! Check out the calendar at www.megansumrell.com/skylight and use code HARMONY for 15% off. 
• Kaleidoscope Living Wall Calendars - Beautiful and practical for high-level annual planning. Check it out at www.megansumrell.com/wallcalendar.

Ready to take action?
Now is the time to decide what tools you’ll use in 2025. Listen to this episode, make your picks, and get ready to kick off the new year with a system that actually supports you. And remember—before you send me a message about a specific planner, go back and ask yourself: Does it fit into one of these categories? If it does, it’s a thumbs-up from me.

Let’s dive in and make 2025 the year we stay on top of everything while keeping it simple!

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

If you've been feeling that pull—that nagging feeling that you're on your phone way more than you'd like—you're not alone. Today’s episode is a must-listen because I’m bringing in Shawn Lemon, a digital detox pro and founder of The Digital Organizer. Shawn’s approach is all about helping us set realistic, practical boundaries with our tech (and no, it doesn’t mean ditching our phones entirely).

I think you're going to love his refreshing take on finding balance with technology, especially if you're constantly switching between apps, managing three school portals, and navigating a mountain of messages every day. Shawn shares actionable strategies for cutting back on screen time and reclaiming those extra moments in our lives. You’ll even learn how a digital detox can be a lasting lifestyle shift, not just a quick fix.

Key Takeaways:

1. Get Clear on Your Why: Shawn emphasizes the importance of defining why you want to reduce screen time—whether it’s to connect more with loved ones, lower stress, or simply feel more present.
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Instead of just limiting app time, Shawn suggests deleting certain apps completely (yes, even email!) to help break the habit of compulsive checking.
3. Make Space for What Matters: A detox isn’t about removing tech entirely; it’s about being intentional with your time. Shawn’s tip to replace digital habits with hobbies or family time makes it easier to resist the urge to check in.
4. Practical Tips: From using app limits to rearranging your home screen and turning off notifications, Shawn offers tons of small, manageable changes that add up to big results.

Resources Mentioned:

• Quiz: How Organized Are You? – Take Shawn's quiz to assess your current digital organization habits.
• Digital Detox Guide: Download Shawn’s Step-by-Step Detox Checklist – This guide breaks down the tips from today’s episode: www.thedigitalorganizer.com/harmony

Connect with Shawn Lemon:
www.thedigitalorganizer.com
www.facebook.com/thedigitalorganizer
www.instagram.com/thedigitalorganizer
www.linkedin.com/company/the-digital-organizer

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy, right? But for so many of us, it’s become one of the most stressful times of the year. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of transforming holiday stress into something so much better, along with key strategies to help you reclaim the magic and truly enjoy the season! We’ll dive into simple yet powerful tips to rethink your holiday to-do list, let go of unnecessary traditions, and focus on what brings you joy. Plus, I’ll show you how to involve your family in the planning process so you’re not carrying the burden alone.

Here’s a little preview of what we’ll cover:

• My personal holiday struggles and how I overcame them
• The pressure of holiday expectations and how to let them go
• Strategies to plan a joyful, stress-free holiday season
• Tips for involving your family and sharing the load
• How to create new traditions that actually work for you

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

Do you have big dreams and ambitious goals, but feel unsure about how to "balance" it all without sacrificing your personal life? In this episode, I chat with Eleanor Beaton, CEO of Safi Media, a trailblazing leader on a mission to double the number of women entrepreneurs who sustainably scale past $1 million by 2030. Wow! This conversation is full of wisdom for any woman striving for success while nurturing the important aspects of her life, which is exactly what we are all about here at The Pink Bee. You won’t want to miss Eleanor’s insights on how to thrive without hustle and grind.

In this episode, we cover:

• The importance of creating space to be present for both business and family
• How women can grow by learning to let go and delegate
• Why “sustainability” is key to long-term entrepreneurial success
• Eleanor's strategies for harmonizing professional ambition with personal priorities
• The power of honoring your word and staying in integrity with yourself

Connect with Eleanor:
www.safimedia.co
www.safimedia.co/podcast
www.instagram.com/eleanorbeaton
www.linkedin.com/in/eleanorbeaton

Mentioned in the episode:
Apply for a VIP Day with me!
www.megansumrell.com/vip

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

Are you feeling the pressure to end the year on a high note, pushing yourself to the brink just because it's Q4? You're not alone—and I get it. But here's the thing: this frantic push to "finish strong" often leads to burnout, stress, and exhaustion. In this episode of Work Life Harmony, I’m breaking down why that year-end messaging isn't doing us any favors and how you can let go of it for good.

In this episode I cover: 

• The negative impact of “end the year strong” messaging and why it leads to burnout.
• How to maintain a steady state year-round with effective annual and quarterly planning.
• Strategies for avoiding the Q4 rush and prioritizing well-being during the holiday season.
• Why the “new year, new you” mindset sets people up for failure and how to break free from it.
• The importance of guilt-free rest and relaxation through mindful time management.

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

If you've ever struggled to keep your family on track between your kids' busy schedules and your partner’s demanding job, this episode is for you. Hear from one of my students who’s found a way to bring work+life harmony into her family's life. 

In this episode, I sit down with Danielle, a full-time homemaker and mother of five, who shares her story of transforming overwhelm into harmony. With her husband working unpredictable ER shifts and five kids with busy schedules, Danielle explains how the planning strategies I teach finally made all the difference. She opens up about how structured planning improved her family’s communication, allowed more spontaneity, and helped her develop critical skills like task estimation and time budgeting. Don't miss this conversation if you’re ready to stop feeling overwhelmed and create a harmonized life!

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

Are you tired of feeling stuck, unable to start or finish those big projects and goals? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m diving into the three most common planning mistakes that are likely holding you back. From planning in a vacuum to getting overwhelmed by timelines and not integrating your goals into your calendar, these mistakes can stop even the best intentions in their tracks. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I’ll not only break down each of these pitfalls but also give you actionable strategies to avoid them. Whether you’re working on a long-term project or setting new goals for 2025, these tips will help you make real progress without burning out.

In this episode I cover:

• Why people struggle with starting and finishing big projects 
• The 3 most common planning mistakes
• Practical strategies to overcome these roadblocks
• How to align your plans with real life
• Tools and techniques for effective planning
• Preparing for a productive 2025

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

Are your mornings with kids filled with chaos, power struggles, and stress? You're not alone, and we've got solutions! In this episode, I welcome back parenting expert Amy McCready to tackle the all-too-common challenge of hectic mornings. Amy shares practical tools to help parents align priorities with their kids, reduce conflicts, and create a smoother start to the day. Plus, get a sneak peek at her upcoming guest appearance at Planapalooza, where she'll dive deeper into building effective morning routines and empowering children to take on more responsibility.

In this episode we cover:

• Common Morning Challenges for Parents
• Strategies to Reduce Morning Chaos
• The Importance of Parental Preparation and Empowering Kids with Responsibility

Connect with Amy:
www.PositivveParentingSolutions.com
www.facebook.com/PositiveParentingSolutions
www.instagram.com/positiveparentingsolutions/
www.linkedin.com/in/amymccready/

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and scattered when it comes to managing your life and goals? In this episode, I break down the four essential levels of planning that can help you get aligned and stay on track. I dive into weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual planning—each with its own unique benefits and purpose. You'll learn how often to review each level and why they’re key to avoiding burnout and achieving your goals.

In this episode I cover:

• Introduction to the four planning levels and the importance of each
• The purpose of each level of planning 
• How to integrate weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual planning

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell

Today’s episode is a special one because I get to introduce you to one of my favorite people in the world: my oldest sister, Lara. As the youngest of three, I’ve always looked up to her, so imagine my nerves when I took her on as a client in my business! Lara is an incredibly organized, high-powered Systems Engineer with over 35 years of experience in the aviation industry, but she found herself overwhelmed and burned out despite her impressive productivity. In this episode, we dive into our VIP day together, where I helped Lara shift from just being productive to reclaiming control over her time and, ultimately, her life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the corporate treadmill, grinding through tasks without a sense of balance, this episode is for you. Join us as we talk about Lara’s journey, the power of intentional planning, and how embracing new systems can open the door to more freedom and fulfillment, both at work and at home.

In this episode, we cover:

• Insights gained from using the TOP Framework
• The value of prioritizing personal interests and hobbies alongside work commitments
• The positive changes in both professional and personal life as a result of improved time management

Mentioned in the episode:
Apply for a VIP Day with me!
www.megansumrell.com/vip

________________________________

Overwhelmed? 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
________________________________

Thanks for tuning in!
Megan 💕🐝

www.megansumrell.com
www.instagram.com/megansumrell
https://www.youtube.com/@the_pink_bee
www.linkedin.com/in/msumrell