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Why Your Productivity System Keeps Failing (It's Not You) Your Priority Centered Life | Busy On Purpose Series
You've tried the planners. The apps. The color-coded spreadsheet. The Notion setup you haven't opened since February. And at some point, you probably decided the problem was you and that you're just not disciplined enough to stick with anything.
This episode makes the case that you've had it backwards.
Dr. Alise digs into one of the most overlooked reasons productivity systems fail: they weren't designed for the way your brain actually works. Most popular systems were built for linear thinkers (people who naturally work in lists, categories, and clean digital interfaces). If you're a spatial thinker, a visual processor, or someone who does your best thinking with a pen in your hand, those systems will tend to fight you.
She also introduces a second failure mode that's just as common: systems that can't survive real life. A system that only works when everything goes according to plan isn't really a system, it's a plan for your good days.
In this episode:
You'll want to listen if you:
Mentioned in this episode:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
What if, at the end of this summer, your answer wasn’t “it was fine”… but something that actually felt true?
Because if you’re anything like the busy professionals I work with, summer tends to blur. It’s full, it’s fast, and somehow it’s over before it ever felt like it began.
So instead of trying to “do more” this summer, I want to give you a better approach.
In this episode, I’m kicking off a new series called Busy On Purpose, and we’re starting with a simple, practical framework you can actually use in real life, in the middle of your already full schedule.
We’re talking about how to make this summer feel intentional, even on the messy, chaotic weeks.
Because the goal isn’t a perfect summer.
It’s one that actually feels like memories you wanted to create.
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
You know that moment when your plan completely falls apart?
Everything looked manageable when you started your day…
And then something shifts.
A delay.
An unexpected errand.
A change in timing.
And suddenly, your whole day feels off.
In this final episode of the road trip series, we’re talking about one of the most important skills in life planning:
Adjusting when things don’t go as planned
Because no matter how well you plan your week, there will be detours.
Over the past few episodes, we’ve talked about:
But even with all of that in place, plans still change.
And when they do, many people fall into a familiar pattern:
Trying to rush and catch up
Or beating themselves up for getting off track
Neither one works.
In this episode, we’re talking about how to do exactly that in your life without turning your week into a cycle of overwork, exhaustion, and frustration.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Try this after you listen:
Ask yourself:
Am I still headed where I want to go this week?
If yes, keep going.
If not, adjust.
No rushing. No guilt.
Just check the map and keep moving.
Your Next Steps:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
Have you ever noticed that two people can go through the exact same day and have completely different experiences?
One feels rushed and frustrated.
The other feels present and engaged.
So what’s the difference?
It’s not their schedule.
It’s how they’re showing up.
In this episode, we’re continuing the road trip series by exploring a powerful shift:
Noticing the drive itself.
Because even if you’ve chosen your priorities, protected your time, and built in rest, life can still feel frustrating if you’re only focused on getting to the next thing.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Try this after you listen:
Ask yourself:
What is one value I want to express today?
Look for one small moment to practice it.
Enjoying your life isn’t about doing more.
It’s about how you show up while you’re doing it.
Your Next Steps:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
What if the reason you feel exhausted isn’t because you’re doing life wrong?
If your days feel like one long stretch of responsibilities, this episode is for you.
We’re continuing the road trip series, and today we’re talking about something that most busy people overlook.
Rest.
Not the kind you “earn” after everything is done, like some kind of twisted reward.
The kind that actually makes your life feel better while you’re living it.
In the last two episodes, we talked about:
But even when you do those things, life can still feel exhausting if you never pause.
Because here’s what happens.
You move from one task to the next.
Work to errands.
Errands to family responsibilities.
Family responsibilities to catching up on more work.
And before you know it, your life feels like one long, uninterrupted push.
No breaks.
No reset.
No space to breathe.
But think about a real road trip.
You wouldn’t try to drive hundreds of miles without stopping.
The best parts of the trip are often the pauses along the way.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Try this after you listen:
Ask yourself:
Am I still headed where I want to go this week?
If yes, keep going.
If not, that’s okay.
Adjust.
You don’t need to rush, panic, or start over.
You just need to check the map and keep moving.
Your Next Steps:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
How often do you catch yourself thinking, “When am I ever going to get all of this done?”
If your days feel busy but not satisfying, this episode is going to hit home.
Because the problem usually isn’t your time. It’s that your time isn’t protected.
Last week, we kicked off this road trip series by talking about how to choose what you actually want to experience in your life. Not just what you need to get done, but how you want your life to feel.
But here’s the reality.
You can know exactly what matters most to you and still never experience it. Why?
Because you didn’t protect time for it.
And today, we’re talking about how to change that.
In this episode, I’m walking you through a simpler and more realistic way to think about boundaries.
Not rigid rules or dramatic conversations.
Just small, clear ways to protect what matters most.
Because boundaries aren’t about being difficult.
They’re about making your life actually work.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Try this after you listen:
Ask yourself:
Where could I add one small rest stop in my week?
Not a full day off.
Not a big change.
Just a small pause.
You don’t need to push your way through life to make it meaningful.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do…
is stop.
Your Next Steps:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
What if the reason you feel stuck, busy, or oddly unfulfilled isn’t because you’re doing life wrong, but because you never chose a destination in the first place?
In this episode, I want to introduce a simple but powerful idea: what if you treated your life like a road trip?
Because here’s what I see all the time. You’re responsible. You’re showing up. You’re doing everything you’re supposed to do. But when you zoom out, it feels like you’re just… watching mileposts go by. No clear direction. No intentional stops. Just mile after mile of getting things done.
And eventually, that starts to feel pretty empty.
So today, we’re slowing things down and asking a different question. Not what do you need to accomplish next, but what do you actually want to experience in your life?
We’re kicking off a short series where I’ll walk you through how to “plan your road trip” and start living with more intention, clarity, and purpose. And we’re starting with the foundation: choosing where you want to go over the next 90 days.
Because if you don’t decide what matters, everything else will decide for you.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Resources & Links Mentioned:
Try this after you listen:
Ask yourself:
What is one small thing that deserves protection this week?
Then decide:
What will I do to protect it?
Start small.
Boundaries don’t have to be big to make a big difference.
Your Next Steps:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
What if the struggles you’ve been blaming on yourself aren’t actually personal failures?
What if they’re connected to the way your brain processes the world?
In this episode, I’m joined by Donna Redman, creator of The Secret Genius Project, and occupational therapist Cindy Duffy to explore how sensory processing shapes everything from focus and emotional regulation to behavior, stress, and self-confidence.
Their work blends neuroscience, occupational therapy, and practical strategies to help people understand how their brains actually work and how to build lives that support those differences instead of constantly fighting against them.
If you’ve ever wondered:
This conversation will open your eyes to the hidden role sensory processing plays in everyday life.
Donna and Cindy explain how sensory input flows through the nervous system, how it shapes our reactions and behavior, and why many people with ADHD, autism, or sensory sensitivity grow up believing something is “wrong” with them when in reality they simply haven’t been taught how their brains operate.
You’ll also hear powerful examples of adults who discovered that challenges they blamed on character flaws were actually related to vision processing, sensory sensitivity, or nervous system regulation.
As someone who personally has sensory sensitivity, I am so excited to share this conversation with you.
Because once you understand your brain, you can finally start working with it instead of against it.
Secret Genius Project Quickstart Guide
https://thesecretgeniusproject.com/quickstart
Book Mentioned
Your Brain on Art – Ivy Ross & Susan Magsamen (affiliate link earns commissions)
Donna Redman, founder of The Secret Genius Project, and Cindy Duffy, occupational therapist, creators of The Secret Genius of Sensory Processing, which helps people understand how sensory processing shapes their behavior, learning, and emotional well-being.
Their work combines neuroscience, human development, and practical strategies to help individuals and families better understand their brains and build environments that support their strengths.
Your Next Steps:
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
This is part three of our series on moving beyond productivity and into intentional life design.
In Ep. 71: You Don’t Need More Productivity, we challenged the belief that doing more is the solution.
In Ep. 72: How to Audit Your Time and Reclaim Your Life, we looked at what your calendar is actually building.
Now we are going deeper.
Because even when you know you do not need more productivity… even when you have audited your time… the pull to optimize creeps back in.
Work 15 minutes today.
16 tomorrow.
17 the next day.
Stack the wins.
Add five more minutes.
Do it now if it takes less than five minutes.
It sounds disciplined. Strategic. Efficient.
But if you are already operating at capacity, this mindset becomes dangerous.
In this episode, we unpack what I call The Self Optimization Trap. The subtle, socially rewarded pressure to constantly squeeze more out of your life. To hack it. To refine it. To expand it.
Because here is the truth no one says loudly enough:
Dopamine is not direction.
Checking off boxes feels good. Clearing the inbox feels productive. Stacking small wins feels like progress. But none of that guarantees you are building a life that is aligned with your values.
When you optimize without discernment, you dilute your focus. You fragment your energy. You become technically productive but emotionally absent.
Half listening.
Half resting.
Half living.
This episode is about defining enough.
Because if you never define enough, your life will expand until it collapses.
What You Will LearnInstead of downloading a new app or trying a new productivity system, define enough in one area of your life.
What does a solid workweek look like without excess?
What does engaged parenting look like without overscheduling?
What does sustainable health look like without extreme optimization?
Then when you feel the pull to add more, pause and ask:
Is this aligned?
Or is this just another dopamine hit?
Your Next Steps:
- Work with Me: https://www.dr-alise.com
- Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment: https://www.prior10.com
- Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alise-murray-454238a8/
- Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/prior10/
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
What are you voting for with your time?
Not what you say you value.
Not what you intend to prioritize.
What are you actually funding with your hours, your energy, your attention?
This is part two of our series on moving beyond productivity and into intentional life design. In this episode, we take a hard but clarifying look at your calendar. Because if we audited your time the way a financial advisor audits your bank account, it would tell a story. And it might not be the story you think you are telling.
Most of us understand a money audit. If you want to save for something meaningful, the first step is not good intentions. It is awareness. Where is the money actually going?
The same is true for your time. Except money can be earned again. Time cannot.
Your time is a nonrenewable investment. Every hour is a vote. Every yes is a vote. Every no is a vote. Over months and years, those votes quietly shape your life.
So what are you building?
In this episode, we explore how urgency, perfectionism, guilt, and drift hijack your priorities. Many of us would say family is our top priority. But then the calendar shows evening meetings, Saturday Zoom calls, and checking Slack during dinner. You might say your health matters. But meetings run through lunch, and you are back on your laptop at 10 PM.
This is not about shame. It is about awareness.
Because this is not a willpower problem. It is a design problem.
If you feel constantly busy but not fulfilled, this episode will help you step back, audit your time, and begin aligning your calendar with your actual values.
No dramatic overhaul. No productivity sprint.
Just observe.
Pull up your calendar from the last two weeks. Notice the patterns. Notice the recurring commitments. Then choose one thing and ask:
Does this align with the life I want to live right now?
You have three options. Keep it. Modify it. Release it.
Your time is powerful. Treat it like an investment.
Your Next Steps:
- Work with Me: https://www.dr-alise.com
- Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment: https://www.prior10.com
- Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alise-murray-454238a8/
- Follow me on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/prior10/
Want to get a snapshot of your own life in just minutes? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment at www.prior10.com/assessment.
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.
From the publisher's feed
Are you feeling tyrannized by your to do list? Are you looking for tips to increase your productivity for better time management? Are you wondering where to begin with a planner or a bullet…
Want to know where to start? Take the free Prior 10 Life Assessment today! www.prior10.com/assessment
The information contained and documents referenced in the podcast “Your Priority Centered Life” are for entertainment, educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as, and shall not be understood or construed as, professional medical or health treatment, diagnosis, or advice. We strongly encourage listeners to consult with medical providers or qualified mental health providers with issues and questions regarding any physical and/or mental health symptoms or concerns that they may have. Furthermore, the opinions and views expressed by podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates are not necessarily those of the podcast host. Dr. Alise Murray’s opinions and views are expressed in her individual capacity and are not to be construed as those of any of her podcast guests, partners and/or affiliates.