Setting Yourself Up for Success: Making Time for What Matters

Ever feel like the week flies by in a blur — and somehow, once again, you didn’t make time for your workouts, meal prep, meditation, or personal goals?

You’re not alone.

Life is busier than ever. Work demands our focus. Family and social obligations fill our calendars. And yet somehow, we also lose hours to things that don’t move us forward — like scrolling social media or zoning out in front of the TV.

In fact, the average American spends 34 hours a week watching TV. That’s almost a full-time job. Add in social media, and it’s no wonder we “don’t have time” to take care of ourselves.

I know because I’ve been there. When Facebook first launched, I’d hop on just to “check in,” only to look up two hours later wondering where my morning went. It was fun in the moment, but it cost me time I couldn’t get back — and it certainly didn’t help me make progress on my goals. That was a wake-up call. Since then, I’ve been intentional about where my time and energy go.

And now, I help others do the same.

If you're tired of feeling behind or burned out, here are a few proven strategies to take back control of your time — and your goals.

✅ Simple Strategies to Set Yourself Up for Success

1. Get clear on your goals.Before anything else, know what you're working toward. Whether it’s fitness, nutrition, mental health, or a specific performance goal, clarity is power.

2. Plan your week — before it starts.Look at your schedule every Sunday. What are your obligations? Work, kids, appointments, social events? Now ask: Where do my goals fit in?

3. Schedule your workouts like appointments.Block off time — and protect it. Morning workouts tend to be the most consistent, since they’re less likely to get bumped by unexpected events.

4. Plan your meals.Pick a time to shop and prep. Don’t just "hope" to eat healthy — make it easy on yourself.

5. Meal prep for success.Sunday meal prep is a game-changer. Here’s what I often make:

• Grilled or baked proteins (chicken, turkey sausages, marinated tofu)

• Roasted veggies and sweet potatoes

• A batch of quinoa, farro, or brown rice

• “Turkey cupcakes” (aka healthy meatloaf in muffin tins)

• Overnight oats or egg bakes for grab-and-go breakfasts

  
  

6. Stock up on smart snacks.Keep quick, healthy options on hand to avoid the vending machine or drive-thru:

• Hard-boiled eggs

• String cheese

• Almonds or mixed nuts

• Lean meat sticks or jerky

  
  

7. Use tech to your advantage.Try tools like AI-generated grocery lists or weekly meal planners to simplify the process and save money.

🙌 Plot Twists Happen — Don’t Give Up

Let’s be real: not every week will go perfectly. Life throws curveballs — or what I like to call plot twists.

Maybe you oversleep and miss your workout. Maybe your grocery run didn’t happen. That doesn’t mean your goals are out the window.

If you can’t fit your full workout in, aim for 10–15 minutes. A short session is better than no session — and more often than not, you’ll feel proud that you showed up anyway.

The bottom line? You don’t need more time. You need a better plan — and a commitment to yourself. Your goals matter. You matter. And with a little structure, consistency, and intention, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.