In the latest episode of the Back to Better Book Club, Abbey Graves and I dove into Laura Vanderkam’s book, I Know How She Does It. This book tackles one of the most common challenges we all face—managing time and finding balance between work, family, and personal life. Abbey and I had an enlightening discussion about how Vanderkam’s strategies apply not only to our own lives but also to anyone striving to juggle multiple roles and responsibilities.

Managing Time and Finding Balance

One of the most powerful lessons we explored in this episode is the importance of time management for success in all areas of life. Whether you're a working parent, a business owner, or anyone juggling various roles, how you allocate your time impacts everything. Vanderkam suggests that many of us have more time than we think, and that by tracking our activities, we can better see where our time goes and how to make the most of it.

For Abbey and me, this resonated deeply. Both of us have demanding careers and personal lives, but we've learned that balance doesn’t mean dividing time equally between work and family every single day. Instead, it’s about being intentional with the time you have and prioritizing what matters most at any given moment.

Recognizing the Point of Diminishing Returns

We also discussed the idea of working past the point of diminishing returns. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more work equals more productivity. But Vanderkam’s book highlights that there’s a tipping point—working beyond this actually decreases productivity.

Personally, I’ve learned to recognize when my focus is slipping, and I’m no longer producing quality work. At that point, it’s better to step away, take a break, or shift focus to something more relaxing, like spending time with family. Abbey shared similar experiences, emphasizing how stepping back often helps us return to tasks feeling refreshed and ready to be productive again.

Prioritizing Quality Time with Family

One of the most meaningful takeaways from I Know How She Does It is the value of quality time with family. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of work and obligations, but at the end of the day, family is what truly matters. Abbey and I agreed that spending intentional, uninterrupted time with loved ones not only strengthens relationships but also helps us recharge and maintain a sense of balance.

I’ve made it a personal goal to prioritize family dinners or weekend outings with my husband and children, knowing that these moments are just as crucial to my well-being as anything else on my to-do list.

Flexibility is Key

Finally, the concept of flexibility was central to our conversation. As much as we try to stick to routines and schedules, life has a way of throwing curveballs. Abbey and I emphasized how important it is to be adaptable and to find what works best for you and your family. Sometimes, this means shifting work hours or letting go of perfectionism to accommodate the ebb and flow of life.

If you're struggling to find balance in your busy life, I highly recommend giving Vanderkam’s book a read. It’s full of actionable strategies to help you reclaim your time and create a life that feels more aligned with your priorities. And, of course, I invite you to tune in to this episode of the Back to Better Book Club podcast to hear more of our thoughts on the book!

The Back to Better Book Club Podcast is your free, bi-monthly journey toward personal growth and transformation. Whether you're looking to improve your mindset, habits, or life in general, this podcast is your companion on the path to better!