How to Stop Running on Empty and Start Leading with Intention

Every tax season, my life felt chaotic. I worked off adrenaline, hyper-focused on finishing client taxes in front of me—surviving, not thriving. Once the season ended, my tank was always empty. Every. Single. Year.

It wasn’t until I heard the same advice from a few wise voices that it clicked: I had been reacting to my calendar instead of designing it.

That realization changed everything. I now structure my time with intention. And the results? More clarity, less stress, and control that actually feels sustainable.

If you’re a business owner, you’ve likely experienced something similar.

You’re drowning in decisions, your energy spikes and dips without warning, and your calendar feels like a game of survival.

But what if the goal isn’t just to “manage” your time—what if it’s to rethink it entirely?

⏳ Time Isn’t Just a Resource—It’s a Responsibility

Most entrepreneurs treat their calendar like a to-do list with timestamps. But here’s the truth: time is finite, and every meeting, task, or yes must earn its place.

It’s interesting to note that overcommitting is a form of self-sabotage. If your calendar is a mirror of your business priorities, then what does yours reflect back?

Try this: Once a week, audit your calendar for what you didn’t need to do. Do this for a few weeks and spot the obligations that cost more than they returned—energetically, financially, or strategically. Now imagine your schedule without them.

⚡ Protect Your Cognitive Energy—Not Just Your Time

Not all hours are equal.

You may have noticed that your mental sharpness is highest at specific times of day. Most people (including myself) do their best work in the morning. If you’re using those golden hours to check email or attend routine meetings, you’re leaking your best thinking into low-value activities.

Instead, design your day around energy—not the clock.

Block off your peak hours for creative or strategic work. Shift repetitive, administrative, or draining tasks to later in the day when your brain is naturally in maintenance mode.

This was a game-changer for me, and maybe for you too.

"Productivity isn’t about doing more things—it’s about doing the right things." ~ Chris Bailey

 

🔍 You Can’t Manage What You Can’t See

Entrepreneurs often fly blind with their schedules. You “know” you’re busy, but you haven’t mapped how your time is actually spent. That fog leads to overbooking, decision fatigue, and poor prioritization. This was my reality for years.

Use a time-tracking app or simple spreadsheet for one week. See what’s real. Then apply this filter: “Does this support my highest goals?”

If not, delegate it, defer it, or delete it. If you don’t know what your highest goals are, it’s time to define your intentions.

🎯 Fewer Decisions = Less Fatigue

Decision fatigue drains your mental reserves faster than a speeding bullet. Every time you ask, “What should I work on next?”, you lose precious momentum. Pre-deciding your day (even loosely) restores control and reduces stress.

My days are pre-decided well in advance, but they have a bit of wiggle room for emergencies.

Here’s an example of a weekly routine based on key activities:

• Mondays = planning and outreach
• Tuesdays–Thursdays = deep client work
• Fridays = review and prep
• Midday = break or buffer time

Your ideal week will likely look different from this. But the main thing is that the more structure you build in, the more freedom you’ll experience.

👥 Remember: Business Is Built on People, Not Tasks

At the heart of every decision, deadline, and deliverable are people. Yourself, your team, your customers or clients.

Designing your calendar isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about protecting your ability to show up well for others.

You don’t need to fill every hour to prove you’re working. You need to build a schedule that reflects what—and who—matters most. And then protect that schedule.

✔️ Take the Lead, Don’t Just React

Redesigning your calendar isn’t about squeezing in more. It’s about creating a system that supports your mind, your mission, and your momentum. That’s what separates reactive entrepreneurs from resilient ones.

If your days feel scattered or your energy is crashing, it’s time to lead your time instead of letting time lead you.

📣 Call to Action

Want a better way to plan your time?

Download our free “Entrepreneur’s Calendar Reset Tool”, designed to help you rethink your schedule, align it with your true priorities, and protect your cognitive energy every single week.

👉 Sign up below for instant access + VIP updates on our full program launch.