Episode 116: Navigating Time Management and Work-Life Balance with Anna Kornick

You can listen to this week’s podcast episode here:

Navigating Time Management and Work-Life Balance with Anna Kornick

Welcome back to another edition of the Business Reboot blog! We’re excited to share insights from our recent podcast conversation with Anna Dearmon Kornick, a seasoned time management coach. Anna’s expertise offers a fresh perspective on that ever-elusive balance between work and personal life. Here are some of the key takeaways she shared with us.

Inspired Beginnings

Anna’s journey into time management coaching began with her own experiences of overwhelm and burnout. She started her career as a congressional scheduler in Washington, D.C., and then moved into crisis communications—a high-pressure role that tested her limits. Ultimately, Anna reached a crossroads where she knew she needed a change. This pivotal moment led her to pursue time management coaching, dedicating her career to helping others find the balance she had once struggled to achieve.

The Power of Weekly Planning

One of Anna’s top recommendations for taking control of time is the weekly planning session. She explained that by setting aside time to plan out the week, we can reduce decision fatigue and make intentional choices. High performers often use this approach to start each week with a clear game plan, allowing for more strategic management of tasks and priorities. Anna’s advice? Take some time before the week kicks off to create a roadmap that’ll keep you organized and focused.

Simplification: A Key Strategy

In a world full of productivity apps, calendars, and sticky notes, Anna emphasizes the value of simplifying task management. Using too many systems can lead to confusion and inefficiency, so she recommends striking a balance between high-tech tools and low-tech methods, like a trusty notebook or planner. By keeping things streamlined, we’re less likely to get overwhelmed, and it becomes easier to stay on top of everything without unnecessary complexity.

Managing Mental Clutter

Mental clutter is a silent productivity killer, and Anna explains that it’s a major contributor to feeling overwhelmed. To combat this, she suggests creating systems to manage tasks, freeing up our minds and allowing us to focus better. Implementing these organizational habits can significantly improve productivity and help maintain a sense of calm and balance in our everyday lives.

Staying Focused Amid Distractions

In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere—whether it’s the endless scroll of social media or constant notifications. Anna points out that our ability to focus is one of our greatest assets, yet it’s constantly under threat. She suggests staying rooted in a clear vision and strong core values as a way to stay grounded amidst distractions. With a clear purpose guiding us, we can better protect our focus from the constant pull of external demands.

A Personalized Approach

When it comes to time management, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Anna advocates for a personalized approach, urging us to craft systems that align with our unique needs and preferences. By tailoring planning methods to fit our own rhythms, we’re more likely to develop productivity practices that feel sustainable and meaningful in the long run.

Connect with Anna

For more of Anna’s wisdom, listeners can check out her podcast, It’s About Time, where she shares actionable insights on time management and work-life balance. She also offers a free course, “Blueprint to Balance,” which provides practical steps to tackle overwhelm and create a balanced life.

You can find Anna here

And her podcast here

We’re incredibly grateful to Anna for sharing her knowledge and reminding us that, despite the endless distractions of modern life, mastering the art of focus is within our reach. Be sure to catch the full conversation on our podcast, and join us next week for another inspiring episode of The Business Reboot Podcast.

Stay connected with us on Instagram @BusinessReboot, visit our website thebusinessreboot.com, and stay tuned for more insightful conversations!