Work + Life Harmony | Time Management, Organization and Planning for Overwhelmed Women - podcast cover

Work + Life Harmony | Time Management, Organization and Planning for Overwhelmed Women

Megan Sumrell: Time Management and Productivity Coachwww.megansumrell.com

Are you feeling like you're constantly juggling a million tasks, trying to keep up with the demands of work, family, and personal life? Does it seem like there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done? 

Welcome to the Work + Life Harmony Podcast, your go-to resource for practical tips and strategies to help you navigate the challenges of modern life with grace and efficiency and darn I say it, enjoyment. 

Join me, Megan Sumrell, each week as I dive deep into the world of time management, organization, and productivity specifically tailored for women like you. Whether you're a busy professional, a dedicated homemaker, or an ambitious entrepreneur, this podcast is your ultimate guide to finding harmony in the midst of life's chaos.

Through insightful interviews, real-life stories, and actionable advice, we'll explore how women from all walks of life are not just balancing their myriad responsibilities, but thriving in the process. Because let's face it: in today's fast-paced world, balance isn't always attainable. Instead, I'm focused on helping you achieve harmony – a state where you can prioritize what matters most without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

You'll discover how to reclaim control of your schedule, streamline your workflow, and make time for the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. No more sacrificing your own well-being or neglecting your passions – it's time to take charge of your time and skyrocket your productivity.

So if you're ready to say goodbye to the overwhelm and hello to a life filled with purpose, tune in to the Work + Life Harmony Podcast. Get ready to walk away feeling empowered and equipped to manage your time, get organized, and skyrocket your productivity!

Episodes

What Happens When Boundaries Become Effortless

At first, setting boundaries takes effort—you remind yourself to say no, protect your time, and stay firm. But what happens when boundaries stop feeling like work and just become who you are? In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful shift that happens when boundaries become second nature. It’s the moment when you stop managing them and start living them—because they’re no longer just rules you follow, but a reflection of your standards and values. If you’ve ever felt like setting boundaries is ex...

Mar 11, 202518 minEp. 285

Why Your Planning Tools Aren’t Helping You Get More Done

You have the planner, the app, the fancy calendar… so why do you still feel overwhelmed? Here’s the truth: tools alone won’t get you organized—you need a system. In this episode, I'm breaking down why planners and productivity apps don’t actually solve the problem of feeling overbooked and behind. I’ll walk you through the key differences between a tool and a system, how to tell if you’re missing a real planning system, and what every system needs to help you stay in control of your time. I...

Mar 04, 202517 minEp. 284

Is Your Task List is Preventing You from Progressing on Big Goals?

Do you feel like you’re constantly busy yet never making progress on the big goals or projects that matter most? Spoiler alert: your daily task list might be the problem. While task lists feel productive in the moment, they often keep us trapped in short-term thinking and busywork—pushing those long-term projects further and further down the line. In this episode, I’ll break down why task lists aren’t serving you when it comes to your big-picture goals and what you can do to fix it. With the rig...

Feb 25, 202515 minEp. 283

How to Reduce Decision Fatigue

Ever find yourself completely drained by the end of the day, unable to make even the simplest decisions—like where to eat or what to tackle next? Or maybe you finally get a pocket of unexpected free time, but instead of using it productively, you waste half of it trying to figure out what to do? That, my friend, is decision fatigue, and it’s more than just feeling overwhelmed—it’s an actual mental drain that makes everyday life harder than it needs to be. The good news? You don’t have to stay st...

Feb 18, 202515 minEp. 282

Do Your Traditions Feel Like Traps? Here’s How to Change That

Have you ever stopped to wonder why you’re clinging to certain traditions—ones that might drain your joy, cause resentment, or leave you feeling trapped? What if you didn’t have to keep doing them? In this episode, we’re diving into the emotional weight that some traditions carry and why it’s okay (and necessary) to rethink them. I’ll walk you through a simple four-step process to assess the traditions you’re upholding, decide what truly matters, and make space for traditions that bring joy inst...

Feb 11, 202516 minEp. 281

The 5-Step System to Declutter Your Home

Do you have a goal to declutter and organize your home this year? If so, this episode is for you. Decluttering can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I share my proven 5-step system for making progress without the stress. Whether you’re focusing on a single room or your entire house, this straightforward method will help you get organized and stay motivated every step of the way. This system has worked for me and so many others, and I know it can work for you too. Get...

Feb 04, 202519 minEp. 280

How to Quiet Your Mind in 3 Minutes with Samantha Skelly

If you’ve ever struggled with meditation or felt like you couldn’t “turn off” your brain, you’re not alone. But what if there’s a faster, simpler way to calm your mind and reset your energy? In this episode, I’m joined by Samantha Skelly, a leading expert in breathwork, to explore how this transformative practice can help you feel clear, calm, and focused in just three minutes. Samantha shares her journey from overwhelm to alignment and explains why breathwork is a game-changing alternative to t...

Jan 28, 202530 minEp. 279

Mastering the One Notebook System aka Your Key to Staying Organized

You may have heard about my One Notebook System, but did you know there’s a critical second part to making it work? In this episode, I’m diving into the processing method that turns this simple system into a powerhouse tool for staying organized and stress-free. Whether you’ve tried the One Notebook System or you’re just hearing about it, this episode will walk you through how to fully unlock its potential. This system has helped over 15,000 women take control of their time and eliminate overwhe...

Jan 21, 202517 minEp. 278

Wouldn’t It Be Nice If… with Heather Chauvin

Managing your time and schedule is essential—but what if there’s more to it than just getting things done? In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Chauvin, a coach who takes time management to a whole new level by connecting it to energy, emotions, and the way you truly want to feel. Together, we explore how asking one simple question—“Wouldn’t it be nice if…”—can help you align your time with your life in ways that feel fulfilling and sustainable. Heather shares her journey from overwhelm and su...

Jan 14, 202530 minEp. 277

When ‘Getting Organized’ Keeps You Overwhelmed

Are you drowning in sticky notes, notebooks, and apps, trying to stay on top of everything? It might feel like you’re doing everything right, but what if those habits are actually making things harder? In this episode, I’m sharing the two most common organizational mistakes I see (and have made myself) that keep us stuck in overwhelm. The good news? There’s a simple fix, and it’s easier than you think. If you’ve been trying to stay more organized and grounded this year but still feel like you’re...

Jan 07, 202520 minEp. 276

Don’t Overcomplicate Your New Year! Two Tips to Avoid Chaos and Overwhelm

As the New Year begins, the urge to simplify, organize, and declutter hits hard. But if you’re not careful, you might end up creating more chaos than ease. In this episode, I’ll share two essential tips to help you truly simplify your life without adding stress or overwhelm. Starting the New Year with a fresh perspective on simplification can set the tone for a more intentional, less overwhelming year. This episode will help you focus on what truly needs attention and avoid the traps of overcomp...

Dec 31, 202418 minEp. 275

How to Stop Holding Yourself Back and Ditch Self-Sabotage with Mindi Huebner

Have you ever felt like you’re your own worst enemy? Self-sabotage can creep in without us even realizing it, holding us back from the goals we work so hard to achieve. In this episode, I’m joined by Mindi Huebner, an intuitive mindset mastery expert and personal coach, to uncover the #1 symptom of self-sabotage—negative self-talk—and, more importantly, how to overcome it. As we head into 2025, it’s time to stop holding ourselves back and start showing up as the best versions of ourselves. This ...

Dec 23, 202434 minEp. 274

My Unexpected Productivity Secret Weapon

As we step into a new year, conversations about goal-setting and time management are everywhere. But what if I told you that the key to unlocking your productivity isn’t working harder—or even working more? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my secret weapon for staying creative, energized, and ahead in my work. Spoiler alert: It’s probably not what you think! This episode will challenge the way you think about work, rest, and goal-setting. Key Takeaways: Why traditional “...

Dec 17, 202416 minEp. 273

Goals with Soul and Redefining Your Purpose with Kate House

Are you feeling like the relentless quest for purpose and goal-setting has become another overwhelming task on your to-do list? In this conversation, I sit down with Kate House, a health coach and host of the Live by Design Podcast , to introduce a fresh perspective. Kate shares her framework for creating “Goals with Soul”—a lighter, more feminine approach to setting meaningful, achievable aspirations. Together, we explore how to ease emotional overwhelm and redefine productivity and purpose. Ka...

Dec 10, 202429 minEp. 272

2 Assets Every Entrepreneur Needs Before Starting 2025

Hey entrepreneur! Ready to set your business up for success in 2025? In this episode, I’m sharing the two key assets that every entrepreneur needs to have in place before January rolls around. These simple yet powerful tools—your time plan and revenue plan—are what kept me energized and growing throughout 2024 without burnout. After hearing from so many small business owners this year who felt overwhelmed, burned out, or even ready to take a break, I knew I had to share the strategies that made ...

Dec 03, 202425 minEp. 271

How to Outsource Your Laundry & Other Home Life Level-ups with Chelsey Diaz

Today, I’m excited to welcome Chelsey Diaz from the Rainmaker Family as we dive into a topic that I’ve been dreaming about—a "magic hamper" that takes care of itself! If you’ve ever wished you could hand off some of those household tasks that eat up your time, this episode is for you. Chelsey shares her personal journey with outsourcing and the mindset shifts that help women free up time at home so they can be more present for what matters most. Tune in to explore creative ways to outs...

Nov 26, 202428 minEp. 270

4 Top Planning Tools for 2025

This week, I’m diving into the planning tools that will set you up for success in 2025. Specially, I’m highlighting the two or three tools I believe everyone needs to master their time management and keep things simple. Whether you’re managing only your schedule or balancing family calendars, I’ll help you figure out what works best for you—and let you in on my personal favorites that I use every single day. Key Takeaways: How Many Tools Do You Really Need? I’ll help you figure out if two or thr...

Nov 19, 202416 minEp. 269

How to Do a Practical Digital Detox (Even If You Rely on Tech Every Day) with Shawn Lemon

If you've been feeling that pull—that nagging feeling that you're on your phone way more than you'd like—you're not alone. Today’s episode is a must-listen because I’m bringing in Shawn Lemon, a digital detox pro and founder of The Digital Organizer . Shawn’s approach is all about helping us set realistic, practical boundaries with our tech (and no, it doesn’t mean ditching our phones entirely). I think you're going to love his refreshing take on finding balance with tec...

Nov 12, 202431 minEp. 268

Ditch the Stress This Holiday Season

The holiday season is supposed to be filled with joy, right? But for so many of us, it’s become one of the most stressful times of the year. In today’s episode, I’m sharing my personal journey of transforming holiday stress into something so much better, along with key strategies to help you reclaim the magic and truly enjoy the season! We’ll dive into simple yet powerful tips to rethink your holiday to-do list, let go of unnecessary traditions, and focus on what brings you joy. Plus, I’ll show ...

Nov 05, 202420 minEp. 267

Scaling Your Dreams Without Sacrificing Yourself with Eleanor Beaton

Do you have big dreams and ambitious goals, but feel unsure about how to "balance" it all without sacrificing your personal life? In this episode, I chat with Eleanor Beaton, CEO of Safi Media, a trailblazing leader on a mission to double the number of women entrepreneurs who sustainably scale past $1 million by 2030. Wow! This conversation is full of wisdom for any woman striving for success while nurturing the important aspects of her life, which is exactly what we are all about here...

Oct 29, 202437 minEp. 266

Why I'm Not Ending the Year Strong

Are you feeling the pressure to end the year on a high note, pushing yourself to the brink just because it's Q4? You're not alone—and I get it. But here's the thing: this frantic push to "finish strong" often leads to burnout, stress, and exhaustion. In this episode of Work Life Harmony , I’m breaking down why that year-end messaging isn't doing us any favors and how you can let go of it for good. In this episode I cover: The negative impact of “end the year strong”...

Oct 22, 202412 minEp. 265

How Danielle Plans and Manages Her Time With 5 Children

If you've ever struggled to keep your family on track between your kids' busy schedules and your partner’s demanding job, this episode is for you. Hear from one of my students who’s found a way to bring work+life harmony into her family's life. In this episode, I sit down with Danielle, a full-time homemaker and mother of five, who shares her story of transforming overwhelm into harmony. With her husband working unpredictable ER shifts and five kids with busy schedules, Danielle e...

Oct 15, 202428 minEp. 264

3 Mistakes That Sabotage Your Big Projects and Goals (and How to Fix Them!)

Are you tired of feeling stuck, unable to start or finish those big projects and goals? You’re not alone! In this episode, I’m diving into the three most common planning mistakes that are likely holding you back. From planning in a vacuum to getting overwhelmed by timelines and not integrating your goals into your calendar, these mistakes can stop even the best intentions in their tracks. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! I’ll not only break down each of these pitfalls but also give you acti...

Oct 08, 202414 minEp. 263

Finding Morning Harmony for Families with Amy McCready

Are your mornings with kids filled with chaos, power struggles, and stress? You're not alone, and we've got solutions! In this episode, I welcome back parenting expert Amy McCready to tackle the all-too-common challenge of hectic mornings. Amy shares practical tools to help parents align priorities with their kids, reduce conflicts, and create a smoother start to the day. Plus, get a sneak peek at her upcoming guest appearance at Planapalooza, where she'll dive deeper into buildin...

Oct 01, 202423 minEp. 262

The Purpose + Benefits of the 4 Levels of Planning

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed and scattered when it comes to managing your life and goals? In this episode, I break down the four essential levels of planning that can help you get aligned and stay on track. I dive into weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual planning—each with its own unique benefits and purpose. You'll learn how often to review each level and why they’re key to avoiding burnout and achieving your goals. In this episode I cover: Introduction to the four planning leve...

Sep 24, 202419 minEp. 261

The Radical Impact of The TOP Framework on Systems Engineer Lara Shisler

Today’s episode is a special one because I get to introduce you to one of my favorite people in the world: my oldest sister, Lara. As the youngest of three, I’ve always looked up to her, so imagine my nerves when I took her on as a client in my business! Lara is an incredibly organized, high-powered Systems Engineer with over 35 years of experience in the aviation industry, but she found herself overwhelmed and burned out despite her impressive productivity. In this episode, we dive into our VIP...

Sep 17, 202428 minEp. 260

Time Management Strategies for Middle and High School Teens

Ever feel that sinking frustration when your child casually mentions a major project or test just hours before it's due? In this episode, I dive into why this happens so often and how you can put an end to the last-minute chaos. I'll walk you through a simple yet powerful three-step time management process specifically designed for middle and high school students. By using this strategy, you can help your child get a handle on their schoolwork and manage their time with ease. Plus, I’l...

Sep 10, 202425 minEp. 259

Student Success Interview with Teresa Hunt

Are you busy being busy without anything to show for it? That's exactly where Teresa Hunt found herself over a year ago. In this episode, I take an in-depth look behind the scenes of my signature programs with Teresa's help. Teresa, a counselor specializing in grief and a passionate photographer from Willamette Valley, Oregon, shares her journey of struggling with time management before joining the TOP Program and Plan-a-Palooza. Through our candid discussion, Teresa describes how she ...

Sep 03, 202419 minEp. 258

Why Goals Alone Aren't Enough

Are your goals falling short? In this episode, I reveal why goal setting alone isn't enough and how you can bridge the gap with effective annual planning. Many people mistake goal setting for planning, but I'll show you why that's a recipe for disappointment. Drawing from my experiences with various goal-setting workshops, I’ll highlight the limitations of focusing solely on goals and explain how to create a realistic, actionable plan that aligns with the realities of your life. I...

Aug 27, 202416 minEp. 257

The Daily Reset to Ditch Clutter with Katy Wells

Ever wondered why clutter seems to pile up despite your best efforts? Join me for a deep conversation with declutter expert Katy Wells, host of the Maximize Minimalist podcast, as we uncover the secrets behind a successful declutter reset. Learn the psychological and cultural reasons that drive us to declutter at key times of the year, and discover Katy's holistic approach to maintaining a clutter-free home all year round. In this episode, we cover: The Importance of Understanding 'Why...

Aug 20, 202432 minEp. 256