Finding Balance: How the Do the Damn Thing Time Management Workshop Transformed My Life, featuring Stephanie Browning

In today's fast-paced world, finding balance between work and personal life can feel like an impossible task. Many of us juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing work projects to taking care of family, and it often seems like there's never enough time in the day. But what if there was a way to organize your life that made everything feel more manageable? That's exactly what the Do the Damn Thing Time Management Workshop aims to do. Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie, a participant in the workshop and Emotional Bungee Jumper, who shared her experiences and insights on how it has impacted her life.

A New Way to Organize

Stephanie, like many of us, was looking for an edge on managing her tasks. So she signed up for the workshop and says "At first, it was a little overwhelming just trying to think of my life in small blocks and pieces to break it down," she admitted. But once she got the hang of using tools like Trello, everything started to click. "It definitely started making sense. It helped me stay on task better and not get caught in the squirrel cage," she explained.

The workshop introduced Stephanie to the concept of visualizing her tasks using a virtual white board 'Mural' and the famous Trello board. These tools allowed her to see everything she needed to do in one place, making it easier to prioritize and manage her time. "I actually just incorporated it with one of my employees," she shared. "She was saying that all of her stuff was in five different places, and I showed her the board. She said, 'Oh, this is amazing.' Trello has been a game changer."

Impact on Focus and Stress Levels

One of the most significant benefits Stephanie experienced was an improvement in her focus and a reduction in stress. "It's definitely helped me streamline my thought process and not be bouncing around," she said. By organizing her tasks in the Daily Management Template, she was able to focus on what needed to be done without feeling overwhelmed. "I would say it has helped with the stress some too, because I'm able to break things down and actually see what I need to get done."

Making Yourself a Priority

A key takeaway from the workshop was the importance of making oneself a priority. Stephanie found that by organizing her tasks and setting clear priorities, she was able to carve out time for herself. "I approach this from both my family life and my work life," she explained. "How can I fit meetings around nap time and other projects?" By doing so, she ensured that she wasn't just working all the time but also taking care of her personal needs.

Building Enjoyment into the Day

Stephanie also discovered the joy of planning her days in a way that allowed for both productivity and enjoyment. "I started on, like, Saturday and Sunday putting in everything that I already done that came up today," she said. By planning her week in advance, she was able to allocate time for both work and leisure activities. "If it was something that I didn't get finished, I just slide it down into tomorrow," she added. This flexibility allowed her to enjoy her days more, knowing that she had a plan in place.

Expanding Influence and Living a Fulfilling Life

Clearly the workshop helped Stephanie manage her time better so I had to ask her who she thinks would get the most out of the workshop. Her response was "people in a manager and above role. That's when you start getting into these additional meetings and projects. So I think that's where I see it coming into play a little bit more."

For those looking to live a more fulfilling life, Stephanie's experience offers valuable lessons. By taking control of her time and prioritizing her self, she was able to reduce stress, increase focus, and find more enjoyment in her daily routine. "I think anybody could benefit from it," she said. The Do the Damn Thing workshop is a group experience, so I wanted to find out what she thought about that, she noted "The group is what makes those sessions what it is. It's very much the people are the sessions."

Do the Damn Thing Tips for YOU🫵

If you're looking to expand your influence and live a more fulfilling life, here are some tips inspired by Stephanie's experience:

1. Visualize Your Tasks: Use tools like Trello or Mural to organize your tasks visually. This can help you see everything you need to do in one place and make it easier to prioritize.

2. Plan Your Week: Take time at the beginning of the week to plan out your tasks. This can help you allocate time for both work and home stuff.

3. Invest in Who You Got: Ensure that you're not just working all the time. Carve out time for yourself and your personal needs.

4. Share Your Skills: If you find a system that works for you, share it with others. You can help improve productivity and expand your influence at work.

5. Stay Flexible: Allow yourself the flexibility to adjust your plans as needed. This can help reduce stress and make your days more enjoyable.

By implementing these strategies, you can take control of your time, reduce stress, and find more enjoyment in your daily life. As Stephanie's experience shows, the Do the Damn Thing Time Management Workshop can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to improve their time management skills and live a more balanced life.