Living with an autoimmune condition means every ounce of energy, every hour of my day, and every task on my plate requires intention. When I say I need to be organized and intentional with my time, it’s not a productivity buzzword—it’s survival, sanity, and success rolled into one.
For me, it’s not just about working smarter; it’s about working within the constraints of what my body allows. My reality means setting boundaries that protect my health while still pushing myself to excel in everything I do. One of the biggest boundaries I’ve set? I close doors at 9:30 PM—no exceptions.
The Framework That Keeps Me on Track
When you know your limits, you learn how to work around them with precision. Here’s how I’ve built a system that ensures I stay productive, even when the unexpected happens:
1. Time is My Most Valuable Resource
I’ve learned to see time not as something to fill but as something to maximize. For me, this means:
- Time Blocking: Each day is structured into dedicated blocks for specific tasks. For example:
- Mornings: High-focus tasks like strategy planning, content creation, or solving complex problems.
- Afternoons: Client calls, follow-ups, and collaboration.
- Evenings: Administrative work or preparation for the next day.
- Protecting My Energy: I schedule breaks and moments to recharge throughout the day because burnout isn’t an option—it’s a guarantee if I overextend.
2. Automation is My Superpower
I lean on tools to automate as much as I can. Why? Because every second I spend doing something manually is a second I can’t spend on the work that truly matters.
- CRM for Efficiency: My CRM tracks follow-ups, manages client interactions, and ensures no opportunity slips through the cracks.
- Notion for Organization: Notion is my home base for organizing projects, tracking progress, and managing workflows.
- Zapier for Automation: I use Zapier to connect tools like my email, calendar, and CRM, automating repetitive tasks like reminders and updates.
3. Prepared for the Unexpected
Life doesn’t care about my perfectly planned schedule, and emergencies don’t wait for convenient moments. That’s why I always keep my systems portable:
- Cloud-Based Everything: All my tools are accessible from anywhere—laptop, tablet, or phone. If I need to execute on-the-go, I can.
- Daily Prioritization: Each morning, I identify the top three things I must accomplish. Even if the rest of the day goes sideways, I know I’ve handled the essentials.
- A Framework That Adapts: My rhythm isn’t rigid—it’s resilient. When plans change, I can pivot without losing control.
4. Boundaries That Empower, Not Restrict
Closing my doors at 10 PM isn’t about limitation; it’s about liberation. I know I need rest to be my best, and when I stick to my framework, I feel more in control, capable, and confident. These boundaries aren’t walls—they’re guardrails that keep me moving forward.
5. Intention is Everything
Every task, meeting, and interaction has a purpose. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t make the cut. This mindset ensures that I’m not just busy—I’m effective. Being intentional means:
- Saying “no” to things that drain my energy without adding value.
- Focusing on tasks that align with my goals and priorities.
- Celebrating progress, not perfection.
Why This Matters
For someone like me, with limited energy reserves and an unpredictable health landscape, having a rhythm and framework isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. It allows me to thrive in my career while still taking care of my health and wellbeing.
If you’re struggling to find balance, here’s my advice:
- Define your non-negotiables.
- Build systems that work for you.
- Give yourself permission to set boundaries that protect your time and energy.
Closing Thought
I’ve learned that success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing the right things, the right way, at the right time. My framework isn’t just about productivity; it’s about making my life and work sustainable.
Whether you’re dealing with health challenges, a packed schedule, or just the chaos of life, I hope this inspires you to build a rhythm that works for you. Because when you take control of your time, you take control of your future.
Let’s keep the conversation going. How do you stay intentional with your time? Drop your tips below—I’d love to hear them. 💬
Anthony Lobosco
