This one’s for the fixers, the do-it-all queens, the women holding up the sky. Time management? Crock of Shit.
Totally useless when your brain is running a marathon in stilettos and everyone’s “can you just…” is knocking on your door every 11 minutes.
Today we get real about energy management - the only metric that matters when you’re scaling a business, leading a team, and navigating the glorious chaos of the midlife sequel season.
I share the simple, science-backed shifts that stop you hurtling towards burnout and start you placing energy where it actually creates impact without sacrificing yourself on the altar of performing your worth.
In this episode, I talk about
- Why time management is a crock of shit (we all get 24 hours; energy is the variable you can build, protect, and place).
- Energy leaks you don’t see: perfectionist re-do loops, “always on” emergency responder mode, and the people-pleasing that quietly drains you.
- The brain cost you’re paying: when you work against your natural thinking preferences, your brain can burn up to double the fuel.
- Decision fatigue is real: why you can front a board meeting at 9am and melt in front of the fridge at 8pm.
- The 1% rule: add tiny daily boosts that lift your system without needing a spa day or a personality transplant.
Try this today
- Ask one better question: not “How do I fit more in?” but “What’s worth my energy today?”
- Place it with intent: if you’ve only got 40% in the tank, give 100% of that 40% to the thing that matters most.
- Patch the leaks: spot your fixer type (Perfectionist / Emergency Responder / Always-Available) and close one leak this week.
- Build recovery in advance: schedule your warm-down and recovery like it’s a client.
Fact is....
- “You don’t need another productivity hack. You need an energy plan.”
- “We’re not short on resilience - we’re short on intentional energy allocation.”
- “Your sequel season isn’t about carrying more. It’s about carrying yourself.”
- “Stop managing time you don’t have. Manage energy you can build.”
Resources & next steps
- The Fixer’s Energy Audit : want the workbook I mentioned? Drop me a note and I’ll send the link.
- FoundHer Fire™: the coaching & scaffolding system for experienced women who are done shrinking to fit and ready to lead from their Inner Edge.
- Loved this? Leave a quick review and tell me where you listen (shout-out to my runners — go on, pick up the pace).
Language note: we keep it real; expect the odd spicy word.
Sarah is the founder of FoundHer Fire—a membership space for experienced women in business who know real success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about self; a place, a space, a community where women find their fire, for women who aren't done yet and who are ready to write their own rules of success. Sarah also co-founded The Plot Twist (un)Awards, celebrating female founders and women smashing through glass ceilings with purpose, passion and joy.
Find out more about me and how I can work with you:
