Women@Forbes ‘Day In the Life’ series gives an insider’s view into the lives of women entrepreneurs. In this series, I’ll be giving a behind-the-scenes look at everything from the people, places, and projects that inspire me to the apps, productivity tips, and stress-reducing tricks I can’t live without.
My typical weekday starts at sunrise. I’m up and out of bed between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Growing up, I was a night owl, however, as I’ve matured, I’ve come to cherish the tranquil, meditative quality of mornings. Waking up early ahead of the hustle and bustle centers me and creates positive momentum that propels me throughout the day.
Within the first 30 minutes of waking up I mix up a protein shake and hydrate with warm water and lemon. Breakfast is usually a quick slow-carb meal of eggs and greens, which stabilizes my blood sugar and gives me the energy I need to tackle my highest priority projects before lunch.
Before heading to the gym or out for a run, I filter my inbox. Taming my messages gives me a productivity boost. I clear out clutter and process anything that can be done within two minutes. It’s a quick win that frees my mind and lets me fully enjoy my workout.
In a time when mentors are important to have but hard to find, I look to the authors and thought leaders I follow as part of my virtual “brain trust,” contributing to my ongoing career development. Right now I’m reading Getting To Yes With Yourself by William Ury, which covers how to master the “inner game” of negotiation through self-awareness in order to then influence others.
As an introvert, I’m attuned to my surroundings and prefer quiet, serene spaces for working. That’s why I’ve curated an office that promotes order and calm to help me focus. It’s the perfect environment for the level of deep thinking needed for strategy and writing projects. It also nurtures the type of concentration I need when coaching, which depending on the day may involve anything from helping clients execute a job search strategy to make a major career change, ask for raise, or helping female founders thrive through the emotional ups-and-downs of running a startup.
After a long day, I find my sanctuary on the mat. I started practicing yoga about two years ago and it’s completely transformed both my mind and body. It helps me decompress and relax, which is why I save it as a treat to end the day.
