Master Time Management Like a Pro with Kelly Nolan (Ep 258)
About the episode
In this episode, Deanna discusses time management strategies with Kelly Nolan, an attorney turned time management expert. Kelly shares her journey from overwhelm to creating the Bright Method, a practical system designed to help busy women balance their professional and personal lives. Tune in for actionable tips on reclaiming your time, managing mental load, and simplifying your schedule.
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Connect with Kelly Nolan
In this episode of the Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, the host, Deanna Yates, interviews Kelly Nolan, a former attorney turned time management expert. Kelly shares her personal journey of moving from the high-pressure world of law to creating the Bright Method, a time management system specifically designed for women juggling multiple roles. With a focus on practical strategies, Kelly reveals how she overcame overwhelm and built a system that allows women to reclaim their time and mental energy, both at work and home.
In their conversation, Kelly discusses how to incorporate both professional and personal duties into one cohesive plan, using tools like time blocking and digital calendars. She also addresses the emotional load that many women carry and how to make time for self-care without feeling guilty. With insights on outsourcing tasks and creating realistic schedules, this episode offers a compassionate approach to managing your life with intention and ease.
Key Takeaways:
1. How to implement the Bright Method for more efficient time management
2. Practical tips for managing the mental load that comes with balancing career and home life
3. The importance of using digital tools like time blocking and calendars to stay organized
4. Strategies for outsourcing tasks and asking for help without feeling guilty
5. How to plan for unexpected disruptions and maintain balance during busy times
About Kelly Nolan:
Kelly Nolan is an attorney-turned-time management strategist and mom of two. After experiencing overwhelm as a young patent litigator in Boston, Kelly figured out a time management system that helped her show up in the ways that she wanted at work and at home – without requiring her brain to somehow magically remember it all.
She now empowers other professional working women to manage their personal, family, and career roles with less stress and more calm using her realistic time management system, the Bright Method.
The Bright Method has been featured in Bloomberg Businessweek, and Kelly's work has been published in Forbes, Fast Company, Insider, and Parents. Kelly also hosts the Bright Method podcast. Most importantly, the Bright Method works for real women, helping them manage it all with more clarity, less stress, and the confidence to hold boundaries at work and at home.
Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
01:41 Kelly Nolan's Journey to Time Management
04:04 The Bright Method Explained
13:34 Handling Life's Curveballs
18:37 Managing Mental Load and Practical Tips
28:41 Balancing Task Management and Emotional Drain
29:07 Using Calendars for Parenting
29:50 Planning for Low Energy Times
31:35 Avoiding Self-Criticism and Planning Ahead
34:13 Managing Multiple Calendars
37:41 Weekly Planning Sessions
44:00 Outsourcing and Getting Help
51:04 Closing Thoughts and Resources
Music: Fresh Lift by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
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About Deanna Yates
Based in San Diego, CA, Deanna helps high-achieving moms clear the clutter from their homes and lives.
Through coaching, courses, summits, and her top-ranked Wannabe Clutter Free podcast, she supports modern women in building organized, peaceful homes where they can thrive.
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