If you have been telling yourself you're going to clean things up later when you have more time, this episode is for you. Because stabilizing how your business runs, it's not cleanup work that you squeeze in when things slow down. It's a leadership decision. When the back end of your business is unstable, it quietly shapes how you make decisions, what you prioritize, and how much you carry on your own, even when nothing is obviously broken. Tune in to hear what changes when your business supports you instead of depending on you.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host, business strategist, and systems expert, and I guide consultants towards systems that protect their time and elevate their expertise. So if you're ready to run a business that supports your life and not the other way around, you're in the right place. Each episode shares grounded strategies rooted in my power and motion framework to help you lead your client experience with clarity and confidence. So grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

There's a moment I've seen many business owners reach where everything technically works, but only because they're holding it all together. I call this duct taped operations. Your clients are being served, work gets delivered mostly on time, and nothing is obviously broken, but everything requires constant attention from you. Remembering, checking, following up, filling gaps that shouldn't require this much effort. And over time, that starts to shape how decisions get made.

In the last episode, we talked about how good business decisions start with your capacity. Today, I want to apply that train of thought to something many leaders quietly postpone until they have time, and I say that in air quotes, your back office operations. For a lot of people, back office operations feel like cleanup work that they can eventually get to, something you can handle later when things calm down, once you have more time, once the business feels less demanding. Most of the time, none of these actually come true. And yes, I know cleaning up your back office and creating systems isn't sexy or fun, but the truth is, stabilizing your operations is not cleanup work, it's a leadership move.

When your back office operations are unstable, your leadership becomes reactive by default. Decisions are made based on what needs immediate attention, which is constantly changing, and then you look for what is easiest to fix or what is loudest at the moment. It's almost like a newborn baby. But that doesn't mean that you're a poor leader. It means that your business structure is asking too much of you. And this is something that I constantly see among high-touch service providers, consultants, virtual assistants, managers, anyone that's deeply embedded in their clients' work.

This happens because you care deeply. You want to do good work. You want your clients to feel supported, so you overcompensate. You respond quickly no matter what day it is or what time it is. You hold all the details in your head, you smooth over unclear expectations, and you step in because you want to keep things moving. On the outside, this looks like dedication and top-notch customer service, but behind the scenes, it is slowly draining your capacity and wearing you out.

When too much depends on you, it becomes harder to see your options clearly. You avoid making changes because it feels like there is no space to manage the transition. You delay delegating because it feels easier to just handle it yourself, and you keep things as they are because they feel predictable, even though you know it's unsustainable. When your back office operations stop supporting you, they start affecting how you lead, and stabilizing your operations changes that.

This is not about making things perfect, and you don't have to implement everything at once, but you do need to reduce the amount of effort that you have to put in just to keep things running. One pattern that came up clearly in a recent conversation I had with another business owner was this. Most people are not actually looking for systems, they're looking for relief. They want a way to stop being on all the time, a way to stop holding everything in their head, and a way to stop being the default person to answer every question.

You may not use the word operations or systems, but you feel the impact of that operational instability every single day, when your clients reach out at all hours, when information is sent to you late, when your work requires constant clarification, and when boundaries were never clearly set and now everything feels urgent. Those experiences are not separate from your operations. They are the result of how your business is structured or not structured.

Stabilizing your operations is about deciding that your business should support you, not rely on you to survive, and that decision alone is leadership. It requires you to step back far enough to see where responsibility sits, where decisions get stuck, and where your capacity is being quietly consumed. This is often the moment when leaders realize that effort isn't the issue, because they're already showing up, delivering, and doing the work.

At this point, clarity comes faster when someone outside of your business helps you look at what is really going on. You want clarity about how decisions are flowing, where boundaries are unclear, and what actually needs to change and what doesn't. This is also the kind of aha moment a Legacy In Motion Session is designed for, not when everything is falling apart, but when nothing feels settled and you don't feel supported.

When you know the way your business is functioning is no longer sustainable and you don't want to guess your way forward, it's time for a Legacy In Motion Session. It's a space to slow down and look at the whole picture, where we look at how your back office operations depend on you, how decisions are being made, and where unnecessary pressure is coming from. It's not ongoing support, it's not execution, and it's not about adding more to your plate.

It's about deciding differently so stability comes from structure instead of constant effort, and that distinction matters. Because when your business operations are stabilized, the way you lead changes. You're not constantly reacting or carrying everything alone, and you're not making decisions in isolation while you're trying to keep everything working. You have space to think, choose, and lead intentionally.

This doesn't require a full overhaul of your business. It starts with awareness. Take note of where you're overcompensating, where you are the system, and where things only work because you're available, responsive, and remembering everything. These are not personal shortcomings. They are signals that your business operations need attention, not later, but right now.

Before you move on with your day, take two minutes and write down one place in your business where things only work because you are available, responsive, or remembering everything. Do not fix it. Do not clean it up. Just notice it, because that is your starting point.

Now let's take a moment to review what we've talked about today. First, stabilizing your back office operations is not cleanup work you get to keep putting off. It is a leadership decision that shapes how you show up every single day. Second, when your business operations depend too much on you, your leadership becomes reactive instead of proactive, making it harder to make sound decisions. Third, this is not about working harder or fixing everything at once, but about noticing where you're overcompensating and holding things together through effort instead of structure.

We also talked about what happens when your back office operations stop supporting you. They affect how you lead, influence your boundaries, your decision making, and your capacity more than you realize. Not to mention, clarity comes from slowing down long enough to see how your business is actually operating, not from pushing forward and hoping things settle on their own. That is the shift I'm inviting you to make today.

If this episode helped you see that your business doesn't need more effort or energy, but it does need steadier structure and clearer decisions, the Legacy In Motion Session is available when you're ready. It's a focused space for you to step back so we can see what is actually happening and decide what needs to change without rushing into quick fixes. You can find the link to book that in the show notes.

For now, remember that you do not need to clean anything up. You can simply notice where stability would change how you lead and let that awareness guide what comes next.

Thank you for tuning in today. If this episode feels like a breath of fresh air, it's because you're already craving a business that supports your life, not one that steals your time. If you want help spotting what's quietly draining your time and energy, you can download the Back Office POWER Checklist at theshannonbaker.com/checklist. And if this conversation resonated with you, make sure you're following the podcast on your favorite platform so you don't miss what's next. We'll keep breaking this down together one intentional step at a time. Until next time, keep calm and streamline.

If you have been putting off making important decisions in your business, not because you don't know what to do, but because you're not sure you have the capacity to follow through, then this episode is for you. This conversation is about a shift most of us were never taught to make. Learning how to make decisions based on the season you're in and the capacity that you actually have instead of defaulting to the strategy you think you should be using.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host, business strategist, and systems expert. I guide consultants towards systems that protect their time and elevate their expertise. If you're ready to run a business that supports your life and not the other way around, you're in the right place.

Each episode shares grounded strategies rooted in my POWER In Motion framework to help you lead your client experience with clarity and confidence. So grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

As the founder of your business, the decisions you make matter. I'm not just talking about the big ones like your pricing or the services that you offer, but the quieter decisions that determine how your time, energy, and attention are spent every single day.

On paper, many of these decisions may look like they make sense because they align with your goals. They feel reasonable at the time, and because of that, you can explain exactly why right now is the best time to move forward. Yet, instead of feeling clear and confident, you hesitate. This happens not because you're confused or because you don't know enough, but because at some level you recognize that following through on this decision is going to require more capacity than you actually have at the moment.

This usually happens when you've been meeting deadlines and showing up consistently for a long time, but you haven't paused to reassess how your business is really operating. What's interesting about this moment is that nothing is on fire and nothing is broken, but nothing feels settled either. Something feels off. So despite giving it your all, clarity still feels just out of reach.

If that sounds familiar, I am glad you tuned in today, because there is one core area that helps these moments make sense. Decisions don't start with strategy. They start with your capacity. That is why I am a firm believer in making decisions based on the season of your life and your business, not just the opportunity in front of you.

I know this can feel counterintuitive, especially if you're used to pushing through and solving problems as they come up. Most of us were taught to look at the opportunity first and focus on the potential outcome. If it looks good, then go for it. But when capacity is treated as an afterthought, even well-intentioned decisions can quietly make things harder to manage.

Many business owners wait until they feel a clear capacity issue before they take a closer look at how their business is structured. By then, the business often looks successful from the outside, and it is. But it also requires a high level of availability and constant touch points. They know something needs to change and they understand the logic behind it. But because of how the business has been built and how much it depends on them, they do not know how to stop operating this way.

As a result, decisions get delayed or only partially made. From the outside, it looks like procrastination, hesitation, or inconsistency. Behind the scenes, it is usually a mismatch between the decision and the capacity to support it.

This is where capacity-aware decision making begins. It starts by changing the order of the questions you ask. Instead of asking what the best decision is, you start with what you can realistically sustain right now. This is not about lowering your standards. It is about making decisions you can actually follow through on without constantly overriding yourself.

Capacity shows up in more places than we acknowledge. It shows up in your availability, your mental and emotional bandwidth, and even your health. It affects how present you can be and how adaptable you are. When you're stretched thin, even good decisions can make your days feel harder than they need to be.

This is where many capable leaders get stuck. They feel depleted, so they wait to feel motivated again or for clarity to arrive. But clarity usually comes after capacity is respected, not before.

I recently worked with a consultant whose business was growing faster than she expected. Her clients were happy and her revenue was steady, and from the outside everything looked fine. But she kept delaying decisions like putting systems in place. Not because she didn’t understand their importance, but because implementing them required more capacity than she had.

Once we slowed down and looked honestly at what her business was demanding, it became clear that her decisions were designed for a version of her that no longer existed. She also didn’t have boundaries protecting her time and energy. Clarity came when we stopped asking what she could do next and started asking what she could sustain.

If you want to hear more, check out the episode How to Go From Scrambling to Strategic with Imani Guy. That realization is often a turning point. It happens when everything feels urgent but nothing feels sustainable. You know something has to change, but you don’t have the capacity to guess your way out.

That is what the Boundary Reset Scorecard is designed for. It helps you see where your time, availability, and expectations are misaligned so you stop solving the wrong problem. It brings grounded clarity and helps decisions feel steady again.

For some people, the next step is a focused working session. The Legacy In Motion Session helps you see what is really happening, where things depend too much on you, and what needs to change first. This is not ongoing support. It is space to decide differently.

Capacity-aware leadership requires honesty. It asks you to look at what a decision will really require, including your time, energy, and attention. It also asks what you are giving up by saying yes.

When trade-offs go unexamined, resentment follows toward your work, your clients, your family, and yourself. This does not mean choosing comfort. It means choosing what fits your capacity now. One path leads to steadiness. The other leads to burnout.

When something looks good on paper but you hesitate, it is easy to assume fear. But resistance is informational. It tells you something is off. Capacity-aware leadership listens. Sometimes you slow down. Sometimes you adjust. Sometimes you wait. That is leadership.

When capacity is respected, decisions feel cleaner. There is less second guessing and more steadiness. If you are stuck right now, consider this. The issue may not be clarity. It may be capacity. Pause and assess what you can manage now.

Think about one decision you’ve been avoiding. Ask what it will really require. Then ask what you are giving up by saying yes.

If you want help seeing those patterns, start with the Boundary Reset Scorecard.

Let’s recap. Decisions start with capacity. Growth requires structure. Questions must change. Resistance is information.

You’ll find links in the show notes, including the scorecard and case study. If you need support, the Legacy In Motion Session is available.

For now, let capacity lead.

Thank you for listening. If this felt like a breath of fresh air, it’s because you’re craving a business that supports your life. Download the Back Office Power Checklist at theshannonbaker.com/checklist. Follow the podcast so we can keep building this together. Until next time, keep calm and streamline.

In the last episode of the podcast, we talked about the power of pausing—not as a luxury, but as a leadership move. If you haven't listened to that episode yet, I encourage you to go back and check it out first. It really sets the tone for what we're talking about today, because once you've paused, then what do you do?

That's what we're going to talk about. We're going to talk about what it really means to move from survival mode into something that actually supports your energy, your time, and your goals.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host, business strategist, and systems expert. I guide consultants towards systems that protect their time and elevate their expertise. If you're ready to run a business that supports your life and not the other way around, you're in the right place. Each episode shares grounded strategies rooted in my POWER In Motion framework to help you lead your client experience with clarity and confidence. So grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage, and let's dive in.

Are you tired of trying to hold everything together and ready to make a change? If you're shaking your head yes—or even if you said that out loud—I am excited for you, and I'm glad that you tuned in today. That means you've paused long enough to notice that the way you've been operating is not sustainable, even if on the surface everything looks fine. And this is great. It lets me know you're not in a crisis, and I want to let you know that you are not failing.

So the real question we're going to answer today is: what comes after the pause? And it's important to talk about this because pausing is powerful, but it's only the first step. This is where a lot of small business owners get stuck. They pause, they feel a little bit of relief, and then old habits start to quietly creep back in. Before you know it, you're setting new goals, which come with new expectations, and a familiar urgency kicks in and says, "Okay, now I need you to hurry up and make something happen." If you're not intentional at this point, survival mode slips right back in—but it's dressed up as motivation.

What we're talking about today is how you can move forward without that urgency taking over again, and how to turn that pause and what you discover into sustainable success instead of another temporary reset that was never meant to last. Because here's something that matters more than most people realize: sustainable success doesn't come from doing more. It starts with clarity. Clarity about what actually matters right now. Clarity about what fits the season that your life is in. Clarity about what you are no longer willing to do that stretches you thin and makes you accommodate others.

Survival mode trains you to treat everything like it's equally important. And when everything feels important, you lose the ability to lead intentionally. But you also have to remember: sustainable success is not about staying slow forever. It's about staying grounded as you move forward. And this is the part that often catches people off guard. Coming out of survival mode is a little bit uncomfortable—sometimes even disorienting. Because when you've been operating in that urgent state for a long time, you can start to freak out when things are calm.

You may be thinking things like, "If I don't do more, I'm going to fall behind," or "If I don't respond to my clients right away, they're going to be disappointed." Maybe even, "If I don't keep moving fast, everything is going to fall apart." The problem is our brains have been trained to believe that speed equals safety and success. But leadership requires discernment. Sometimes it requires us to slow down, and we shouldn't always be in constant motion.

So instead of you trying to rebuild everything right now, I want to slow this part down even more. Because what comes after the pause is not a full overhaul. It's steady, thoughtful decision-making.

Here's a simple way that you can anchor yourself without creating more pressure. For this moment—just this moment right now—I want you to focus on three things. One boundary you're going to reinforce to protect yourself. One commitment—maybe an offer or expectation—you're going to adjust to protect your energy. And one system, structure, or form of support you're going to recommit to. That is it. No dashboards. No new tools. No big scary plans. And no pressure to get it all right. But these three things—these decisions—are how you begin shifting out of survival mode and into something that gives you a more sustainable pace.

This is where the definition of success starts to change, and you control it. Urgency creates motion, not direction. Alignment creates momentum, which is what you want. When your business reflects your values and respects your true capacity, it doesn't demand more of you than you can give. It supports you better. But that only happens if you decide how the space you created during the pause is going to be used—before your calendar fills back up and dictates that for you.

You don't need to earn space. You need to protect it. And protecting it doesn't mean doing less work. It means doing the right work at the right pace, for you, for the right reasons. This is how you shift from survival mode to sustainable success.

Now, before we wrap up today, I want to slow this down and recap what we've talked about. Coming out of survival mode is not about rushing into new goals or fixing everything all at one time. You have to start with clarity—clarity about what matters right now, what fits the season that your life is in, and what you're no longer willing to sacrifice your energy for.

We also talked about how urgency often sneaks back in after the pause, disguised as motivation. So when everything feels important, it's harder to lead intentionally—which is why we don't want that to happen. Sustainable success doesn't come from doing more. It comes from having space to make grounded decisions. You can reinforce one boundary, adjust at least one expectation, and recommit to one form of support that will help you right now. This is how the pause turns into progress. Not through pressure, but through alignment. Not through speed or going fast, but by being intentional and slowing down a bit.

Now I want to leave you with one grounding question—not something you're going to solve today, just something I want you to think about: What decision are you making right now out of urgency? The answer to that question alone can change how you move through your week because it invites you to pause before you react.

Awareness without action will keep you stuck. But awareness paired with one intentional decision? That creates real change. That's why pausing creates space. Then you get to choose how that space is used—not by rushing to fill it, not by proving anything to anyone but yourself, but by making decisions that actually support you today, this week, this month, and this season of your life.

I want you to honor your capacity. Let your choices serve you, not stretch you. And no matter what, remember—sustainable success is not built in survival mode. It's built when clarity leads and urgency steps aside.

Thank you for tuning in today. If this episode feels like a breath of fresh air, it's because you're already craving a business that supports your life, not one that steals your time. If you want help spotting what's quietly draining your time and energy, you can download the Back Office POWER Checklist at theshannonbaker.com/checklist.

And if this conversation resonated with you, make sure you're following the podcast on your favorite platform so you don't miss what's next. We'll keep breaking this down together, one intentional step at a time.

Until next time, keep calm and streamlined.

If you're already feeling behind this early in the year, like you need to move faster just to catch up with everyone else, I want you to pause for a moment and stay with me.

That pressure you're feeling right now, it's not random. And it doesn't mean that you're doing anything wrong.

So today we're going to talk about the power of pausing. And I'm not talking about taking time off. I'm not talking about slowing down for the sake of it, but pausing so you can lead your business with more clarity and be more intentional where you spend your time. And by the way, intentional is my word of the year.

And why now? Because this is one of the few moments where you can pause, make a change, and decide that you don't want to keep operating from this rushed place. If you don't want to feel that way for another year, stay tuned.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host, business strategist, and systems expert.

I guide consultants toward systems that protect their time and elevate their expertise. So if you're ready to run a business that supports your life and not the other way around, you're in the right place.

Each episode shares grounded strategies rooted in my POWER in Motion framework to help you lead your client experience with clarity and confidence. So grab a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage, and let's dive in.

If you're already feeling the pressure to move faster because you're behind everyone else, I want you to pause for just a moment.

And I know you don't need or want another reminder to slow down. But I want you to really understand that the way you're feeling right now, it's not random.

That's why I decided to start the year off on the podcast talking about the power of pause. Not as rest. Not as a luxury. But as an intentional decision.

Because the way you move forward in your business right now is either going to reinforce patterns that drain you, or it will create space for something more sustainable to take shape.

And at this moment in time, right now is one of the few times you can still influence how the rest of the year unfolds before that fast pace of life kicks back in, quietly takes over, and makes the decision for you.

Here’s something most people don’t realize.

When you don’t pause, your nervous system stays in a constant state of alert. Everything starts to feel urgent. Everything feels time sensitive, even when it really isn’t.

That’s when you start reacting instead of deciding. You’re accommodating instead of leading. You’re filling space instead of protecting it.

Over time, your calendar begins to reflect what everyone else wants and needs from you, rather than what actually supports you and your goals.

So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or like you’re always “on,” this isn’t a discipline issue. And it’s not because you’re doing something wrong.

It’s what I like to call a drift.

It happens quietly in the spaces you don’t protect. In the flexibility that slowly becomes expectation. In the small compromises that felt reasonable in the moment, but really weren’t.

Let me illustrate what I mean.

It’s like when a client sends you a text message or a Slack message on a Friday at 6:15 p.m. Even though you’re supposed to stop responding at the end of your office hours, which is 5:00 p.m., you say, “I’ll respond just this once.”

Then the next week, or even the next day, you get another message. It’s longer. And then it starts happening consistently. Almost daily. And a response is expected.

Notice I didn’t say you changed your policy. You didn’t.

But because you didn’t stick to that boundary around your schedule, you created a new policy dictated by that client because you felt it was, and I’ll say this in air quotes, “good customer service.”

Boundaries are invisible barriers that help define reasonable ways people can interact with you if they want your undivided attention.

They’re not just policies. They’re patterns. And those patterns train people how to treat you.

And the only people who get upset when you have boundaries and stick to them are usually the ones who benefited most from you not having them in the first place.

That’s why identifying drift is tricky. It often looks like you’re being productive. You’re handling things. You’re solving problems. You’re showing up.

But that’s the kind of drift that reshapes your boundaries without you realizing it. And that’s why small resets matter.

But you have to pause to notice them.

When you respond from survival mode, even your most responsible decisions can become costly. It doesn’t always happen right away, but over time it drains your energy, impacts your health, and erodes your confidence as a leader.

What I often see with consultants is this internal hope that things will eventually settle down.

After this busy season.
After this project wraps up.
After things feel more under control.

But waiting doesn’t create clarity. Waiting allows old patterns to take deeper root. What you thought was temporary becomes your new normal.

January has a deceptive calm to it. It feels open. Flexible. Forgiving.

But this is actually a small window of opportunity where you can still shape what’s coming next before expectations are set, availability is assumed, and your role becomes reactive again.

If you don’t intentionally pause now, your clients will choose the pace for you. And they won’t choose based on what’s happening in your life. They’ll choose what’s best for them.

That’s why this matters now. Momentum is forming. And once it sets in, you’re managing it instead of designing it.

Pausing doesn’t mean stopping. It doesn’t mean disengaging. And it doesn’t mean falling behind.

Pausing is interrupting reactive behavior long enough to choose differently.

I’m not talking about taking a vacation, creating a vision board, or waiting for a someday reset. Someday never happens.

I’m talking about small, intentional pauses that give you clarity.

Maybe that’s taking fifteen minutes to review your calendar and see if it reflects your real availability.

Maybe it’s adding a buffer between meetings so you can move, eat, or breathe.

Or maybe it’s a quiet check-in before your day begins, so you’re centered before everything starts pulling at you.

These aren’t lifestyle upgrades. They’re small resets.

Clarity doesn’t come from moving faster. It comes from removing friction. And friction usually lives in patterns we haven’t paused to identify.

Here’s where many thoughtful consultants get stuck.

They pause.
They reflect.
They recognize something feels off.

But nothing changes.

That’s because awareness without structure doesn’t change how your business runs. It just makes you more aware of what you’re tolerating.

You don’t need more insight. You need visibility.

Visibility into where boundaries are stretched. Where expectations have quietly expanded. Where capacity no longer matches commitments.

That’s why cycles repeat year after year, even when you’re doing everything “right.”

And that’s why I created the Boundary Reset Scorecard.

It’s not a mindset exercise. It’s not a personality quiz. It’s a grounded check-in you can complete in under five minutes.

It helps you see what’s working, what isn’t, and where your capacity is being stretched too far.

When you can name what’s not working, you can actually change it.

Using this tool now gives you options.

If you wait until you’re overwhelmed, you’re reacting.
If you wait until you’re burned out, you’re recovering.

Right now, you still have room to choose.

You don’t need to fix everything at once. You don’t need to burn your business down. You just need to interrupt the pattern.

If you’re thinking you don’t have time for this, that usually means your time is already being spent in ways you didn’t choose.

If you’re thinking you should be able to handle this on your own, you already have — but you haven’t fixed it. And it’s been costing you.

And if you feel like you just need to push a little longer, that’s survival mode. And we’re working to get you out of that.

Pausing isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating enough space to lead with clarity instead of urgency.

Before we wrap up, let’s recap.

Pausing isn’t just rest. It’s a leadership move that creates calm, clear decision-making.

Survival mode doesn’t always look chaotic. Often, it looks like you’re handling everything — until it starts to drain you.

And awareness alone won’t change how your business supports you. Change happens when you identify leaks and reset them intentionally with structure.

This moment matters not because you’re behind, but because you still have time to choose differently.

If this episode highlighted something you’ve known needed attention, that awareness is worth listening to.

The Boundary Reset Scorecard can help you take the next step with clarity, not pressure. The link is in the show notes.

All you need to do is pause. That’s a decision your future self will thank you for.

Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll talk about what comes after the pause and how to move into sustainable success without urgency running the show.

Until then, please honor your capacity. And thank you for being here.

What if I told you that you don't have to wait until January to feel in control of your business again? That can be your reality. So today we're going to talk about one small shift you can make right now so the chaos you're experiencing doesn’t follow you into the new year.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee loving host and business operations strategist. If you're a service provider who's great at what you do but stuck with misfit clients, messy onboarding, or draining workdays, this show is for you. Each week I share strategies and practical insights rooted in my POWER In Motion Framework to help you streamline your backend, protect your time, and lead your client experience with confidence. Because skills got you clients, but systems will take you further. So grab your cup of coffee or your favorite drink and let's dive in.

Sometimes I have to pinch myself because I've been in business for over two decades. One thing I've learned is that the end of the year has its own rhythm. Things slow down just enough for you to reflect, but not enough to stop the noise so you can calm the chaos.

For years I would sit down in December determined to plan for the next year. I'd pour a cup of coffee, open a fresh notebook, and start listing everything I wanted to fix, launch, or finally get right. But after a few hours that mean girl in my head would say, “You know you're behind, right? You should be further along than you are.”

One year I caught myself. I realized I wasn’t planning, I was reacting. I was dragging mind trash, messy folders, half finished projects, and unrealistic goals into a new year. Those lists weren’t strategy. They were survival tactics. The moment I realized that, everything changed.

I stopped making lists and instead of sprinting into January, I paused. I sat in silence with my coffee and took time to reflect. I looked back to see what was working, what wasn’t, and decided what I wanted my business to feel like. That shift, going from reacting to reflecting, changed how I plan and how I lead. I stopped chasing the perfect reset moment and started creating resets when I needed them, especially before the noise of the new year kicks in.

Trust me, you don’t have to wait until January or quote unquote the right time to reset. I stopped doing that years ago. In fact, September has been my January for years. I talk about that in another episode, so I’ll put a link to it in the show notes if you want to hear more.

But I want you to really shift your mindset about the right time. Your reset can start today, tomorrow, next week, or next month. You get to decide. What I know about this season is that it’s your built in opportunity to reflect, refine, and rebuild a business that doesn’t burn you out.

Over the past few episodes we’ve laid the foundation for this. We’ve talked about your goals, your operations, and the routines you need to support them. Today is the step that prevents you from sliding backward. It’s reflection. This is where you pause and take note of what used to work that still works now, and where you need to course correct before things break again.

Growth isn’t linear. Things evolve. We change. Our boundaries shift. Sustainable success comes from your ability to pause, adjust, and realign.

I know you're amazing at what you do, but your backend probably doesn’t show it. It’s hard to lead with confidence when your systems feel duct taped together and you’re working late nights just to stay afloat. You’ve been booked with clients, but every project creates new admin tasks. Your tools don’t talk to each other. You keep remaking documents you know you created somewhere but can’t find. You want to feel in demand, not on demand. You want clarity and workflows that match how professional you truly are.

That’s what this episode is about. Using reflection to shift from operating in chaos to creating space before the next season of your life begins. Because the chaos will not fix itself. If you don’t pause and reset it now, it will follow you into the new year.

There are three steps we’re going to walk through to help you reset and start building a business that works for you. Step one is to reflect before you plan. Most entrepreneurs skip this step because slowing down feels unproductive. But reflection is what gives your next move direction.

Ask yourself what worked this year and why. What drained you and how you can prevent that next time. Where your systems broke down. Boundaries are linked to every part of the POWER In Motion Framework, but they aren’t built in a moment. They strengthen through the systems that help you protect your time day after day.

Step two is simplifying what you keep. Simplification isn’t shrinking your goals. It’s freeing your capacity so you can grow with clarity. If your digital space feels like a pile of brilliant ideas mixed with too many tools, simplification is how you create room to breathe again. Then you can make strategic changes. When your backend stops leaking time, you stop leaking money. You gain capacity for better clients, better pricing, and better work.

Maybe you need to retire an offer that drains you. Maybe you need to fire a client who doesn’t respect your boundaries. Maybe you need to clean up your backend so you’re not always working harder than you should. When I simplified my scheduling system and limited when I was available for calls, clients started respecting my time because my system protected it. That one change gave me hours back each week.

Inside the Mind Your Time Society, that’s exactly what we do. We use the Systems and Sanity Suite Roadmap to simplify strategically and at your own pace. Think of it as your compass. It shows you the entire journey from your first login to running a business that operates without chaos. When you can see the whole path, it’s easier to choose the right next step without second guessing.

Once you clear the clutter and start breathing again, you can redesign how your business fits your life. That’s step three. Redesign your business to support your life. Your business should support you, not consume you. You don’t have to stay on the hamster wheel at full speed.

When you intentionally design your business to support your season of life, your structure becomes self care. This looks different for everyone, but it often means setting real office hours and honoring them, scheduling downtime between projects, or delegating the tasks that drain you.

I’ve seen how transformational a few small changes can be. When Emani joined the Mind Your Time Society she was booked out with clients but burnt out behind the scenes. Her boundaries weren’t holding because her systems weren’t supporting her. Once she used the Boundary Reset Scorecard everything shifted. She finally saw how to catch cracks before they became chaos. The Scorecard helped her see where her energy was leaking and gave her a simple way to stay aware of what was slipping. She used it regularly to realize when she was working too late or letting client tasks creep into time she blocked for something else.

Within a few weeks she wasn’t just more productive. She was more aligned. Her systems were supporting her instead of stressing her out. And once she strengthened her boundaries she gained more billable capacity and stopped ending each week exhausted. I’ll drop a link to my chat with Emani in the show notes so you can hear her story.

I want that for you too. The Boundary Reset Scorecard isn’t just another worksheet. It’s the moment you clearly see your patterns and decide what you want to change.

Here’s your quick win challenge. Before you start planning for next year, schedule thirty minutes to reflect. Pick one area of your business and look at what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. Download the Boundary Reset Scorecard and take ten focused minutes with it. Be honest with yourself. This is about awareness, not judgment. You can’t fix what you don’t see.

You’ll see where your systems support you and where they’re slipping. You’ll see where your time and energy are leaking and which boundaries need reinforcement before the new season begins. By the end you’ll feel lighter because you’ll have clarity. It will feel like closing a dozen open tabs in your mind. You’ll know exactly what deserves your focus next. That sense of calm clarity is your first reset in motion.

The Scorecard gives you clarity. The tools inside the Mind Your Time Society give you the plan and the support to follow through.

Let’s recap what we covered today. Reflection creates clarity. Simplification creates capacity. Realignment creates confidence. When your systems match the season you’re in you go from reactive to leading. From on demand to confidently in demand.

You’ve done enough surviving. Now it’s time to thrive. You don’t need to start over. You just need a clean starting point. Once you feel that clarity, you’ll have the confidence to lead your business instead of chasing it.

If you’re ready to feel calm, confident, and in control of your business without waiting for January, now is the time to join us inside the Mind Your Time Society. You’ll get a simple plan, the tools you need, and a community to support you every step of the way. Your business won’t feel like a constant emergency anymore.

You’ll start with the Welcome Checklist, follow the Systems and Sanity Suite Roadmap, and finally feel confident and in control of your backend. You won’t be guessing anymore. You’ll know exactly what to do next. Growth isn’t built by doing more. It’s built by doing what matters but doing it better.

And imagine shutting your laptop at 5 p.m. knowing everything is exactly where it should be. That’s what systems and boundaries make possible.

Thanks for tuning in today. If this episode hit home it’s because you already know you’re ready to stop patching problems and start running your business like the pro you are. But listening won’t fix the cracks. Action will. Your next step is to grab the Back Office POWER Checklist at theshannonbaker.com forward slash checklist. It will show you what’s working, what’s missing, and where your backend is slowing you down.

And if you want to go deeper, Founders Circle inside the Mind Your Time Society is where we fix it together. If you’re not quite ready, come say hi on Instagram at the underscore Shannon Baker. I’d love to hear what resonated with you. And if you’re loving the podcast, leave a quick review at ratethispodcast.com forward slash mindyourtime. It helps more service providers like you find the show.

Skills got you clients. Systems will help you keep them.

If your motivation's been up and down lately, this is your reminder that you don't have to wait until January or Monday even to get back on track. Because the truth is, consistency doesn't happen when everything calms down. It happens when you decide to establish your routine again.

So in this episode, I'm sharing how you can stay consistent when life gets messy, why structure not motivation creates momentum, and how you can reset your focus so you can finish the year or the week feeling calm, clear, and in control.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee loving host and business operations strategist. If you're a service provider who's great at what you do but stuck with misfit clients, messy onboarding or draining work days, this show is for you. Each week I share both strategies and practical insights rooted in my Power In Motion Framework to help you streamline your back end, protect your time, and lead your client experience with confidence. Because skills got you clients, but systems will take you further. So grab your cup of coffee or your favorite drink and let's dive in.

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to fall out of your routine once things start moving fast in life? You end up spending so much time catching up and trying to keep clients happy that you're reacting to whatever's on your calendar, and self care and your systems end up buried in the background.

I get it, I've been there. There was a time when I'd start each week with the best intentions, but by Wednesday I was off track. I would blame my schedule or tell myself I’d just try again next week, but all that did was create more chaos. I wasn’t failing because I lacked discipline. I was struggling because I lacked consistency in my routine.

That realization was a game changer for me, and it's actually what led to the Power In Motion Framework that I use today.

Now, in the previous episode, I talked about step three of my Power In Motion Framework which is Work On The Plan. I shared how you can build structure around your goals and create a 90 day plan that gives you clarity. But structure alone is not enough. The next step in the framework is Execute Consistently, and this is where that structure turns into intentional actions that lead to progress.

And that is what we’re going to talk about today. How to actually execute your plan so your systems keep working for you even when things start to get messy in real life.

Now, if you've listened to my conversation with Imani Guy, you heard what it looks like when clarity and consistency finally come together in real life. Her story is the perfect example of what I'm talking about today. I’ll put a link to that in the show notes. It's called How To Go From Scrambling To Strategic, so you can check it out if you haven’t heard it.

But Imani’s journey started the way a lot of ours do. She was doing great work for her clients, but behind the scenes everything was scattered. She was missing systems and she lacked a routine, so she was constantly bouncing between client work and various projects. She could not keep up.

Once she joined the Mind Your Time Society, we started working through the Power In Motion Framework together. Step by step, she started building structure in her business that supported her goals. But the biggest transformation came when she reached step four, Execute Consistently, which is what we’re talking about today.

Instead of trying to overhaul everything in her business at once, Imani started showing up in small, consistent ways. She committed to her weekly reset, which I’ve talked about before. She blocked time for reflection and made adjustments along the way. And when she used the Boundary Reset Scorecard, it helped her stay aware of what was slipping that she didn’t notice.

Within a few weeks, she wasn’t just more productive. She was more aligned and more intentional with her time. Her systems started supporting her instead of stressing her out.

And that’s what consistency really looks like. It’s not about doing more. It’s about being aligned and being intentional with what you’re doing, focusing on the things that matter most. So let’s talk about how you can build that same consistency in your business.

I’ve got three lessons for you.

The first one is that consistency is built through structure, not motivation. Motivation will come and go. But when you have structure, that keeps things steady because you know what to do next. It eliminates the mental clutter that leads to burnout. That’s why systems matter. They create predictable rhythms and efficiency that save you from decision fatigue. Think of it like you’re setting the tempo for your business. You don’t have to hustle hard or work longer. You just have to stay on beat.

Lesson two is that reflection creates consistency. Most people skip this part. We plan and we start to execute, but we don’t pause to look back and see what is or isn’t working. That is why I teach every client and every member inside the MYT Society to establish a routine that includes a weekly reset.

At the beginning or end of each week, you take thirty minutes to ask yourself three questions. What worked. What did not. What needs to change to improve my results. This is not about judging yourself. It is about being aware. When you pause and reflect, you create space to make adjustments before chaos takes over.

That leads to lesson three. Boundaries protect your consistency. It is impossible to be consistent when you are overextended. Every time you say yes to something outside your boundaries that drains you, you take time and energy away from what keeps you grounded and moving forward.

This is where a lot of business owners get stuck. They build systems but forget to protect the time and space to let them work. The Boundary Reset Scorecard helps you notice those cracks before they become craters. Maybe you’ve been working late again. Maybe you’ve skipped review days for a few weeks. Or you’re letting client tasks spill over into what should be your CEO time.

Without pausing and reflecting, you will not notice it. And when you don’t notice it, your boundaries cannot protect you.

So I want you to take a minute and think about where you’ve been slipping. This isn’t for you to beat yourself up. It is to help you get the insight you need to make adjustments. What part of your routine needs attention right now to protect your time and energy.

That’s where this week’s Quick Win Challenge comes in. Remember, this is not about fixing everything at once. It is about choosing one thing that helps you feel a little more in control right now.

Take ten minutes and complete the Boundary Reset Scorecard. A link is in the show notes. Be honest about where your boundaries are slipping. Then choose one small reset that you can commit to this week. You do not have to make drastic changes. Pick something simple you can take action on immediately and stay consistent with. That could be logging off at a set time three days this week. Maybe a financial check in on Friday. Or clearing your inbox before the weekend so you can fully unplug.

The goal is never perfection. It is progress that protects your peace. Consistency is not about doing more. It is about being intentional with what you do and creating calm momentum.

So let’s recap what we covered today. Consistency is built through structure not motivation. Reflection creates a routine that keeps you aligned. Boundaries protect your consistency and your energy.

When clarity and consistency come together the way they did for Imani, you stop operating in survival mode and start leading your business with confidence.

So take a deep breath and acknowledge that you do not have to wait until January to reset. You can start today. And if you’re ready to find your rhythm again, grab the Boundary Reset Scorecard. Use it to check where your boundaries are slipping. Then join us inside the Mind Your Time Society to build the structure your business needs and get accountability that helps you stay consistent even when life gets messy.

You are just one reset away from steady progress, but you have to take the first step.

Thanks for tuning in today. If this episode hit home, it is because you already know you are ready to stop patching problems and start running your business like the pro you are. But listening will not fix the cracks. Action will.

Your next step is to grab the Back Office Power Checklist at theshannonbaker.com forward slash checklist. It will show you exactly what is working, what is missing, and where your back end is silently slowing you down. And if you are ready to go deeper, the Founders Circle inside the Mind Your Time Society is where we fix it together with the Systems and Sanity Suite. You will get the clarity you have been craving.

Not quite there yet. Come say hi to me on Instagram at the underscore Shannon Baker. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most. And if you are loving the podcast, please leave a quick review because it helps more service providers like you find the show. You can do that at ratethispodcast.com forward slash mindyourtime.

If you've been feeling stretched thin or stuck in cycles of busyness that don't actually move things forward in your business, this episode is going to help you reset. You're going to learn how to create a plan you can actually stick to, one that keeps you focused, calm, and in control so that your next 90 days feel clear instead of chaotic.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee loving host and business operations strategist. If you're a service provider who's great at what you do but stuck with misfit clients, messy onboarding, or draining workdays, this show is for you.

Each week I share strategies and practical insights rooted in my POWER In Motion framework to help you streamline your back end, protect your time, and lead your client experience with confidence because skills got you clients, but systems will take you further.

So grab your cup of coffee or your favorite drink and let's dive in.

Okay, I have a confession to make. Not to mention, I was missing a real roadmap that worked, one that gave me the structure that I needed to keep myself focused.

So inside the Systems and Sanity Suite within the Mind Your Time membership, the structure begins with you joining the membership because that's where you get access to the resources and the community that will help you stay grounded.

Then you can take action immediately in Step Two, which is pick one goal and organize your operations. This is where you start cleaning up one area of your back office and start building your foundation.

I've already talked about both of these steps in detail in the previous episode, so I'm just going to put a link to that in the show notes so you can go check it out if you haven’t already listened to it.

So today we're talking about Step Three of the POWER In Motion framework where you work on the plan. Now, this is actually in Phase One of the Clarity to Confidence Journey where you start to establish your systems. Because systems help you take back control of your time and your business by putting real structure in place that supports your goals.

Now, this realization for me is something that I found most entrepreneurs miss. Even the best strategy will not work without structure and intentional action. That realization became the foundation for what's now the 90 day roadmap that I use and teach inside of the Mind Your Time Society.

Because I found that working in focused 90 day cycles really turned my chaos into clarity. It gave me structure that felt like freedom. I stopped waking up in panic mode and I started ending my days knowing exactly what I was doing the next day.

And that's what I want for you. That's how I want your next 90 days to feel clear, calm, and aligned.

Because honestly, most entrepreneurs don't struggle with motivation. They struggle because their goals don't have the systems needed to support them. You cannot get clarity while you’re working in chaos, and you cannot be consistent when you have a structure that doesn't fit.

When you intentionally create systems and habits that keep you grounded and focused, your business finally starts working for you instead of against you.

So let me tell you about one of my clients who learned the power of working on the plan. She was onboarding multiple clients every month, but every step lived in her head. That meant every new client caused her to reinvent the wheel. Over time, she was exhausted by this process, or should I say, lack of a process. She told me she was so tired that her success didn't even feel good.

When we started working together, we used the Back Office POWER Checklist to identify the gaps in her back office. Then we took those results and used the 90 day roadmap to build a plan that she could follow.

Month one was all about getting clear on what was working and what wasn’t working in her business. Month two was when we started building her structure. We automated her intake form, established dedicated days for calls, and created message templates for routine responses. Then in month three, we refined what was working in her onboarding process so that it could run without her.

By the end of those 90 days, she was onboarding new clients faster, her sleep was better, and she was closing her laptop by six without guilt. She stopped ending her days feeling anxious and stressed out and started ending them feeling productive and accomplished.

That’s what happens when you work on the plan instead of chasing it or operating by the seat of your pants. You stop reacting and you start leading.

When I say work on the plan, I mean you’re actually building the structure that makes execution easier later. It’s not just about creating a plan, but setting yourself up to actually follow through.

On the Systems and Sanity Suite roadmap, this is Step Three, the point where you start building real momentum by putting your systems in place.

And if you've ever said, “I’m really not a good planner,” I want you to hear me clearly. That’s not a discipline problem. It’s a systems problem.

This is exactly why I created the 90 day roadmap, which is available exclusively inside the Mind Your Time Society. It’s not another to do list. It’s a simple guided process that walks you through Phase One of the Clarity to Confidence Journey and points you to what comes next.

So let’s talk about these phases a little more. Phase One is where you establish your systems. This is the foundation you’re hearing about in today’s episode. There are three baseline systems that give you time back and help you take control. That’s your digital filing system, your time management system, and your communication system which includes client management.

In Phase Two, you begin to build the business because your foundation is in place. You strengthen your business by creating your money management system, your sales and marketing system, and your backup systems.

Once that’s done, you move to Phase Three where you start to scale your business. This is where you move from growth to scaling with ease. You develop a digital product or signature offer, streamline your client delivery, and put an emergency preparedness plan in place.

So take a moment and picture this because that’s the full roadmap. These three phases mirror the Systems and Sanity Suite roadmap. This is the framework that helps you take back control of your time and your business one system at a time.

And if you're not inside the membership yet, that’s okay. This episode is still going to help you start working on your plan so you can create momentum and clarity before you even join.

Now, if you've been trying to do everything yourself and wondering when you’re finally going to have space to breathe, then go ahead and join us inside. Go to theshannonbaker.com forward slash membership. When you join, grab the 90 day roadmap because it will help you turn your clarity into repeatable structure with tools that make it easy to apply what you already know in a way that fits your life right now.

Because I know you're great at what you do, but you’re exhausted because you're holding it all together. It’s time to shift the way you operate.

Once you start working on your plan, keeping your rhythm doesn’t have to feel hard. That’s what I love about the weekly reset. It’s a simple 30 minute check in you can do to keep your week aligned. You can do it at the beginning or the end of your week, but you need to ask yourself these three questions. What worked. What didn’t. And what needs to change to improve your results.

For one client, that meant setting and sticking to office hours. No more replying to messages at midnight or on weekends. For another client, it meant cleaning up her digital workspace before she checked out on Friday so she could unplug for the weekend.

Those small, steady resets build long term calm, and that’s how you work on the plan without burning out.

Then, once you’ve worked on the plan, meaning you’ve built some systems and created a stronger structure, the next step comes into play. You execute with rhythm and consistency. But that’s a conversation we’re going to save for another episode.

Before we wrap up today, I want to leave you with a simple challenge for the week. Pick one goal you can focus on for the next 90 days. Yes, just one. Then spend a few minutes looking at the systems that support it. Think about what’s working, what’s missing, and what could be simplified.

And if you’re ready to build a clear plan with structure that fits your life, join us inside the Mind Your Time Society. That’s where you get access to the 90 day roadmap along with the tools and support you need to put your systems in place.

Because when you have clarity, you create structure. When you have structure, you create freedom. And when you work on the plan with support, you finally start to see real progress.

Your next 90 days don’t have to feel scattered. They can feel steady, focused, and aligned with you taking one step at a time.

So let’s recap what we covered today. First, strategy does not work without structure. Your next level isn't about doing more. It’s about organizing what you already have. Second, we talked about the three foundational phases of your journey. Establishing your systems, building your business, then scaling your business. And finally, we talked about keeping your rhythm with a weekly reset. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s consistency and calm.

When you combine structure with focus and a good rhythm or routine, your business starts working with you instead of against you. That, in essence, is what it means to work on your plan.

Take a deep breath. Your next 90 days do not have to feel scattered. They can feel steady, focused, and aligned.

If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels, the 90 day roadmap inside the Mind Your Time Society will help you map out your next 90 days with clarity and confidence. You can learn more and join us at theshannonbaker.com forward slash membership. I’ll drop a link in the show notes so you can join us when you're ready.

And that’s it for today’s chat, my friend. Remember, clarity doesn’t come from doing more. It comes from doing what matters with intention.

Thanks for tuning in. If this episode hit home, it’s because you already know you’re ready to stop patching up problems and start running your business like the pro you are. But listening won’t fix the cracks. Action will.

Your next step is to grab the Back Office POWER Checklist at theshannonbaker.com forward slash checklist. It will show you exactly what’s working, what’s missing, and where your back end is slowing you down.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, Founders Circle inside the Mind Your Time Society is where we can fix it together with the Systems and Sanity Suite, so you can finally get the clarity you’ve been craving.

Not quite there yet? Come say hi to me on Instagram at the underscore Shannon Baker. I would love to hear what resonated with you the most.

And if you’re loving the podcast, please leave a quick review because it goes a long way in helping more service providers like you find the show. You can do that at ratethispodcast.com forward slash mindyourtime.

Skills got you clients. Systems help you keep them.

Are your tech tools actually helping you run the day-to-day operations of your business? Or are they just giving you more to manage?

If things are still feeling messy behind the scenes, even with all your apps and automations, then it's time for you to simplify. So today I'm sharing how you can get your daily operations organized so that your business finally feels calm, clear, and in control and supports you the way you want it to.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I'm Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host and business operations strategist. If you're a service provider who's great at what you do but stuck with misfit clients, messy onboarding, or draining workdays, this show is for you.

Each week I share both strategies and practical insights rooted in my POWER In Motion framework to help you streamline your back end, protect your time, and lead your client experience with confidence. Because skills got you clients, but systems will take you further. So grab your cup of coffee or your favorite drink and let's dive in.

Have you ever started planning a simple family getaway only to be completely overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? Well, that was me a few years ago. I had reached a point in my business where things were finally taking off, and instead of celebrating, I was drowning in tasks—emails, scheduling, client follow-ups—all while working a day job.

I was so busy trying to keep up that I couldn't even enjoy the success I had worked so hard for. Then one day, I missed a client deadline because their email was buried in my inbox. That's when I knew something had to change. I was done letting my business run me instead of the other way around.

So I sat down and started thinking about how I could make things work for me. There’s so much advice out there about how to start your business and how to get clients, but no one tells you about the importance of systems—or how to set them up so that your business doesn't take over your life.

I quickly realized I needed something else to give me back my time—or at least control of my time—while keeping things running efficiently. Especially when I was working during the day or completely unavailable because I was spending time with my family.

Guess what it was? That’s when I discovered the power of documented processes and the importance of tech tools for automation. Those two things combined didn’t just save my sanity—they gave me space to focus on what mattered: my family, my clients, and my goals. They allowed me to step into the driver’s seat and create a business that worked for me.

Does any of that sound familiar to you? Are you constantly juggling tasks, feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day? Maybe you’re chasing money instead of creating the business you dreamed of—one that runs efficiently without you and grows sustainably.

If that’s the case, it’s time for you to take a step back and start with the first step of my POWER In Motion framework: pick one goal. And if this is you, you’re not alone—but I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Today we’re going to talk about how you can reclaim your time, build a business that supports your desired lifestyle, and start using the right tech tools to create space for what matters most to you. Specifically, we’ll dive into the first steps of my POWER In Motion framework. We’ll break down each and talk about how it can transform the way you run your business.

Step one: pick one goal. I’ve talked about this before, but yes, we’re going to talk about it again. This is all about narrowing your focus. One clear, measurable goal for the next 90 days can totally transform your approach and improve your results.

For example, when I was planning to leave my day job, instead of saying I just wanted to grow my business, I focused on a very specific outcome. Bottom line—clarity leads to real progress.

Now let’s talk about the second step: you have to organize your operations.

I know the tech tools can feel overwhelming, especially when this isn’t your strong suit. Technology is not your friend, especially when you’re already stressed out and don’t know where to start. Maybe you’ve tried a tool or two—or more—and got stuck. You thought, “You know what, this just isn’t worth it.”

Or maybe you’ve got tools just sitting there collecting dust because you’re not sure how to use them and don’t have time to figure it out.

Well guess what, my friend? You’re not the problem. The problem is that you’re trying to force tools to fit your business without first figuring out what you actually need them to do.

That’s why the “organize your operations” step in the POWER In Motion framework is so critical. This is where taking time to evaluate your tech tools before you sign up becomes essential. Tech tools are powerful—but only when they’re chosen intentionally and used effectively.

Let’s cut through the noise and get clear on how you can pick the right tools and make sure they work for you. Because newsflash—tech tools should help you do three things: save time, streamline your business, and free you up to focus on what really matters.

First, how do they save you time? Tech tools are like having an assistant who never sleeps. Imagine cutting out endless back-and-forth emails to schedule meetings or having follow-up emails sent automatically after someone submits their contact information through your website. That’s time you get to spend on something that actually grows your business—or even just enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.

Time is your most valuable resource, my friend, and tools help you maximize it. They’re worth their weight in gold.

Second, tech tools make your business run more efficiently. Think of them as quiet partners working in the background. They reduce errors, automate repetitive tasks, and keep your business functioning even when you’re not working.

And when you are working, you can focus on what truly requires your attention—not the little details. Tools like online schedulers, automated workflows, or project management systems can create processes that don’t need you to micromanage them.

Third—and most importantly—tech tools free you up to focus on what really matters. Whether that’s nurturing your clients, creating new offers, or spending uninterrupted time with your family, the right systems give you back control.

Think about how much time you’ve spent doing things that feel urgent but aren’t actually important. Tech tools allow you to shift your energy toward the things that align with your bigger goals.

That’s the kind of freedom they create when they’re working for you. And here’s a bonus—they also improve communication in your business. Whether you’re managing clients or working with a team, tech tools help everyone stay connected and on the same page.

Take Monday.com, for example. It’s not just about tracking tasks or managing deadlines—it’s about creating a centralized hub where updates happen in real time.

Now let’s be real. Using tech tools isn’t always smooth sailing. There are challenges, but none of them are deal breakers.

First, there’s always a learning curve. Yes, it can feel frustrating at first, but in the long run, it’s worth it. That’s why I create how-to videos for my clients after we set up a process. They’re step-by-step guides that help you hit the ground running without spending hours searching Google or YouTube.

The second challenge is tool overload. There are so many options that it’s easy to fall into the trap of subscribing to tools you don’t need.

If you’re like me, you’ve signed up for a free trial that expired before you even used it—and maybe forgot to cancel. Now you’re paying for something you don’t need.

Avoid this by determining what’s essential for you. Ask: What outcome do I need? Will this tool grow with my business? What features are must-haves versus nice-to-haves?

Third, consider the cost—not just in money, but in time. Will learning this tool save you time or make you money later? Will you need help setting it up or training your team? These questions are key before committing.

Here’s an example. One of my clients was using Monday.com to manage their team but wasn’t maximizing its features. They decided to switch to a more expensive tool with a steep learning curve. Meanwhile, one of their key processes was still completely manual and wasting hours every week.

Once we reviewed their workflows and implemented automations that were already built into Monday.com, several processes started running on their own. No more manual data entry. Things became faster, more efficient, and more accurate—and they were finally free to focus on growth.

So let’s recap, because this is where transformation really happens.

First, start by picking one goal. That focus creates momentum and lays the groundwork for everything else.

Next, remember that tech tools save time by automating repetitive tasks and giving you back your most valuable resource. Imagine waking up to find that your follow-ups, scheduling, and client communication are already handled—that’s freedom.

Then, use tools to make your business run efficiently. Systems should work even when you’re not. No more fires to put out, no more wondering if something slipped through the cracks.

And most importantly, use them to create space for what truly matters.

So let me ask you this: What would it look like if your business worked for you instead of the other way around? What if you had time to focus on the big picture instead of getting lost in the weeds?

Your business should work for you, not against you.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck trying to keep it all together, now’s the time to make a change. The right systems and tools aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential.

If you’re ready to take charge and organize your business, grab the Back Office POWER Checklist. It’ll show you where the cracks are so you can stop spinning your wheels and fix what really matters first.

Go to theshannonbaker.com/checklist or click the link in the show notes. Once you complete it, choose one actionable step to improve your operations—whether that’s setting up a tool, automating something, or mapping a process.

Small wins build momentum, and you’ll be amazed at how much clarity and confidence one step can bring.

When you’re ready for deeper support, join us inside the Founders Circle in the Mind Your Time Society. You’ll get access to the full Systems and Sanity Suite—tools, templates, maps, and pacing plans to help you build a business one system at a time, at your pace, without doing it alone.

You’re ready for that next level of support, and I’m here to help you build it with confidence. So let’s get started.

Thanks for tuning in today. If this episode hit home, it’s because you already know you’re ready to stop patching problems and start running your business like the pro you are.

But listening won’t fix the cracks—action will. Your next step? Grab the Back Office POWER Checklist at theshannonbaker.com/checklist. It’ll show you exactly what’s working, what’s missing, and where your back end is silently slowing you down.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, the Founders Circle inside the Mind Your Time Society is where we can fix it together with the Systems and Sanity Suite. You’ll finally get the clarity you’ve been craving.

Not quite there yet? Come say hi on Instagram at @the_shannonbaker. I’d love to hear what resonated with you.

And if you’re loving the podcast, please leave a quick review—it helps more service providers like you find the show. You can do that right now at ratethispodcast.com/mindyourtime.

Skills got you clients. Systems and your expertise will help you keep them. Until next time, keep calm and streamline.

If you’ve been following along with the Systems Reset series, you’ve heard me talk about why being great at what you do isn’t enough, why onboarding shouldn’t be a guessing game, and how your calendar can either protect or break your boundaries. But today I want you to hear from someone who has lived through all of this and came out stronger on the other side.

I’m going to be talking to a client, colleague, and friend who’s also a member of the Mind Your Time Society. Her story is such a powerful example of how getting clarity, setting boundaries, and putting systems in place can completely transform your business and your life.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I’m Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host and business operations strategist. If you’re a service provider who’s great at what you do but stuck with misfit clients, messy onboarding, or draining workdays, this show is for you. Each week I share both strategies and practical insights rooted in my POWER In Motion Framework to help you streamline your back end, protect your time, and lead your client experience with confidence. Skills got you clients, but systems will take you further. So grab your cup of coffee or your favorite drink, and let’s dive in.

Let me start by saying if you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t had a guest episode in years. One reason I made that decision is simple: it’s my podcast and I can do what I want. But more importantly, I didn’t want to bring guests on “just because.” My goal is for every episode to provide real value.

Today’s chat is with Imani Guy, the CEO and founder of Made New Marketing. I consider her a friend and trusted colleague, and she’s also my content manager and a member of the Mind Your Time Society. Before I turn it over to Imani to tell her story, I want to give you a little background on how we met, because it really emphasizes the power of collaboration.
I have a client who’s been with me practically since I started my business. She’s an event producer, and I manage her business and provide logistical on-site support at her events. In 2023 she produced a conference, and Imani was on that client’s team. We hit it off immediately and kept in touch after the event.

A few months later, I was hired by that client to clean up their back office, and Imani and I got to work together more closely. When I launched my membership, Imani was one of the first people to join. At that time, her business wasn’t quite ready to fully benefit from the resources inside. But that would soon change.

First, I want to say thank you, Shannon, for having me on this podcast. This has been a long time coming with us working together and a long time coming with me being here. Hello everyone. Like Shannon said, I’m Imani Guy, founder and CEO of Made New Marketing.

I started my business back in October of 2023. I had been working freelance in the marketing industry with a client Shannon and I shared. At the time, I thought, maybe I could be an entrepreneur—but I wasn’t ready to take that leap of faith. I loved the stability of my nine-to-five.

But in September of 2023, right before flying out for our client’s conference, I got an email saying I was losing my job. Suddenly, I had a decision to make. Would I try to find another marketing job, or step into entrepreneurship for real? Finding a job was hard, so I took a leap of faith and started my business. Now, I’m celebrating two years in business and entering my third year—a real testament to taking the leap and not looking back.

I remember that first year. You had all the pieces you needed to start your business. You were good at your work, your skills were developing, but one thing you told me was that your lack of systems was holding you back.

Yes. I remember when I first met Shannon—it was right after I lost my job. I was frantic. You look up how to start a business and all you find is “get your EIN, form your LLC, set up your business bank account.” Some may give you tools, but no one really shows you how to structure it in a way that works not just for you, but for your clients.
I had the skills and talent, but I didn’t know how to build a business that was scalable. Boundaries and systems were the two biggest missing pieces. I barely slept. I was answering client calls at 10 and 11 p.m. I had no real foundation, and it showed.

One of the things I remember from that first year is that the overwhelm started affecting your health. Yes. I was experiencing extreme burnout. I was in and out of doctor’s appointments for weeks with chest inflammation caused by stress. I was only 24 or 25 at the time. I’d be trying to work from bed, squeezing in calls on the way to appointments. It was like something out of those scenes in movies where someone’s pushing through work while their body breaks down.

That experience taught me how important boundaries are. As entrepreneurs, we often believe that saying no will make clients leave. But if something happens to you, they’ll just find someone else. You have to prioritize your health. I didn’t truly start implementing Shannon’s advice until early this year when I finally hit a wall.

I also remember another big shift you made—getting clear on your messaging and services. Once you had that clarity, how did things change?
Tremendously. When we first sat down together in March, you asked me about my vision and mission. At that point, I was just focused on getting clients and rebuilding my income. I was trying to serve everyone, which isn’t sustainable. That conversation forced me to look ahead and think about what I wanted my business to become in the future.
That was when I started to pivot. I realized if I wanted a five-year vision to happen, I couldn’t keep operating with no structure. I needed systems and a solid back office. That conversation was the turning point.

And that’s just the beginning.

This is the final episode of the Systems Reset Series, and today we’re going to bring it all together. Over the last three weeks, you’ve learned why your skills alone aren’t enough, why onboarding is actually leadership, and how your calendar can either protect your energy or drain your time. But the truth is, knowing these things isn’t enough. Action is what sparks change in your business.

So today, we’re pulling it all together and talking about the next step you need to take to move from scrambling to strategic. You’ll also get a sneak peek into a conversation I had with one of the Mind Your Time Society members, a service provider who turned her business around with the exact resets we’ve been discussing these past few weeks.

Welcome to the Mind Your Time Podcast. I’m Shannon Baker, your coffee-loving host and business operations strategist. If you’re a service provider who’s great at what you do but stuck with misfit clients, messy onboarding, or draining workdays, this show is for you. Each week, I share strategies and practical insights rooted in my POWER In Motion framework to help you streamline your back end, protect your time, and lead your client experience with confidence. Skills got you clients, but systems will take you further. So grab your cup of coffee or your favorite drink and let’s dive in.

Over the last three episodes of the Systems Reset Series, we’ve looked at the cracks in your business that are silently holding you back and talked about how to reset them. Today, we’re going to pull it all together so you can see the big picture and, most importantly, know the next step you need to take to move forward—from scrambling to strategic. And this isn’t just a recap of what we’ve talked about. This is your consultant’s reset, your chance to connect the dots and decide what you’re going to do differently starting this week.

I’m not just going to tell you; you’ll also hear from Imani, a client, colleague, and member of the Mind Your Time Society. Her story is living proof that when you take the next step to reset your systems, your entire business shifts.

So let’s go back to the beginning. In episode one, we talked about this: you can be great at what you do, land clients, and even get referrals—but still feel like you’re drowning. That’s because your skills alone aren’t enough to carry your business forward if your back end is duct-taped together.

Imagine this: you wrap up a smooth discovery call. The client is excited. You’re excited. They sign your contract, and everything seems perfect. But then the headaches start. You request files, they send them late. They text you at 10 o’clock at night, and suddenly you’re pulling an all-nighter just to start the project off right. It’s not because you don’t know how to deliver; it’s because your backend isn’t built to protect your time or set clear expectations.

And I want you to hear this from someone who lived through that experience—but fixed it.

“I had the skills, the talent, the gift—all the things,” Imani said. “But I didn’t really know how to structure a business that was scalable. The biggest pieces I was missing were boundaries and systems. Without them, I burned out. I barely slept, answered calls late at night, and ran my business on a rocky foundation. And it showed.”

Did you catch that? Imani didn’t struggle because she lacked talent. She struggled because her systems weren’t protecting her, and that led her to burnout and even health issues. That’s the first step to move from scrambling to strategic: realizing that brilliance and skill alone won’t build a sustainable business. Systems are what give your skills staying power.

In episode two, we dug into the client onboarding process because many consultants treat onboarding like it’s just a bunch of paperwork—signing contracts, sending invoices, getting paid, and jumping straight into the work. But onboarding is your first opportunity to lead. Without it, clients will make up their own rules. They’ll send files randomly, text you at all hours, and expect you to keep up. Once that tone is set, it’s tough to change it later.

I remember a Saturday morning when a client called me out of the blue, panicking about something we’d already discussed multiple times in email. Instead of reinforcing my boundaries, I scrambled to fix it and make them happy. That moment made me realize the client wasn’t the problem—I was, because I hadn’t set the tone.

Imani experienced similar struggles until she reset her onboarding process.

“Airtable was a game changer,” she said. “Before that, I didn’t have a true onboarding system. I had calls, but no clear checklist. Now clients know exactly what’s required before we start. If I don’t get what I need, their start date moves. It’s that simple—and that’s helped me stay in control instead of chasing clients.”

It wasn’t really about Airtable, though. It was about finally having a process that worked—for her and for her clients. She created a reusable template that made onboarding smooth and client-friendly. She leads the process now instead of chasing it.

That’s the power of treating onboarding as leadership. And that’s your next step—build an onboarding process that sets the tone for how you work with clients, not how they decide to work with you.

Then, in episode three, we shifted to your calendar. A messy calendar doesn’t just waste time; it drains your energy and confidence. It blurs the line between work and life until you feel like you’re always on call. I’ve been there too—saying yes to everything, squeezing in calls between family time, and answering emails after dinner. Eventually, I burned out. The turning point came when I set boundaries: office hours, an autoresponder, and blocked-off time for family and self-care.

Imani had to make that same shift.

“When it came to my calendar,” she said, “I used to take meetings every day of the week, all day long. I didn’t even have a separate work phone, so I answered messages at any hour. But that taught my clients to expect that from me. Now, I only take meetings Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Tuesdays are for admin, Fridays are for rest. And it’s changed everything.”

That right there is freedom. Imani stopped being available five days a week for anyone who wanted her time. She created space to rest, work on her business, and actually live her life.

The difference between struggling and thriving is the difference between being on demand and being in demand. When your calendar reflects your boundaries, you protect your energy instead of draining it.

So let’s zoom out and connect the dots. Being great at what you do isn’t enough—you need systems. Onboarding isn’t busywork—it’s leadership. And your calendar isn’t just a schedule—it’s a boundary system that protects your energy. These simple resets are connected, and together, they create a business that finally supports you instead of draining you.

Your next step is to put them into action so you can finally move from scrambling to strategic.

This week’s quick win challenge is simple: grab the free Boundary Reset Scorecard from the show notes. It’s not just another checklist to file away—it’s a two-minute tool that shows you where your time is leaking. If you’ve ever ended the week exhausted but unsure what you actually accomplished, the scorecard will show you why and what to fix first. That’s how you start moving from scrambling to strategic, one step at a time.

Before I wrap up, I want to leave you with this: this series was the spark to help you get started, but your next step is where the real change happens. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, this is it—it’s time for a consultant’s reset. The Back Office POWER Checklist, the Starter Stack, and the 90-Day Roadmap inside the Mind Your Time Society are the exact tools that helped Imani go from scrambling to strategic.

I’d love to take that next step with you. You don’t have to figure this out alone or keep running on fumes. Join us inside the Mind Your Time Society and let’s reset your systems together so you can lead your business with confidence instead of letting it run you.

Remember—skills got you clients, but systems and your ability to lead with them are what will help you keep them. And now, it’s your time to take the next step.

Thanks for tuning in today. If this episode hit home, it’s because you already know you’re ready to stop patching problems and start running your business like the pro you are. But listening won’t fix the cracks—action will.

Your next step? Grab the Back Office POWER Checklist at theshannonbaker.com/checklist. It’ll show you what’s working, what’s missing, and where your backend is silently slowing you down. And when you’re ready to go deeper, Founders Circle inside the Mind Your Time Society is where we can fix it together with the Systems & Sanity Suite and give you the clarity you’ve been craving.

Not quite there yet? Come say hi on Instagram at @the_shannonbaker. I’d love to hear what resonated with you most. And if you’re loving the podcast, please leave a quick review—it helps more service providers like you find the show.

Skills got you clients. Systems and your expertise will help you keep them. Until next time—keep calm and streamline.