Ever have one of those weeks packed with key deadlines, a surprise business trip, family obligations, and a contractor showing up to start a home project? Now toss in figure skating training, competition season on the horizon, fitness goals, and suddenly you’re juggling a schedule full of “athlete adulting” responsibilities. Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you really can do it all, even if it looks a little different than you imagined.
While I’m not a professional organizer, planning large-scale corporate events set me up with some effective strategies for prioritizing and staying flexible. Here are a few tricks I’ve found helpful—hopefully, they’ll work for you, too!
Prioritize and Plan for What Matters Most
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- Identify Core Priorities: Each year, I set big goals and revisit them quarterly to adjust and realign. This means marking key dates like competitions, work events, and vacations on my calendar as non-negotiables. From there, I create a plan with milestones like booking travel or scheduling smaller competitions before nationals. Checking in quarterly ensures I can adapt as needed.
- Time Blocking & Planning: Weekly check-ins are essential to staying on track. I schedule everything—skating sessions, gym workouts, and work meetings—so I have a realistic view of my week in one place. I also try and block off specific hours for focused work which helps boost my productivity so I can get everything done.
- Stay Flexible: Even the best plans change, and adaptability is key. A planned 6 p.m. workout might get bumped by an emergency work meeting. Instead of giving up, I’ll opt for a 30-minute treadmill incline walk—giving me cardio, core work, and a mental reset.
Optimize, Don’t Just Balance
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- Set Strategic Boundaries: Setting boundaries isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. For example, I know my workday rarely ends on time, so I skate early in the morning when interruptions are minimal. Gym sessions, however, are more flexible and can shift when work demands more attention.
- Integrate Skating and Fitness: I always warm up for 10–15 minutes before hitting the ice—jogging, doing off-ice jumps, and stretching. Even on chaotic days, it’s good to know I’ve at least fit in some fitness.
- Use Micro-Breaks for Quick Recovery: A perfect post-workout routine isn’t always realistic (more on recovery here). I’ll often sneak in two minutes of stretching after skating or between Zoom calls. These small breaks add up and help alleviate stress and fatigue.
Manage Stress with Simple Techniques
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- Mindfulness and Mini-Resets: Carving out a few minutes each day to recharge is a game-changer. This could mean listening to a podcast, foam rolling sore muscles, or a mini stretch session before bed. Find what works for you, no matter how small.
- Embrace the Power of “No”: Saying no can be tough, but it’s crucial for balance. Especially true this time of year – prioritize volunteer activities or commitments that genuinely fit your schedule. And remember: your holidays don’t have to be Instagram-worthy—they just need to work for you.
- Leverage Technology: Use digital tools to manage time and limit distractions. Setting social media limits or activating “Do Not Disturb” hours can surprisingly free up extra time in your day. (More on managing social media here)
Celebrate Small Wins and Stay Motivated
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- Acknowledge Progress: Reflect on small wins across career, life, skating, and fitness. Progress may feel slow, but it adds up over time.
- Remember Your ‘Why’: Staying connected to your purpose—whether it’s skating, fitness, or work—keeps you grounded and motivated, even during tough days.
- Consistency Over Perfection: Rather than aiming for long or “perfect” sessions, focus on regular activity. Consistency builds resilience and leads to meaningful results over time.
Balancing it all isn’t easy, but with thoughtful planning, flexibility, and mindful strategies, you can create a routine that allows you to pursue your passions while keeping up with life’s responsibilities. What are some things that has worked for you?
Perfect timing and important as we close in in end of year/holidays. Good advice… saying NO, small wins, perfect for YOU may not look like Insta or match your friends!