How We Master Our Calendars and Our Lives

It’s the question every ambitious person asks: How do you balance the endless grind with a fulfilling personal life? We’re not going to lie; it’s tough out here. The default mode for many of us is to keep hustling so hard that we ain’t got time for our family or ourselves. We feel the pain of that, because we've been there. As entrepreneurs, we wear a lot of hats, from janitor to answering every phone call, and it can leave us feeling completely drained. But what if the problem isn’t the grind, but our approach to it?

We’ve come to realize that balance is not about a 50/50 split of time. That kind of thinking only leads to guilt and burnout. You can’t dedicate 50% to work and 50% to home. Instead, the mindset has to be about being 100% present wherever you are. If you’re at work, you’re fully there, and when you’re home, you put the phone away and you’re fully with your family. We've all been in that situation where we’re at home but still texting, answering emails, and not really there. Your loved ones notice, especially when they’re trying to talk to you and you're not paying attention.

This is where strategic navigation comes in. You have to be intentional and create a system that works for you. A simple hack? Use your calendar for what’s most valuable to you, not just your to-do list. We’re not talking about just blocking out meetings and deadlines. We mean scheduling in your workouts, your morning devotion, your family time, and even your lunch break. I used to miss lunch because people would just jump on the calendar and book a time. The solution? Block off that time as “lunch.” It's a simple way to set a boundary and give yourself a break.

The same principle applies to family life. We have a shared Google Calendar, and if something is marked in our special color, it's pink, it’s a non-negotiable family event. When people ask if we're free, we literally say, "Let me check the calendar," and they think we're joking or that we're too important. The reality is, we have a system that works for us. We're not available for walk-ins. Just like you wouldn’t walk into a brain surgeon's office and demand to be seen immediately, people shouldn’t feel entitled to your time. You have to teach people how to treat you by sticking to your process.

This isn’t just about work. It's about life. You have to find a partner who is equally yoked, meaning you have the same values and you complement each other. Just like in a business, you want a team with complementary skills, like a tech founder and a sales expert. When you find that in your personal life, you can work together to create a schedule that supports your family and your dreams. I have a schedule for the kids on the refrigerator so they know what’s going on every day. It reduces chaos and sets expectations.

For our single friends on the grind, we get that you might be in a season of intense focus, and that’s okay. But don’t forget to make time for community. It's easy to lose your social life and feel like you're fighting the monster alone. You need that community to stay encouraged and avoid burnout. The key is to be intentional, whether that’s carving out time for friends or just starting your day with a routine that energizes you, like a workout or devotion.

The biggest takeaway is that there must be a process in place. This process gives you the freedom and control to accomplish what you need to while getting that balanced feel. It’s about being present, having a system, complementing your partner, and making it work for you. Because at the end of the day, nothing on the planet is as valuable as people. So while you're grinding, don’t miss out on the moments that truly matter. 

Watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/OJdd597vFM4
and connect with us on social media @beyondthegrind