The Science Experiment Called Your Life

What does the term workflow really mean? I am a “Workflow Optimization Partner” after all.

For me, workflow is more of a feeling than a singular, concrete process or system. It’s how your day feels from start to finish. Is it smooth and supportive of your needs or is it clunky and another weight on your shoulders?

And while that may sound a little intangible, that feeling has very real ripple effects. When your workflows support you, you’re more consistent, less burnt out, more present with clients, and better able to sustain the business and life you’re building. When they don’t, everything feels heavier, even the parts you love.

Workflow can include things like:

• how you start and end each workday
• how you tackle recurring weekly tasks
• how you manage daily to-dos
• how much capacity you have and honoring those limitations in your schedule
• how many times you take mental breaks throughout the day
• how you incorporate the “unexpected”
• how you make time for your personal life despite all your work responsibilities
• how you plan for future goals
• how stressed or relaxed you feel at the end of the workday

While my work focuses on professional workflows, you have personal workflows too. You’ve likely just called them routines or rhythms.

And interestingly, both personal and professional workflows influence each other far more than we usually realize.

Okay, quick story time: Have you ever heard the quote, “what you aren’t changing, you’re choosing”?

Back in 2018, I was living in North Carolina managing a public library and just going through the motions. I was entirely burnt out by my role, I was putting ZERO time and energy into my well-being (both physical and mental), and I felt like I was just waiting for something to change.

But as that lovely quote above explains, nothing changes if we don’t CHOOSE to change it.

So once I heard that quote, a lightbulb went off in my head. I then promptly quit my job, applied to work at my alma mater back in Florida, and just took a leap of faith.

Now mind you, this leap of faith was only possible due to the fact that I was living with my mom and had no responsibilities other than me, my dog, and my Jeep. Even with that support system though, taking that leap was HUGE for my anxiety-riddled brain.

What if I didn’t get the new job?
What if I did?
Where would I live?
Could I do it all by myself?

My anxiety rabbit hole just kept coming up with more and more questions.

And honestly, I said screw it. If I didn’t get the job, I’d pursue my lifelong goal of through hiking the Appalachian Trail. If I did get the job, I’d figure it out as I went.

Thankfully I got the job.

And I can say with 100% certainty looking back at that time, that making this active decision regarding the trajectory of my life (the first in a long time if we’re being honest) changed everything.

It also became the first time I really started paying attention to how my daily rhythms supported me…or, as was more often the case, completely drained me. That awareness is actually the foundation of the work I do with clients now: helping them identify where their days are working against them and intentionally redesigning those patterns to feel more supportive and sustainable.

It made me realize a lot more of our lives are in our control than we think.

Now, does that always mean making huge, life-altering changes? Not necessarily. Sometimes it does. But far more often, the change comes from smaller, intentional shifts that remove friction from your daily experience.

Things like:

• Restructuring your schedule so you’re not constantly context-switching
• Removing tasks that don’t actually need to live on your plate anymore
• Building systems that hold information for you so your brain doesn’t have to
• Setting boundaries around your availability

These are the types of changes that quietly but powerfully reshape how your business and life feel.

Because at the end of the day, workflows aren’t solely about efficiency. They’re also about sustainability.

Fast forward almost a decade and nowadays I’m still on this lifelong science experiment of creating a life I absolutely love. And I know that phrase gets tossed around a lot, but it truly is my goal.

I have zero hesitation in analyzing every little thing that isn’t working for me and problem-solving a way to make it better, even if only a little bit.

And interestingly, that process tends to follow the same pattern whether I’m applying it to my own life or helping a client optimize their business workflows. It usually looks something like:

• Noting friction or energy drains
• Observing patterns and root causes
• Creating more supportive alternatives
• Implementing changes gradually and realistically

It’s simple, but it’s incredibly powerful when done intentionally.

And my wish for you is that you’re able to do the same.

So I want you to do a little science experiment of your own.

Start paying attention to how you flow through your days, both professionally and personally. Notice any moment that feels heavier than it needs to, disorganized, rushed, overwhelming, or unnecessarily complicated.

No really, open up the Notes app on your phone and jot it down.

If you want a little extra guidance, you can start by asking yourself:

• When do my days feel the most rushed, chaotic, or overwhelming, whether that’s work or personal life?

• What responsibilities, tasks, or routines do I consistently avoid, delay, or dread?

• When during my day or week do I feel most energized, calm, or focused? What tends to be happening around that time?

• What parts of my life currently feel heavier or more complicated than they realistically need to be?

• Where am I mentally juggling information, reminders, or decisions that could live somewhere more supportive (a system, routine, or boundary)?

• Where am I saying yes out of habit, pressure, or expectation instead of actual capacity or desire?

Then little by little, start brainstorming ways to change those things for the better.

And no rush on getting them all done at once. We’re not in a race. There isn’t even a finish line.

Just pick one area each week and take one small step toward removing that friction from your life. Then once that one feels more supportive, move on to the next.

This is actually where many people start to notice how complex their workflows really are. It’s incredibly common to realize that while you can identify the friction, designing sustainable solutions or knowing where to start implementing changes can feel overwhelming. That’s often when having outside support can make the process feel clearer, calmer, and far less trial-and-error heavy.

Each time you accomplish one small change, you’ll likely feel a little jolt of happiness and pride. RELISH in that. It’s hard work reflecting on your life and taking steps to change it.

But with each change you make, you’re going to breathe a little lighter.

And if my path is any indication, it just keeps getting better every time. After all, almost 10 years down the road, I’m still in experiment mode and loving every second of it.

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this, it’s that your workflows aren’t just about productivity. They shape how your days feel, how sustainable your success is, and how much space you have to actually enjoy the life you’re building.

And you deserve workflows that support all of it.

If you decide to start your own science experiment, I’d genuinely love to hear what you notice first. Sometimes simply naming the friction is the most powerful first step.