How I Outsmarted My Executive Dysfunction With a Fridge Full of Tupperware
Happy Monday Besties,
Anyone who knows me knows I’m such a meal prep girly. It took me a while to realize why meal prepping is so trendy right now. When I first started, it was just an experiment to see if I could cut down on the time I spent figuring out what to eat. But over time, it became one of the most powerful tools in my productivity toolkit. Having meals ready to go has reduced my decision fatigue, kept my energy more consistent, and freed up mental space to actually focus on my work instead of scrambling through the day.
Cleveland Clinic defines decision fatigue as “a phenomenon (as opposed to a diagnosable medical condition) where the more decisions a person makes over the course of a day, the more physically, mentally and emotionally depleted they become. A person experiencing decision fatigue struggles with executive functioning. This can have a wide range of consequences, including impaired judgment”.
So what does this mean? Basically, the more choices we make each day, the more likely you are to make impulsive decisions, or avoid the decision all together. For me, this meant after long meetings, client work, and personal tasks, I was more likely to buy quick, ultra-processed, stress-free meals. Which in turn would leave me feeling not only unhealthy and lazy, but (the way processed food always does) would also cause a negative emotional shift within me.
What Meal Prep Actually Does for Your Productivity:
Reduces decision fatigue.
You don’t need to make a new choice every few hours. You already made it once — and that counts as self-trust.Frees up mental energy.
You stop burning brain power bouncing between food delivery apps or debating what's “healthy enough” to eat. That energy can go toward deeper focus, creative thinking, or just resting.Protects your rhythm.
When you're nourished, you’re more likely to show up fully — emotionally, mentally, and physically. That means fewer crashes and more flow.Supports consistency without guilt.
You’re less likely to skip meals, binge later, or eat in ways that drain you. Meal prep doesn’t mean eating the same thing every day. It just means Future You is taken care of.
A Realistic Way to Start:
Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for support.
Pick 2–3 meals or snacks that actually make you feel good. Prep those.
Think building blocks, not full meals: roasted veggies, seasoned rice or pasta, grilled tofu, washed fruit.
Make it visual: clear containers or a visible section of your fridge labeled “quick wins” helps.
Add variety with sauces and toppings so your meals don’t get boring.
And if your version of prep is just planning out where you’re going to order from in advance? That counts too.
Meal prep isn’t a hustle culture hack. It’s an anchor.
New to Meal Prep?
If this is your first time really trying to prep meals ahead, I highly recommend reading Meal Prep 101: A Beginner’s Guide from Budget Bytes. It breaks things down in a super practical, no-shame kind of way.
And if you want help building a full productivity system that includes your energy, your cycles, your real-life flow — message me below to book a 1:1 coaching call. I’ll help you create something you’ll actually want to stick with.
Because you don’t need more willpower. You need better tools.
Stay Focused,
Lulu 🩷
This bundle combines the full Productivity Realignment Kit ebook with a pre-recorded masterclass to help you build a flexible, visual system that supports your energy, creativity, and follow-through.
You’ll get:
The PRK Ebook — a step-by-step guide to weekly resets, mood-based planning, visual task structure, and self-delegation strategies
The Masterclass — a video walkthrough of the system in action, with planning examples and real-time guidance
Perfect for creatives, founders, and neurodivergent thinkers who need structure without rigidity.
Set up your system in under an hour — and use it for life.
Delivered instantly as a downloadable PDF + video access link
Includes lifetime access to both
5k to 11k A Day: More Steps, Less Stress
Over the past two weeks, I went from averaging 5,000 steps a day to over 11,000. That’s an increase of 120% in physical output. I was moving more, but the biggest change wasn’t in my body — it was in my mindset.
That shift didn’t happen overnight. It came from gradually building habits that felt sustainable. Tracking what worked for me. Making changes that didn’t feel like punishment, but like care.
And somewhere in that process, it clicked:
This is exactly how productivity should work, too.
Let’s talk about exactly what I changed.
I wanted to incorporate a lazy girl workout into my routine, and what better way to start by simply walking more? I didn’t want to set the bar too high, so I decided to plan my routine by mood. Not only did the distance and location change depending on my mood, I also took the weather into account. We are currently experiencing an intense heatwave, a major curveball when it comes to hitting my new goal. Since I go to bed early (another recent update to my routine) I naturally wake up around 3am, and I decided this is the ideal time to get a run in. Doing more miles before the sun comes up, instead of playing catch up later was one option that worked really well for me.
You Don’t Need to Work Harder — You Need to Work Realer
Imagine what doubling your aligned effort could look like in your work, your ideas, your goals. Not the kind of effort that comes from forcing it or masking. The kind that comes from clarity, from seeing your energy patterns and building around them. The kind that works with you — not against you.
That’s Where the Productivity Realignment Kit Comes In
I created the Productivity Realignment Kit because I was tired of pushing through burnout just to “get more done.” I needed a system that helped me flow with how I actually operate — not how someone on Pinterest thinks I should.
Here’s what PRK gives you:
Energy-Based Planning: so you’re not forcing the wrong task at the wrong time
Visual Task Organization: so your brain isn’t constantly searching for structure
Mood-Based Workflows: so your productivity reflects your real capacity, not your shame
Weekly Reset Rituals: so you don’t keep starting over from scratch
These are tools I built out of necessity — as someone living with chronic illness, mood swings, and an always-spinning brain. They’re not about discipline. They’re about design.
Want to realign your productivity?
Grab the Productivity Realignment Kit here, below, or check out the masterclass if you’re more of a watch-and-do type.
When you decide to realign how you actually move, think, and feel, you might just go from barely keeping up… to surprising yourself — the same way I did when 11K became my new normal.
Masterclass + Ebook Bundle
Promoted, Praised, and Still Panicking? How To Beat Imposter Syndrome and Stay Productive
Hey Besties!
Productivity advice just doesn’t hit the same when you’re secretly convinced you don’t belong in the room. Oh yes, you know what I’m talking about — that voice in your head that says you’re not qualified, not consistent enough, or not serious enough. That you’re just “faking it” and eventually someone will find out. That’s imposter syndrome. And it doesn’t just kill your confidence — it hijacks your ability to get anything done.
I may have been a professional imposter at one point, and i’ve learned so much since those days. I was (and still am) living with Fibromyalgia, along with my depression, I couldn’t understand how I was accomplishing so much as a failure. I could easily list things like dropping out of university, or moving back in with my family, that supported this “i’m a failure” mindset. When I grew my business, I struggled for a long time to see how much value I gave my clients, and my colleagues, even when everyone else told me how lucky they were to have me. Why do some people still feel like they don’t belong — even after being praised or promoted?
Why It Hits Harder for Certain People
Imposter syndrome doesn’t just pop up out of nowhere. It grows in environments where you’ve been underestimated, overlooked, or expected to do more with less. If you’re neurodivergent, chronically ill, a first-gen success story, or someone who’s constantly had to prove their value — it makes sense that you’d internalize doubt.
And then you’re told to “just be confident” while no one talks about how heavy that self-doubt really is.
The Productivity Trap
You may try to hustle harder, take on more, bury yourself in tasks to feel like you’ve “earned” your spot. But here’s the gag — imposter syndrome doesn’t go away when you work harder. It goes away when you start believing that you’re already enough.
What Can Help
Name it. The moment you feel yourself spiraling — pause. That’s where DBT’s Check the Facts skill comes in. When your brain tells you, “I don’t deserve this,” you pause and ask:
What actually happened?
What are the facts — not assumptions or feelings?
Has anyone said I’m not qualified?
What evidence do I have that I am competent?
If a friend were in my place, would I believe they earned it?
Check the facts, not the fear.
Set your own standard. Ask: “What would enough look like today?” Not perfect. Not impressive. Just enough.
Track impact, not output. What did you actually shift for someone? What conversation did you open? What truth did you tell? That’s the work.
Build systems that hold you when your confidence drops. (This is why I made The Productivity Realignment Kit— to help you stay rooted when your mind tries to spin out.)
You don’t need to silence your self-doubt to get started. The real flex is learning to keep going with the fear. Because imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not capable — it means you care. It means you’re stretching. It means you’re growing into something real. And if you’re navigating that right now, I see you. You’re not alone in this.
Want tools to stay grounded when self-doubt hits?
Check out the Productivity Realignment Kit below — made for nonlinear thinkers, creatives, and anyone doing the most while feeling like it’s still not enough. Let’s build systems that actually support us. No more proving, just doing.
— LuLu 🩷
Delegation Is Hard When You’re a “Control Freak” With Trauma
Not a cutesy take today Bestie!
When I say control freak, I don’t mean the Pinterest version.
I’m not talking color-coded planners or micromanaging group projects.
I mean the kind of control that’s rooted in fear.
The kind that comes from having to survive by keeping everything in check—because if you didn’t, everything fell apart.
And here’s the truth nobody glamorizes:
You don’t get better at delegating by getting more efficient.
You get better by having real, heavy-hitting conversations with yourself first.
That means sitting with the parts of you that don’t trust anyone.
That panic at the thought of letting go.
That associate rest with failure and help with disappointment.
If you’re not willing to get honest with yourself about why you grip everything so tightly, you’ll never be able to loosen your hold without spiraling.
If you’ve experienced early trauma, you probably learned to rely on yourself because trusting others felt too risky. This isn’t stubbornness—it’s a survival instinct.
People with trauma often develop what psychologists call “avoidant attachment,” which means they shut down the part of themselves that asks for help. It’s a defense built from the belief that being vulnerable equals danger. So control becomes the only way to feel safe. According to Thais Gibson, for Forbes, “It's crucial to understand that acknowledging needs and embracing interdependence signifies leadership strength.”
Don’t get me wrong, I understand why delegating feels impossible.
It’s not just about handing off tasks—it feels like giving up control and risking everything falling apart. Deep down, there’s this distrust that others won’t do the job right, and that fear makes you take on more than you can handle.
This survival mindset ends up blocking collaboration and keeps your workload overwhelming. Understanding this pattern is the first step toward breaking it down.
And that’s why this “delegate to scale” advice doesn’t hit for everyone.
Because no one talks about what it actually costs you to hand over a task.
Here’s what delegation looks like when you’re someone like me:
Triple-checking their work even though they’ve never messed up.
Feeling guilty for not doing it all yourself.
Sitting in anxiety while someone else handles something you care about.
Wanting to take it back, even if you’re drowning.
It’s not cute.
It’s uncomfortable.
And it’s healing work.
But here’s the part they don’t teach you:
You can rebuild your capacity to trust. Slowly. On your own terms.
Start with small things you don’t care about.
Start with people who show you, over time, that they’re consistent.
Start with a backup plan in place if you need it—that’s not weakness, that’s regulation.
The goal isn’t to blindly delegate.
It’s to create safety around support.
And safety takes time.
If you’re learning how to let go and you hate it every step of the way—
you’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just doing it while changing your mindset to believe help is safe.
At Luna Young Assist, we work with people who’ve had to be strong for too long.
Who are ready to stop doing everything alone,
but still scared to stop.
If that’s where you’re at, I got you! Check out The Productivity Re-Alignment Kit, and send me a message below!
Stay Focused,
LuLu 🩷
Sick, Tired, and Still Building—Thanks to a Robot
Hey Bestie!
Im no tech-bro, but AI has really changed how I live my life. I didn’t start using AI because I thought it was cool. I started because my brain stopped working the way I wanted it to.
I had deadlines. Client messages piling up. Projects halfway finished.
But I’d sit there with my hands in my lap, my chest tight, my jaw locked.
The ideas were in my head—but I couldn’t get them out fast enough.
So I gave in. I opened ChatGPT. I started typing like I was talking to a friend.
And it helped. Not perfectly, not poetically. But it got the mess moving.
And that was enough.
AI isn’t magic. It’s a blunt tool. But it’s a tool.
According to TechRadar, AI tools like ChatGPT can actually help you break through analysis paralysis, automate repetitive thinking, and get out of your own way when decision fatigue kicks in. And that checks out—for me, it’s the reason I’ve been able to stay afloat on days when I can’t focus or even start.
Here’s how I actually use it—when I’m not pretending to have it all together:
I dump my thoughts in one long, messy rant. It turns them into chunks I can manage.
I feed it tasks, timelines, ideas—and it gives me something to push against when my brain is underwater.
I use it like I’d use a mirror. It reflects what I’m already carrying so I can finally see it.
This isn’t about replacing your creativity.
This is about getting unstuck.
If you’re neurodivergent, exhausted, or both—this is for you.
I’ve had entire weeks disappear because of flare-ups.
Or mood dips. Or hormone spirals.
I used to feel guilty. Like if I couldn’t “show up” every day, I didn’t deserve to be building anything.
But now?
I use every tool that lets me keep going my way.
Even if it’s clunky. Even if it’s not “pure.”
AI gives me scaffolding on the days I’m empty.
And when I’m full again—I take the wheel back.
You’re not broken because you need help.
You’re not cheating because you use support.
And no one gets a prize for doing it all alone.
At Luna Young Assist, I don’t use AI because it’s trendy.
I use it because real people with real limitations still deserve to run shit.
Still deserve to make art. Launch things. Lead. Create. Rest.
If you’re tired of pretending productivity is a personality trait—
and you just want to build something that works with your body and brain—
You’re not alone. I’m building that too.
Let’s do it together.
What are some creative ways you can use AI to be your best self?
Stay Focused,
LuLu 🩷
Launching The Productivity Realignment Kit
After much time of reflection, rewriting, and realigning, I’m so excited to share something deeply personal to me.
The Productivity Realignment Kit is finally here.
This isn’t just another how-to guide for getting more done. It’s a soft, supportive toolkit for people who are doing the most — creatives, founders, neurodivergent thinkers, people navigating chronic illness or shifting mental health — and need systems that meet them where they are.
Why I Made This
For years, I tried to force myself into rigid routines, only to end up burned out, frozen, or blaming myself for not being consistent enough. But consistency isn’t about control — it’s about rhythm. It’s about honoring your mood, your energy, and your season of life.
The Productivity Realignment Kit was born from that realization:
That productivity can flex.
That rest is part of the process.
That clarity doesn’t come from pressure — it comes from structure that’s shaped by care.
What’s Inside the Kit:
Mood-Based Planning: Group your to-dos by energy, not just category
Weekly Reset Ritual: My exact framework for clearing mental clutter & resetting your week
Visual Systems & Worksheets: Created for nonlinear thinkers and creatives who need structure they can actually see
GTD Flow, Realigned: A simplified, human-centered take on Getting Things Done
Self-Delegation + Creative Structure: Learn how to make your systems feel like self-care
For Who?
If you’ve ever said:
“I have so much to do, but I don’t know where to start.”
“My energy’s different every day — I can’t stick to rigid routines.”
“I’m tired of planning systems that treat me like a robot.”
— then this is for you.
Where to Get It
You can download The Productivity Realignment Kit right now on lunayoungassist.com or below. Use it to reflect, rebuild, and realign — one soft step at a time.
I’d love to know how you use it, what shifts for you, or even just what page you land on first.
DM me, email me, or tag me when you dive in. Your energy matters here.
Stay Focused,
-Lulu 🩷
The Quiet Power of Micro-Influencers: Why Small Brands Are Shifting Their Marketing Budgets
Hey bestie , let’s talk real quick about one of the smartest moves small brands are making right now—and no, it’s not spending thousands on ads or trying to go viral. It’s teaming up with micro-influencers, a.k.a. the newest wave of modern marketing.
You don’t need a mega-budget or a blue check to get seen anymore. Let me break it down for you:
Why Micro-Influencers Are That Girl Right Now
1. The Engagement? Higher Than Your Rent
Here’s the tea: micro-influencers (10k–100k followers) usually get way more engagement than the big names. Why? Because their followers actually care. These are tight-knit communities built on trust—not random followers who scroll past without a thought, according to Marketing Together.
2. Your Budget Will Breathe Again
Micro-influencers are often way more budget-friendly. Sometimes they’ll collaborate for products, discounts, or reasonable fees—perfect if you’re a growing brand just trying to get your foot in the door.
3. Real Ones Only
The content feels personal, not overly produced. It’s giving “my friend told me to try this,” not “another ad I’m ignoring.” That kind of authenticity? It builds trust, fast.
Okay Bestie, Here’s How You Can Do It Too:
Step 1: Find Your People
Use platforms like inBeat or scroll through hashtags in your niche. You want someone whose vibe and audience match yours.
Step 2: Be a Real One
Before you pitch, engage with their posts—leave comments, react to stories. It shows you’re not just there for the clout.
Step 3: Don’t Skip the Paperwork
Lay out expectations clearly. What do you want? A story post? A reel? Keep it specific, so no one’s confused later.
Step 4: Watch the Magic Happen
Use basic analytics (or even Instagram’s built-ins) to track how it performs. What worked? What could improve? This is how you build repeatable magic.
TL;DR For My Skimmers 💋
Micro-influencers are your brand’s new BFF. They’re relatable, affordable, and hella effective. If you’re a small business trying to grow —this is your sign.
Need help figuring out how to find or pitch the right ones? I got you. Message me or drop your questions below.
Stay Focused,
-Lulu 🩷
Not Every Task Needs a Tool: How to Simplify Your Workflow
We live in a world overflowing with productivity apps. There’s a tool for time tracking, project management, note-taking, habit tracking, meal planning, mood tracking — and that’s just Monday. But here’s a quiet truth I’ve learned from working with creative entrepreneurs, neurodivergent minds, and mission-led founders: more tools don’t mean more clarity.
In fact, sometimes they get in the way.
What Happens When You ‘Overtool’
At first, adding a new system feels exciting. Maybe even empowering. But over time, things get noisy:
You're bouncing between 4 apps for one project.
You forget where the “real” notes are.
You lose time maintaining the tools instead of doing the work.
You start to feel like your productivity system is just another job.
Sound familiar?
What Simplifying Actually Looks Like
At Luna Young Assist, we build workflows around people — not platforms. Here’s what simplifying might look like:
1. Start With Function, Not Features
Instead of “What app should I use?” ask:
“What needs to get done — and what would make that easier for me?”
Sometimes a sticky note, Google Doc, or repeating calendar event beats a robust platform that overwhelms you.
2. Use One Tool for One Core Function
Try assigning each tool a single job:
Calendar → time tracking
Google Drive → file storage
Clickup → task list
This reduces mental friction and keeps your attention anchored.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Analog
Some of the most grounded systems I’ve built with clients involve:
A weekly paper planner
A recurring Sunday review checklist
A whiteboard for rotating focus areas
Simplicity lets you see and trust your system.
Minimal Systems, Maximum Impact
When your workflow reflects how your brain naturally functions — not how a tool wants you to function — you work smoother, quicker, and with way less stress. Productivity becomes about intention, not input.
Feeling tangled in your tech stack? Let’s audit your workflow together and rebuild it in a way that actually supports how you work best. Start with a message below or check out the Free Productivity Handbook for a DIY reset.
Stay Focused,
-Lulu 🩷
The Science of Better Focus: 5 Research-Backed Hacks to Beat Distractions
Hey Bestie!
If you’ve ever sat down to work and somehow ended up scrolling through old group chats or reorganizing your desktop icons, you're not alone. Focus is slippery — especially when your mind is juggling five things and your phone pings every 10 seconds.
I’ve been there. As someone who juggles multiple projects and supports creative business owners daily, I’ve had to build systems that don’t rely on superhuman willpower. Instead, I turned to the science. These five focus hacks are backed by experts in neuroscience and productivity — and they’ve genuinely helped me get my brain back on track without burnout. We are keeping it brief, so here’s an introduction to these techniques!
Work in 90-Minute Focus Cycles
Your brain runs on natural alertness cycles called ultradian rhythms, which last about 90–120 minutes. During this time, you're biologically primed for high focus — but after that, you need a break to reset.
Psychobiologist Dr. Ernest Rossi introduced this concept in The 20-Minute Break, showing how working in sync with your body's rhythm increases mental clarity and reduces burnout. Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman also supports this strategy on his Huberman Lab podcast, recommending deep work sessions followed by rest to optimize brain performance.
Tip: Work for 90 minutes, then take a 15–20 minute break (off-screen, ideally).
Use Timed Sprints (Pomodoro Technique)
According to researcher Dr. Gloria Mark in her book Attention Span, the average person focuses on a screen for only 47 seconds before switching tasks. To fight this, timed sprints like the Pomodoro Technique help create urgency and structure.
The idea is simple: set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer 25–30 minute break. The visible countdown helps reduce mental fatigue and improves sustained attention.
Tip: Use a physical timer or apps like Tomato Timer or Focus Keeper to stay on track.
Batch Similar Tasks to Avoid “Attention Residue”
Ever feel foggy after jumping between tasks? That’s “attention residue,” a term coined by Dr. Sophie Leroy in her research on task-switching. Her study, published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, found that shifting between unrelated tasks slows performance and increases errors.
To counter this, group similar activities together — for example, answering emails all at once or reserving one block of time for creative work. This helps your brain stay in a single cognitive mode.
Tip: Try themed days or blocks (like “Admin Mondays” or “Creative Mornings”) to protect your focus.
Design a Cue-Based Work Environment
Your environment plays a key role in shaping behavior. According to Dr. BJ Fogg, founder of Stanford’s Behavior Design Lab and author of Tiny Habits, consistent environmental cues can condition your brain to enter “work mode.”
For example, working in the same spot each day, using a specific playlist, or diffusing a certain scent can all signal your brain it’s time to focus. Over time, these cues create a behavioral pattern that reduces resistance to starting.
Tip: Keep your workspace minimal, use the same sensory signals (like light or sound), and eliminate distractions during deep work.
Schedule Time Away from Screens
Dopamine-driven tech like social media trains your brain to crave novelty — making it harder to focus on one task. In Digital Minimalism, computer science professor Cal Newport explains how scheduled “digital detoxes” can reset your brain’s attention systems.
Newport suggests limiting optional tech use and creating friction between you and time-wasting apps. Tools like One Sec (which adds a delay before opening apps) or Freedom (which blocks sites) help break the dopamine loop.
Tip: Set aside one screen-free hour per day, or try a “tech Sabbath” on weekends to rebuild your attention span.
Final Thoughts
Focus isn’t just a productivity buzzword — it’s a form of self-respect. You deserve to work in a way that supports your brain, your energy, and your creativity. These tips aren’t about squeezing more out of yourself; they’re about aligning with how your mind actually functions so you can do great work without frying your circuits.
Pick one strategy and test it for a few days. Then come back, tweak it, and add another. Real productivity isn’t about overhauling everything overnight — it’s about building something sustainable, one intentional choice at a time. If you find yourself still feeling stuck, send me a message so we can find a method that works for you!
Stay Focused,
-Lulu 🩷
The Myth of the ‘Strong Friend’ – And Why I’m Done Being Her
You don’t have to hold it all to be worthy of love, success, or rest.
For most of my life, I’ve been that person—the driven one, the one with all the answers, the one who shows up, handles it, and holds it down for everyone else. I’m ambitious, I’m resourceful, and I love building things that matter. But over time, I realized I wasn’t just building a business—I was building an identity around being "the strong one."
And let me tell you: that identity gets heavy.
I convinced myself that slowing down would mean losing my edge. That if I asked for help, I’d be giving away control. That rest was something you earned after burnout—not before. Like many high-achievers, I equated my value with output. I thought my resilience had to look like doing it all alone.
But it doesn’t. It can’t. And honestly, it shouldn’t.
Delegation Isn’t a Weakness—It’s Leadership
At a certain point, I had to admit that doing everything myself wasn’t a flex. It was a bottleneck. It was keeping my business small and burning me out in the process.
So I started asking for help.
I brought in people I trusted to support the vision I’ve built—folks who believe in it as much as I do. And something shifted: I had more time to think clearly, more energy to create, and more space to be human and successful at the same time.
According to a Gallup study, CEOs who master the art of delegation generate 33% more revenue than those who struggle with it. That’s not just a small difference—it’s a direct link between letting go and scaling up. Delegation isn’t about handing off busywork; it’s about making space for leadership. When high-level thinkers allow themselves to focus on vision instead of being buried in execution, businesses grow faster, teams feel more empowered, and decision-making becomes more strategic. The data is clear: delegation isn’t a sign you’re doing less—it’s proof you’re building something bigger.
The business didn’t suffer. It grew.
My ideas didn’t slow down. They expanded.
And I didn’t become less of a leader. I became a better one.
Unlock True Leadership
It’s time to stop holding yourself back with the myth that leadership means doing it all yourself. True leadership isn’t about carrying the weight alone—it’s about knowing when to lean on others and trusting your team to help carry the load. If you’re ready to step into the next level of your leadership, to be the visionary and strategic leader you’ve always been meant to be, now is the time to make that shift.
Let’s talk about how you can start delegating with purpose, creating a sustainable business, and building the support system you need to truly thrive. Reach out below, and together, we’ll make sure you’re leading with clarity, strength, and the right kind of support behind you. It’s time to stop hustling in isolation and start leading with intention.
Stay Focused,
-LuLu 🩷
Hustling with Hurt: What It Means to Be a “Productive” Business Owner with Fibromyalgia
Kicking butt and shattering stereotypes—one painful day at a time.
Hey Besties!
Let me tell you, I know all about suffering (and hustling) in silence. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia this month—but the pain started years ago. Since 2018, I’ve been living with this constant, shapeshifting ache and electricity that no one could explain. I’d wake up exhausted, sore, and foggy, even after resting. Every doctor visit ended with shrugs or vague suggestions. Eventually, I started questioning myself. Maybe I’m just weak. Maybe I’m just not built for this. I wondered if I just couldn’t hack it—mentally or physically. Was I lazy? Overdramatic? Broken somehow? It’s wild how quickly doubt can move in when you don’t have answers. But now I have a name for it. And with that name comes clarity, grief, and—strangely—relief.
As a business owner, people often see the work: the launches, the schedules, the strategy, the confidence. What they don’t see is that behind the scenes, im actually living with a chronic illness that causes widespread nerve pain, fatigue, and an invisible weight on every part of my being. And like many others with invisible illnesses, I’ve mastered the art of showing up while suffering quietly.
It’s a unique kind of resilience. And it's real.
Success With Struggle
Even the queen herself, Lady Gaga, has been vocal about her shared struggles with fibromyalgia. She got up-close and personal in her Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, allowing cameras to capture moments of her physical pain to shed light on the syndrome. In a 2018 Vogue interview, she said:
“I get so irritated with people who don’t believe fibromyalgia is real. For me, and I think for many others, it’s really a cyclone of anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, and panic disorder, all of which sends the nervous system into overdrive, and then you have nerve pain as a result. People need to be more compassionate. Chronic pain is no joke. And it’s every day waking up not knowing how you’re going to feel.”
It’s the same for me. Sometimes I wake up ready to conquer the to-do list. Other days, I wake up feeling like my body’s been unplugged from its own power source. There’s no warning. No predictability. But as entrepreneurs, we’re told that hustle culture is the only way to make it—wake up at 5am, do the thing, crush the day, repeat.
But what if your hustle looks like getting dressed?
Or replying to just one email from under a weighted blanket?
Or writing a business plan with tears in your eyes and pain in your bones?
That’s still hustle.
That’s still courage.
That’s still you, doing the damn thing despite it all.
What Does “Being Productive” Even Mean?
In the productivity world, there’s this unspoken rule: if you’re not hustling, you’re not trying hard enough. But what happens when your body literally won't let you hustle the way they want you to? When every step forward costs you spoons you don’t have?
For me, productivity has had to take on new meaning. Sometimes, it looks like getting through emails and folding laundry. Sometimes, it’s just getting dressed. Other times, it’s planning out a week of client work from my bed with a heating pad on my spine. And that counts. Every small win counts.
The world likes to sell us a one-size-fits-all version of success. But if you’re living with chronic illness—mental or physical—your version of success might look wildly different. That doesn’t make it less valid. In fact, I’d argue it makes it more powerful.
Hustling Doesn’t Mean Ignoring Your Body
We’re taught that success requires pushing past pain. But real growth, sustainable success—it comes from learning how to listen to your body. From building a business that works with your limits instead of punishing you for them. From finding your own rhythm, even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s.
Productivity, for people like us, doesn’t come from constant motion. It comes from intention. From knowing which days we can give 100%—and which days we can only give 10%, and that 10% is still worthy of celebration.
You’re Not Alone in This
I’m writing this because someone out there needs to hear it. Maybe you’re a business owner. A student. A parent. A dreamer. Maybe you’re all of those at once. And maybe your body doesn’t always cooperate with your ambition.
But you are not alone.
You are not lazy.
You are not broken.
You are living in a world that moves too fast for the kind of healing you deserve—but you’re still showing up. And that makes you a hustler in the truest sense. Not because you’re always grinding, but because you keep going when it would be so easy to give up.
You redefine what it means to rise.
And that’s a kind of success no one can measure—but you can feel it, in your bones, every time you get up and try again.
💌 Let’s Keep This Conversation Going
If you’ve ever felt like your body was holding you back from your dreams—I see you. I’m with you. And I’d love to hear your story.
Share below if this post spoke to you. Let’s build a community where we normalize rest, honor our limits, and rewrite what it means to be successful—together.
If you or someone you love is living with chronic pain or mental illness, please know there are people and organizations that care. Here are resources with support for both physical and mental health challenges. I am here for you as well, and will offer assistance in any way I can. You deserve support. You deserve softness. You deserve peace—even on the days you don’t feel strong.
You’re still grinding. And that matters more than anything.
-LuLu 🩷
How Caffeine Is Secretly Sabotaging Your Productivity
Hey Bestie!
Be honest—do you ever find yourself reaching for a coffee (or an energy drink) way past noon, knowing full well it's going to mess with your sleep? Because... same.
I used to think I could power through, but lately, I've been rethinking my habits—especially when it comes to sleep. If I want to show up fully focused and productive, I need rest that actually restores me. So, I'm working on cutting down my caffeine intake (yes, even my beloved afternoon pick-me-up) and getting serious about better sleep.
Because let's be real—poor sleep = poor productivity. And if you've been feeling foggy, unfocused, or like your to-do list is never-ending, it might not be a time problem—it might be a sleep problem.
I recently came across an article that really caught my eye: Caffeine Can Disrupt Sleep Even 12 Hours After You've Consumed It. It breaks down just how much caffeine lingers in your system and messes with your rest. What the Research Says
What the Research Says
A study from the SPRINT Research Centre at Australian Catholic University put this to the test. Over a 21-day period, participants were given either 100 mg or 400 mg of caffeine—or a placebo—at different times: 12, 8, or 4 hours before their usual bedtime.
Researchers tracked their sleep using wearable monitors and diaries, and measured caffeine levels through saliva samples. The goal? See how timing and dosage affect sleep quality.
The Results Were Eye-Opening
When participants consumed 400 mg of caffeine (about two strong coffees) just four hours before bed, here’s what happened:
It took them longer to fall asleep—on average, 14 minutes more
They lost nearly 50 minutes of total sleep
They experienced a significant drop in deep sleep (aka the restorative kind your brain and body really need)
So even if you fall asleep eventually, caffeine could still be quietly sabotaging the quality of your rest.
What This Means for You
If you find yourself feeling groggy during the day, unfocused, or like your productivity is dragging, your afternoon caffeine habit might be playing a role. It’s not always about how much sleep you think you’re getting—but how good that sleep actually is.
Try This Instead:
Swap out your afternoon coffee for herbal tea or a walk outside
Avoid caffeine at least 6–8 hours before bed
Use a sleep tracker or journal to see if changes make a difference
This one is definitely a work in progress! If you're working on building better habits and need some accountability, let’s do it together. Send me a message—I’d love to hear what changes you're making!
Here’s to better habits (and maybe switching to afternoon tea).
-Lulu 🩷
Burnout? Never Heard of Her—How Gen Z Is Redefining Success
Being a Gen Z business owner just hits different.
Hey Bestie!
Let me tell you, I do not work the way older generations do—and honestly, I don’t want to. I build my days around what actually works for me. That means prioritizing my mental health, setting my own pace, and making productivity sustainable.
I used to think success meant running myself into the ground, always being “on,” and filling every second with work. But that’s not what builds a long-term business. Now, I work smarter—using automation, boundaries, and actual rest to make sure I don’t burn out before I even reach my biggest goals.
I came across this article, and it really put things into perspective: Why You Should Fear the Gen Z Business Owner. I'll let u read it for yourself, however, comparisons like "Just as Batman villain Bane quipped, “Oh, you think darkness is your ally. But you merely adopted the dark. I was born in it, molded by it,” it’s not too far off to see a 23-year-old start-up business owner thinking the same about someone twice their age who is launching a business, mimicking their behavior," no lies were told. We’re in high demand because we don’t just work hard—we work differently.
Here's how we're doing it differently (and why it's working):
1. We Use Tech to Work Smarter—Not Harder
Forget drowning in spreadsheets and endless task lists. Gen Z entrepreneurs are leveraging tools like:
Automation platforms (Zapier, Make, Calendly) to handle repetitive tasks
Project management apps (Notion, ClickUp, Trello) to stay organized without micromanaging ourselves
AI assistants to brainstorm, write content, and speed up admin
By letting tech handle the busywork, we free up time for the big stuff—strategy, creativity, and rest.
Tip: If you’re spending more time organizing tasks than doing them, it might be time to streamline your systems.
2. We Build Our Work Around Our Lives—Not the Other Way Around
The 9–5 grind? We’re not doing that anymore. Gen Z business owners are designing flexible workflows that reflect their actual energy, focus, and goals. That might look like:
Working in short, focused sprints
Taking intentional mid-week breaks
Running businesses from our phones between creative bursts
We’ve learned that productivity isn’t about the clock—it’s about momentum. And we build momentum by honoring how we actually function best.
Mindset Shift: Your business should support your life, not swallow it. Period.
3. We Take Mental Health Seriously—Because Burnout Isn’t a Badge
We don’t glamorize all-nighters or being “booked and busy.” We know that rest is productive. That’s why Gen Z founders:
Normalize therapy, rest days, and creative breaks
Set boundaries around work hours and client expectations
Use tools that protect their peace (Focus apps, phone limits, morning routines)
We don’t believe success has to hurt. It should feel aligned, sustainable, and worth waking up for.
Remember: If you’re constantly exhausted, it’s not a productivity issue—it’s a systems and self-worth issue.
People are paying attention to how we do things. They see the balance, the efficiency, the fresh way we approach success. And if you ever feel like you’re doing things your way instead of the “traditional” way? You’re not wrong—you’re ahead of the curve.
Let me know: which of these shifts have you made in your business? Or which one are you ready to try next?
Your Right Hand,
Lulu 🩷
I Scheduled Every Minute of My Day—And It Actually Helped Me Get My Life Back
How one simple productivity tool helped me reclaim my focus, reduce burnout, and get real about my time.
Hey Bestie,
So, I’ve been trying something a little intense lately—scheduling every single minute of my day. Like, down to the minute. Sounds like a lot, right? Honestly, I thought so too at first. But once I started using an app called Structured (not sponsored, just obsessed), I realized this wasn’t about turning into a robot—it was about getting my mental space back.
Why I Tried Time Blocking Down to the Minute
I’m someone who’s always had a love-hate relationship with to-do lists. They’re great until they become this never-ending scroll of chaos. I needed something more visual, something that forced me to choose where my time was going instead of letting it slip away between distractions.
That’s where Structured came in. It’s a sleek little app that lets you break down your day into blocks—like class periods, but for adulting.
Takeaways
Here’s what started changing for me once I began using Structured daily:
Clarity > Chaos
I stopped constantly asking myself “What’s next?” or flipping between five tabs. When your day has a clear flow, your brain can chill out and actually do the work.
No More Time Amnesia
Before, I’d get to the end of the day and wonder, “Where did all my time go?” Now, I can look back and actually see what I accomplished—and where I lost momentum.
I Schedule Breaks (Yes, on Purpose)
The app taught me to respect rest as much as work. I physically drag a little block onto my timeline that says "break" or "walk" or "breathe"—and I stick to it.
Pros + Cons
Lets be real, not everything is peaches, so lets go over some positives and negatives I’ve noticed personally. Having a system like this in place can helped reduce my decision fatigue and shortened my transition time between tasks. I know i’m accomplishing the most important tasks in my day, and it helps me build my awareness around how long it takes me to do a certain task. On the flip side, this type of rigidity can leave you feeling unmotivated or even stuck if you thrive on flexibility. Blocking out time to plan your days ahead of time is key to being successful, and unexpected interruptions may throw off your day.
That said, you don’t have to schedule every single minute to benefit. Even blocking out just your “focus hours” or your non-negotiables can go a long way.
Who This Might Work For:
Artists building their own lane and juggling both creative flow and logistics
Passionate business owners with big visions but not enough hours in the day
Creatives who want more structure without losing their spontaneity or spark
Go-getters trying to stay consistent without burning out in the process
Final Thoughts
This method has helped me feel more in control of my time. It’s not about being busy—it’s about being intentional. Whether you’re working toward a big goal or simply trying to build better habits, creating structure can help you protect your focus and energy.If you decide to try it, I’d love to hear how it goes. Has scheduling your day helped you stay more productive and balanced? Let me know your thoughts—I’m always interested in how others are making productivity work for them.
Check out the Structured app here.
Stay focused,
Lulu 🩷