Opposite Action for Creative Blocks – Doing the Thing Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Hey Bestie, happy Monday!
Throughout my time studying Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, I’ve been practicing using the opposite action skill in my day to day. On days when I just don’t have the mental capacity to check everything off my list that needs to get done.
When you’re stuck in a creative block, your first instinct is usually to retreat — close the laptop, avoid the studio, scroll for “inspiration” that turns into an hour of TikTok. That’s normal, it’s your brain is trying to avoid discomfort.
Opposite Action — one of DBT’s core skills — is about not letting that instinct run the show. It means noticing the urge to pull back… and doing the exact opposite.
The idea isn’t to force yourself to feel inspired. It’s to take the action that aligns with your long-term goals, not your short-term feelings.
How It Works in Real Life
Here’s how artists can actually use Opposite Action without turning it into a toxic “just push harder” mindset:
1. You feel the urge to skip the studio.
Opposite Action: Go, but drop the pressure to make something “good.” Doodle nonsense. Re-string your guitar. Clean your paintbrushes. The act of showing up keeps your creative muscle from atrophying.
2. You’re avoiding a scary project because you “don’t know where to start.”
Opposite Action: Open the project file and set a timer for 10 minutes. That’s it. Most of the time, momentum will kick in after you’ve started — but even if it doesn’t, you’ve kept the habit alive.
3. You want to ghost a collaborator because you feel embarrassed about your progress.
Opposite Action: Send them a quick update, even if it’s “I’m still stuck on this part, but I’m working through it.” That honesty keeps the connection intact and stops the shame spiral.
Why It Works
Your emotions aren’t always lying to you, but they’re not always telling the truth either. Creative resistance usually isn’t about not wanting to create — it’s about wanting to avoid feeling like you’re failing.
Opposite Action lets you sidestep that trap. You’re not waiting for the perfect mood. You’re taking the step that makes it more likely the mood will come.
Try This Challenge
Next time you hit that “ugh, not today” wall, stop and ask:
What’s the urge? (Avoid, quit, scroll, procrastinate)
What’s the opposite? (Show up, start, send the email)
Then do the smallest version of that opposite action.
It’s not a simple task, to just do the opposite, the key is doing opposite “all the way”. Don’t give up half way, push through, and future you will be so thankful you did.
Let me know if you try this skill yourself!
Stay Focused Bestie,
Lulu 🩷
A flexible, mood-based approach to getting things done — without burning out.
This isn't your typical productivity guide.
The Productivity Realignment Kit is designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and neurodivergent minds who are tired of rigid systems that don’t leave room for real life.
Inside, you’ll get:
✔ A mood-based planning framework that honors your energy
✔ Weekly reset rituals that build clarity and momentum
✔ Creative systems for managing tasks, time, and ideas
✔ GTD-inspired tools made softer, simpler, and more human
✔ Printable worksheets to help you realign — not just hustle harder
If you're ready to shift from pressure to purpose, this is your reset.
Boundaries in Collaboration – DBT’s DEAR MAN for Creatives
Hey Bestie,
If you’ve ever agreed to a “quick” project that ballooned into weeks of unpaid revisions, or said yes to a deadline you knew would wreck your health, you already know: collaboration without boundaries will eat you alive.
The DBT skill DEAR MAN is a step-by-step way to communicate what you need without turning it into a fight, a guilt trip, or a burned bridge. It works for asking, saying no, or renegotiating terms — all things artists have to do constantly.
What DEAR MAN Stands For
Describe – State the facts without emotion or judgment.
Express – Share how it affects you.
Assert – Clearly say what you want or don’t want.
Reinforce – Explain why it benefits them too.
Mindful – Stay on topic, don’t get pulled into side arguments.
Appear confident – Even if you’re shaking.
Negotiate – Be open to compromise that still respects your limits.
Here are some real world examples:
1. Saying No to Unpaid “Exposure” Work
Describe: “You’re asking for a custom piece with no payment.”
Express: “My creative work is how I pay my bills.”
Assert: “I’m not able to take unpaid projects right now.”
Reinforce: “If you’d like, I can send you my rates so we can work together in the future.”
Mindful: Ignore guilt trips like “We thought you’d want the visibility.”
Appear confident: Keep your language short and direct.
Negotiate: If you want to keep the door open, offer something small that fits your budget and time.
2. A Client Keeps Asking for “One More Little Change” After Delivery
Describe: “The original contract included two rounds of revisions. We’ve now done four.”
Express: “Each extra round takes time away from my other clients and personal projects.”
Assert: “I can make more changes at my hourly rate of $X.”
Reinforce: “This way, we can get the tweaks you want while keeping the project on schedule.”
Mindful: Don’t get pulled into “But it’s just a quick thing.” Keep repeating: “I’m happy to make more changes at the hourly rate.”
Appear confident: Keep your tone steady, even over email.
Negotiate: Offer a package rate for all additional changes if they balk at hourly.
The more you practice DEAR MAN, the less you’ll dread hard conversations. You’ll stop losing money, time, and energy to projects that don’t respect your limits — and you’ll start building collaborations that actually feel good to be in.
If you need help sounding professional without losing your personality, fill out the form below to work with an experienced assistant who can make sure your communication lands the way you need it to.
Stay Focused Besties,
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
Productivity Isn’t Just Planning — It’s Emotional Regulation
Hey Bestie!
We talk a lot about systems, tools, and strategy when it comes to productivity. But if you’ve ever stared at your perfectly organized to-do list and still couldn’t move, you already know — productivity isn’t just about planning. It’s about emotional regulation.
If your nervous system is in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, no app, planner, or Pomodoro timer is going to save you. That’s where DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) comes in — especially its emotion regulation tools.
You’re Not Lazy — You’re Dysregulated
One of the biggest myths in the productivity world is that if you’re not getting things done, you’re lazy or undisciplined. But for many of us, what looks like “procrastination” is actually an emotional response:
Fear of failure
Perfectionism
Shame
Overwhelm
Exhaustion
DBT doesn’t try to shame you out of those feelings. It gives you tools to work with them so you can move forward.
The Skill: Name, Validate, Regulate
Here’s a 3-part breakdown inspired by DBT’s emotion regulation framework:
1. Name the Emotion
Get specific. Are you anxious, embarrassed, discouraged, ashamed, overstimulated? Vague discomfort can’t be solved — but clearly identified feelings can be worked through.
2. Validate the Emotion
Instead of fighting the feeling, validate it. “It makes sense I feel this way given how overwhelmed I am.” Validation softens resistance — and clears space to act.
3. Regulate the Emotion
Now that you’ve named and validated the feeling, choose a skill to help you shift it:
Opposite Action: Do the opposite of what the emotion urges (e.g., if you want to avoid, start with a 2-minute task).
PLEASE Skills: Take care of your physical needs — sleep, nutrition, exercise, and meds.
Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present moment instead of spiraling through what-ifs.
Why This Works
Planning assumes your future self will be calm, focused, and ready to act. DBT skills help you meet your actual self — the one who’s overwhelmed, scattered, or struggling — and offer her tools that bring her back into balance.
When you treat emotional regulation as the foundation of your productivity system, everything changes. Your to-do list becomes a support tool, not a source of shame.
Try This Today:
Before jumping into work, ask yourself:
“What am I feeling right now — and what do I need to support myself through it?”
That one question can unlock more clarity than any planner ever could.
Need help building a system that supports your nervous system, not just your schedule?
DM me or fill out the form below — let’s build a workflow that honors all of you.
Stay Focused,
LuLu 🩷
A flexible, mood-based approach to getting things done — without burning out.
This isn't your typical productivity guide.
The Productivity Realignment Kit is designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and neurodivergent minds who are tired of rigid systems that don’t leave room for real life.
Inside, you’ll get:
✔ A mood-based planning framework that honors your energy
✔ Weekly reset rituals that build clarity and momentum
✔ Creative systems for managing tasks, time, and ideas
✔ GTD-inspired tools made softer, simpler, and more human
✔ Printable worksheets to help you realign — not just hustle harder
If you're ready to shift from pressure to purpose, this is your reset.
How to Finish More Projects (Without Hating the Process)
For the overthinkers, over-starters, and overwhelmed creatives — this one’s for you.
Let’s be honest:
Starting is easy. Ideas? You’ve got a million. But halfway through the project, the energy dips, the doubt creeps in, or a new idea suddenly feels more exciting. And just like that, the thing you swore you’d finish gets left behind… again.
This isn’t laziness. It’s not even about discipline (not really). Most creatives struggle to finish because the process wasn’t built to be finished. You’re trying to execute endless ideas with no plan, no timeline, and no emotional management.
Here’s how to change that — without killing the joy.
1. Shrink the Scope (Yes, Even More Than That)
One of the biggest reasons creative projects stay unfinished is because they’re too big, too vague, or trying to do too much at once.
A full album? Try one EP.
A full collection? Try 3–5 strong pieces.
A website? Try one landing page.
Shrink the vision until it feels doable this month, not perfect in a dream life.
You can always expand later — but momentum requires completion, not grandeur.
2. Use Timeblocking, Not Endless “To-Dos”
To-do lists feel productive, but without a container, they bleed into your whole week.
Try this instead:
Assign each task a time block on your calendar.
Don’t aim for perfection — aim for movement.
Schedule short sprints (30–90 minutes max) where your only goal is to move the project forward.
This gives your brain a finish line. Even if the work isn’t done, the session is — and that helps sustain your energy.
3. Plan for the Dip
There will be a moment where it stops being fun.
Not because the project sucks — but because that’s how brains work. Anticipate the resistance.
Ask yourself in advance:
→ What tends to trip me up halfway through?
→ How can I design a system to catch me when I start slipping?
Build in buffer days. Tell someone your deadline. Create external accountability if needed — and remind yourself why you started.
4. Emotionally Regulate While You Create
You’re not a machine. You’re a nervous system with a paintbrush (or mic or camera or keyboard).
Instead of pushing through shame spirals and perfectionism, practice pausing when things feel stuck:
Take a walk.
Talk it out.
Use a check-in system: "Is this actually bad? Or am I just scared?"
The real key to finishing is staying emotionally present without letting panic make you quit.
5. Finish Small First
If you haven’t completed anything in a while, go micro.
Finish a sketch.
Publish a short poem.
Upload a 30-second song idea.
Let your brain feel the reward of completion. Rebuild that pathway gently — with proof, not pressure.
A Note On Finishing
Finishing doesn’t mean the piece is perfect.
It means you respected your creative process enough to see something through.
It means you made space to grow — not endlessly edit.
Ask Yourself:
→ Do I really want to finish this? Or do I just feel like I “should”?
→ What would “done for now” look like?
→ Where am I letting fear of imperfection keep me in limbo?
If you are a “starter” and need someone to assist your “finishing”, fill out the form below, or send me a DM and let’s get these projects completed.
Stay Focused,
LuLu 🩷
This masterclass is a companion to the Productivity Realignment Kit E-Book. It offers a clear overview of the core systems covered in the ebook, along with direct application examples.
What’s included:
A walkthrough of the full productivity system introduced in the PRK
Real-time planning examples using the actual tools and structure
Clarification of how the methods work and how to customize them
Guidance on implementing weekly resets, mood-based planning, and self-delegation strategies
You’ll leave with a visual understanding of the workflow and a framework you can refer back to as often as needed.
Includes lifetime access. No expiration. Watch on your own time.
Why Creatives Don’t Need to Monetize Every Skill
Why Keeping Some Things Just For You Might Save Your Creativity
Happy Monday Besties!
We live in a culture where everything is a potential hustle.
If you’re good at something, people will tell you to package it. Sell it. Teach it. Scale it. But here’s the truth: Not every gift you have was meant to be monetized — and forcing profit onto every passion can quietly kill the joy that made it special in the first place.
What Happens When You Monetize Too Much
When you turn your skills into services or your art into products, a subtle shift happens; you start creating for others, not just for yourself. Deadlines replace inspiration. Performance replaces play. And that thing you used to do just because it lit you up? Now it’s attached to validation, income, and metrics.
That doesn’t mean monetizing is wrong. But if you don’t have at least one creative outlet that’s just for you, you’ll start to feel hollow — productive, maybe, but disconnected from your core.
You’re Allowed to Keep Some Magic to Yourself
You’re allowed to keep parts of your creativity sacred. You’re allowed to be good at something without making it a “thing.” And you don’t owe the internet all of your gifts.
You don’t have to turn your journaling into a newsletter, or sell your embroidery on Etsy. You can make things just because it feels good. You can try something, be mediocre at it, and keep going anyway. You can create for your nervous system, your inner child, your own damn joy.
Why This Matters (Especially for Multi-Hyphenates)
If you're a multi-passionate creative, this is especially dangerous. You’ll be tempted to monetize everything you touch. And yes — it can be empowering to profit from your talents. But it also drains your energy fast when every skill becomes a “content pillar.”
Creativity without pressure is where your real voice develops.
Joyful experiments fuel your career work.
And protecting those sacred spaces gives you the emotional capacity to show up sustainably in the areas you do monetize.
Ask Yourself:
Is this something I actually want to build a business around — or am I just trying to prove my worth?
Would this still bring me joy if no one saw it, liked it, or paid for it?
Do I have at least one thing that belongs only to me?
Need help separating work from play again?
Fill out the form below or DM me — I’ll help you draw the line, build better boundaries, and keep your joy intact.
Stay Focused Bestie,
LuLu 🩷
A flexible, mood-based approach to getting things done — without burning out.
This isn't your typical productivity guide.
The Productivity Realignment Kit is designed for creatives, entrepreneurs, and neurodivergent minds who are tired of rigid systems that don’t leave room for real life.
Inside, you’ll get:
✔ A mood-based planning framework that honors your energy
✔ Weekly reset rituals that build clarity and momentum
✔ Creative systems for managing tasks, time, and ideas
✔ GTD-inspired tools made softer, simpler, and more human
✔ Printable worksheets to help you realign — not just hustle harder
If you're ready to shift from pressure to purpose, this is your reset.
The Artist Admin Stack: Must-Have Digital Tools for Music Makers
Hey Bestie!
If you're a music artist looking to get organized, streamline your workflow, and position yourself for real opportunities like sync licensing, you need more than just talent — you need systems. In this post, we’re breaking down the Artist Admin Stack: the essential digital tools every modern musician should be using. From project management and file storage to merch, marketing, and metadata, we’ll walk you through the platforms that help you show up like a pro — even without a label behind you.
Whether you're trying to stay consistent, land placements, or just stop drowning in scattered files and forgotten ideas, this guide is built to help you actually move.
1. DISCO — Sync Licensing & Catalog Management
What it does: DISCO is a cloud-based platform built by music supervisors for music supervisors, making it ideal for organizing your music with rich metadata, playlists, track versions, and pitch-ready pages. Check it out here.
Why it helps: It streamlines sync pitching—label, supervisor, or publisher sees your clean, searchable catalog and can stream/download instantly. Suddenly, you're presenting like a pro—even without representation. It also supports secure collaboration and tracks who’s accessed what .
2. Bandzoogle — Your Artist Website & Direct‑to‑Fan Store
What it does: Bandzoogle is an all-in-one musician website builder, hosting your site, selling digital downloads, merch, tickets, and even hosting crowdfunding campaigns—no coding required . Check it out here.
Why it helps: Thousands of artists vouch for it because it’s built for musicians—not generic web builders . You get responsive templates, SSL security, deep music integrations (ID3, audio hosting), and commission-free sales, so you keep more of your earnings.
3. SubmitHub — Curated Promotion & Playlist Pitches
What it does: SubmitHub allows you to pitch to vetted bloggers, Spotify curators, YouTubers, and more, offering feedback and exposure opportunities on your timetable. Check it out here.
Why it helps: It gives visibility to curators with real reach—not random playlist farms. Premium submissions help highlight feedback, while free tools allow you to vet targets and avoid bot-driven lists . Get strategic, not scattershot.
4. Canva | CapCut — DIY Visuals & Promo Content
What it does: These intuitive tools help you create stunning graphics (Canva) and polished video clips (CapCut) to support music drops, social promotion, and fan engagement.
Why it helps: Artists today need to be visual storytellers, and simple tools mean you can stay consistent—without hiring a full-time designer or editor.
5. Analytics & Engagement Tools
What it does: Tools like Spotify for Artists, Chartmetric, Google Analytics, and Meta Business Suite help you track who’s listening, where they’re from, which posts land, and what content converts.
Why it helps: Data grounds your decisions. Drop the guesswork and lean into content that actually works, rather than what “feels” right.
Why This Stack Works as a System
Plan in Clickup or Trello – Organize releases, content, and promotions.
Store & pitch via DISCO – Sync‑ready catalogs with analytics.
Sell through Bandzoogle – Keep full control of your revenue.
Promote with SubmitHub – Curated pitch + feedback cycle.
Create visuals in Canva/CapCut – Design and video tied to release calendar.
Track results in Analytics tools – Feedback loop informs your next creative move.
This stack melds creativity and clarity—it honors your artistry and your hustle. It replaces scattered chaos with a streamlined workflow built for modern independent artists. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing smarter.
Not sure where to start or which tools are right for you?
Send me a message — I’ll help you break it down based on your workflow, your goals, and the energy you actually have.
Let’s build a system that fits you.
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
No One's Coming to Save You (But Here’s How You Can Save Yourself)
It’s Monday Again Besties!
Let’s chat about pain. For the longest time, physical pain has shaped almost everything in my life — my body, my work, and especially my relationships. I don’t know which is worse, not getting invited to events, or constantly cancellingPeople drift. I felt like a burden, like found myself apologizing for just existing.
We don’t always realize we’re doing it, but we wait all the time. We wait for motivation to show up, for the “right” time to start. We wait for our mental health to stabilize, for our big break, or for permission. We wait for someone to notice how overwhelmed we are and offer to fix it.
For a long time, I thought someone would step in. A doctor. A partner. A friend. A Parent. Someone would see me and take the weight off.
They didn’t.
Eventually, I had to face it:
No one is coming to save me.
And weirdly — that truth gave me peace, because it meant I could finally stop waiting. I could start building a life around the pain, not in spite of it.
That’s when I learned about Radical Acceptance — a DBT skill that teaches you to stop fighting reality. Not to give up. Not to like it. Just to let go of the extra suffering that comes from resistance.
"This is happening. I hate it. But it’s real. What now?"
t’s not a co-sign, it’s simply freeing up all the energy you've spent resisting and redirecting it toward actual healing. For me, that looked like saying:
I am in pain.
I am not always dependable.
Some people will leave.
My life will look different than I expected.
I may always have to live slower than I want to.
And instead of spiraling in grief every time that reality showed up… I started planning with it in mind.
So how do you save yourself?
Here’s the truth I give my clients:
I can’t save you.
But I will keep pushing you forward.
Every step. Every pivot. Every reset.
If you’re still sitting in the dark waiting for your savior, book a coaching call today, or leave me a message below!
Let’s stop waiting. Let’s start moving. Together.
Your Bestie,
LuLu 🩷
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 🩷