In this episode, I’m joined by Rowshonara Syeda, a Civil Servant in the UK Government, for a thoughtful conversation about self-discipline, time management and the opportunities and challenges of feeling balanced when your time is entirely your own.
Rowshonara shares practical, applicable techniques for managing your time mindfully – and explores how being intentional with your time can directly improve your sense of work-life balance, satisfaction and wellbeing. From creating structure and setting boundaries, to making conscious choices about how we spend our time, this episode is full of ideas you can actually put into practice.
But finding balance isn’t simply about managing your schedule. It’s also about understanding yourself: recognising what gives you energy, what drains you, and what you need to do to recalibrate when you feel off-kilter. Are you someone who recharges around other people, or do you need solitude? Do you feel energised by being surrounded by extroverts, or does spending time with quieter, more introverted people help you reset?
Rowshonara shares her perspective on the importance of paying attention to these needs, and building a life that reflects the reality of your preferences and the options available to you, rather than how you think you should be spending your time – in both the personal and professional aspects of life.
This is a candid conversation about discipline, self-awareness, freedom, relationships, expectations and making the most of your time – especially when you’re navigating life independently.
In this episode, we explore:
- Self-discipline and why it matters when you live alone
- Mindfully managing your time to create better boundaries
- Practical techniques for managing your time more effectively
- Understanding what gives you energy and what helps you recalibrate
- Knowing yourself and recognising when you need connection, solitude or a change of pace
- Moving beyond simply being “productive” towards feeling satisfied
- The impact of loss and changing priorities
- How friendships contribute to a balanced and fulfilling life
- Growing up as a child of immigrants and the values we inherit around work and responsibility
- Why siblings can develop very different ideas about what a balanced life looks like
- Creating a life that feels meaningful outside of work
You can listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, or on Spotify by clicking on the link below: