In this episode of the Bright Method Podcast, I tackle a listener-submitted question that so many of us face: How do you manage your workload when your work depends on others—especially when they don’t stick to a timeline?
Whether you're a corporate attorney waiting on client edits, a project manager juggling partner input, or anyone who can’t move forward until someone else delivers, this one’s for you.
I share three key time management strategies to help you navigate this frustrating challenge:
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Start planning early—even if you’re not ready to start the work, flag what you’ll need from others and "get the machines running” now.
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Build in wiggle room—and use internal vs. external deadlines to reduce last-minute stress.
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Get comfortable following up—yes, it’s tedious and also a little emotionally complicated, but it often means the difference between staying up late and getting things done on time. After all, a lack of planning on their part can constitute an emergency on yours, so let's avoid it.
Plus, I offer a bonus tip: if your role is constantly reactive and full of curveballs, check out Episode 16 for how to use flex time to protect your time and sanity.
Whether you're a working woman in law, medicine, corporate, or any fast-paced, people-dependent field, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you manage your time more proactively—even when others don’t.
🎧 Listen in for practical ways to:
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Manage up and communicate clearly with clients and colleagues
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Plan for delays before they happen
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Follow up without letting it consume your brain space
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Create realistic timelines based on the real-world behaviors of others
Other episodes referenced: Ep. 16 - Curveballs & Fires.
Links you might enjoy:
- 🌿 Free 5-Day Time Management Program Get five short, practical video lessons packed with realistic strategies to help you manage your personal and professional life with more clarity and calm.
- 📱 Follow me on Instagram Get bite-sized, real-life time management tips for working women—like reminders to set mail holds before travel, anonymous day-in-the-life calendars from other professional women, and behind-the-scenes looks at how I manage my own time.
- ✨ The full Bright Method™️ program If you're ready for a full time management system that's realistic, sustainable, and dare I say… fun, check out the Bright Method program. It's helped hundreds of professional women take back control of their time—and their peace of mind.
