
Before Breakfast
In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy and get more done.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 6min
Second Cup: One task per weekend
Discover how to tackle weekend tasks without feeling overwhelmed by focusing on just one manageable chore each week. Learn practical strategies to break down projects into smaller steps, making progress feel achievable. The discussion also highlights the importance of engaging with listeners through social media and email, building a sense of community. Plus, explore the benefits of using certain brand products to streamline your personal tasks.

16 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 5min
Consider the arc of a month
Discover the importance of planning your month to enhance time management and create a fulfilling experience. Learn how mapping out tasks and enjoyable activities can transform your calendar. Dive into the power of monthly reflections, where reviewing goals and celebrating accomplishments sets a positive tone for the weeks ahead. Gain insights on setting new intentions to ensure the upcoming month aligns with your aspirations.

9 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 5min
Everybody likes to finish
Discover the psychological benefits of completing tasks and how it can boost productivity. Learn strategies for breaking down larger goals into manageable steps to enhance team focus and motivation. Explore the art of goal reframing, emphasizing incremental achievements to keep individual contributors motivated. This approach not only fosters a sense of accomplishment but also improves time management skills. Harness the power of task closure to tackle big projects with confidence!

28 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 28min
Breaking big goals into small steps, with Lisa Bilyeu
Lisa Bilyeu, co-founder of Quest Nutrition and president of Impact Theory, shares her journey of building confidence and resilience. She emphasizes the power of breaking big goals into small, actionable steps. Lisa discusses how daily habits can foster personal growth and the importance of commitment in achieving significant milestones. She also highlights self-care and supportive communities as key elements in nurturing relationships and empowering others, particularly young girls through inspiring projects.

9 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 4min
It's time to plan a vacation
It's the perfect moment to start mapping out this year's travel adventures. Discover practical tips for planning stress-free winter getaways. Learn the benefits of scheduling multiple trips throughout the year to uplift family enjoyment. Say goodbye to post-holiday blues and hello to exciting travel opportunities!

5 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 5min
Online doesn't mean forever
Online information isn't permanent, so it's essential to save valuable content for future reference. The podcast delves into protecting personal files on work computers, especially during job changes, urging careful management of emails and cloud storage. Listeners are advised on the importance of proactively safeguarding online content, emphasizing the risks associated with losing access to vital resources. Stay ahead by managing your digital presence thoughtfully!

10 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 7min
Second Cup: Life is just a memory
Explore how memories shape our lives and define our narratives. Discover the significance of planned experiences, like travel, in crafting lasting moments despite occasional discomfort. Emphasize forging memorable experiences daily through intentional planning and spontaneity for a richer life. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to focus on creating meaningful moments rather than solely completing tasks, ultimately enhancing their sense of fulfillment.

4 snips
Jan 25, 2025 • 5min
Second Cup: Do a gift debrief
Reflect on past holiday gift-giving to enhance future experiences. Discover the importance of evaluating what worked and what didn’t in your gift choices. Create a system to track preferences and avoid repeating mistakes. Explore the concept of a 'gift debrief' to assess the emotional impact of gifts and improve communication about gift experiences. Thoughtful planning can reduce holiday stress and make gifting a joy, not a chore.

14 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 5min
Don't plan a work dinner on Valentine's Day
Timing is everything when planning events. Consider the world around you before scheduling work gatherings. Thoughtful planning can boost attendance and engagement. After holidays, people may need extra consideration to ensure they're mentally present. Avoid conflicts by being mindful of cultural contexts and significant dates. A little foresight can make all the difference in workplace gatherings!

8 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 4min
The devil doesn't need another advocate
Explore the art of constructive criticism and its powerful impact. Discover why not all feedback is necessary and how to focus on comments that truly help. The discussion emphasizes the importance of delivering direct, improvement-oriented advice over unhelpful critiques. Tune in to learn how to navigate the delicate balance of giving feedback that fosters growth and support.