

Before Breakfast
iHeartPodcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2024 • 4min
Don't sweat the seconds
Explore the importance of appreciating the journey rather than stressing over efficiency. Discover that optimizing every task isn't necessary for happiness. Personal stories reveal how prioritizing meaningful moments can lead to a more fulfilling life. Embrace the bigger picture and learn to let go of the pressure to constantly be productive.

5 snips
Oct 2, 2024 • 24min
Make time for creative work with Camille Pagan
Camille Pagan, a novelist and former health journalist, shares her journey of prioritizing creative work even amidst a busy lifestyle. She emphasizes practical strategies for effective time management and the impact of a strong morning routine. Pagan also highlights the importance of consistent practice over perfection in writing. With insights on maintaining a work-life balance, she explores integrating reading and self-care into daily life. Listeners will find inspiration in her tips for nurturing creativity while navigating personal commitments.

4 snips
Oct 1, 2024 • 5min
You need more sky
Explore the benefits of spending more time outdoors for your mental and physical health. Discover that many people only spend 7% of their day outside and the importance of changing that statistic. The discussion encourages listeners to assess their daily routines and find ways to embrace nature. It highlights how a little more time under the open sky can significantly improve well-being.

Sep 30, 2024 • 5min
You're there to make money, not to spend it
Explore how to transform your workplace into a financial asset instead of a cost center. Discover practical budgeting tips that promote mindful spending to boost your earnings. Learn strategies for maximizing efficiency and engagement at work, encouraging you to make the most of your time. Plus, get insights on how to provide feedback and support as you enhance your productivity.

Sep 29, 2024 • 5min
Second Cup: Time is what you make of it
Discover the art of time tracking to boost your productivity and master your scheduling. Reflect on how you’re spending your time and learn to make meaningful choices that enrich your daily life. Embrace the opportunity to add joy and adventure to your routines, even amidst family chaos. September is highlighted as a transformative month, perfect for reassessing your priorities and making the most of the time you can control.

Sep 28, 2024 • 6min
Second Cup: Play Tetris with your schedule
Discover the art of mastering your schedule with a Tetris-like approach. Learn how to strategically fit activities into your day to prioritize quality family time. The discussion also highlights the importance of community engagement, addressing social issues like domestic abuse and advocating for pet-friendly shelters. Tune in for practical tips and insights that inspire positive changes in both personal life and community.

Sep 27, 2024 • 5min
Start anywhere
Dive into the liberating idea that you don’t always need to start at the beginning. Embrace the freedom to launch projects from any point that inspires you. The discussion highlights how this mindset fosters action and creativity. Packed with tips drawn from design thinking, it empowers you to tackle tasks with confidence and flexibility. Perfect for anyone looking to break free from conventional starting points!

Sep 26, 2024 • 4min
Do a meaning challenge
Dive into a compelling exploration of deepening your experience of time through a 'meaning challenge.' Discover how practical activities like volunteering and self-reflection can infuse your life with significance. Learn the art of intentional goal-setting and how to prioritize what truly matters to align your actions with your core values. As the year nears its end, embrace the opportunity for a more fulfilling life.

4 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 27min
Discover the Rule of 3 with Chris Bailey
Chris Bailey, a productivity expert passionate about intentionality, shares valuable insights on focusing on what truly matters. He introduces the Rule of Three, a practical strategy for prioritizing daily tasks while balancing mental well-being. The conversation highlights effective morning routines, emphasizing their role in enhancing productivity. Bailey also dives into time management complexities, advocating for unstructured time to boost creativity. With a blend of humor and practicality, this talk is a treasure trove for anyone seeking to enhance their daily life.

Sep 25, 2024 • 6min
Life is a portfolio of choices
Explore the fascinating idea of making life choices in context, rather than isolating them. Discover 'choice bracketing' for improved well-being by recognizing the interconnectedness of decisions. Learn how to 'bracket broadly' to enhance life satisfaction through holistic planning, much like managing a financial portfolio. Plus, gain insights on time management, prioritizing what truly matters, and balancing family, work, and personal interests for a fulfilling life.


