Podcast Summary: "The 15-Hour Work Week with Brittany Sturm" – Episode 293 of This Can't Be That Hard
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Host: Annemie Tonken
Guest: Brittany Sturm
Introduction
In Episode 293 of This Can't Be That Hard, host Annemie Tonken welcomes Brittany Sturm, a seasoned family photographer turned coach and planner creator. The episode delves into Brittany's transformative journey from managing a hectic household and a photography business to developing effective routines and systems that have significantly streamlined her work-life balance.
Guest Background
Brittany Sturm shares her extensive experience as a Dallas-based family and newborn photographer spanning nearly 15 years. Balancing a demanding career with raising three children, Brittany recounts the struggles she faced in achieving profitability and personal well-being. Inspired by Annemie's podcast, she transitioned into coaching and planner creation to help other creatives navigate similar challenges.
Notable Quote:
"I’m an introvert with extroverted tendencies. If you met me, you probably wouldn't know I was an introvert. But I'm going to go home and I'm going to crash."
— Brittany Sturm [02:23]
Overcoming Challenges with Routines
Brittany opens up about a pivotal moment when juggling business responsibilities and parenting led her to a breaking point. During a live call with her business coach, overwhelmed by her inability to manage both aspects, she received a simple yet life-changing piece of advice: "Start resetting your kitchen at night before the kids go to bed." [05:46]
This small adjustment sparked a cascade of changes, leading Brittany to embrace routines despite her ADHD. She emphasizes that routines aren't about rigidity but creating manageable structures that reduce stress and enhance productivity.
Notable Quote:
"My mentor told me the most simple thing ever and it literally changed my life. She said, start resetting your kitchen at night before the kids go to bed."
— Brittany Sturm [05:46]
Developing Routines and Systems
Brittany details her methodical approach to building routines incrementally. Instead of overhauling her entire life overnight, she focused on "baby steps," addressing one area of resistance at a time. This strategy not only made the process less daunting but also more sustainable.
She underscores the importance of recognizing daily resistances—small obstacles that, once addressed, can significantly improve overall workflow and reduce chaos.
Notable Quote:
"Finding these resistances throughout the day and figuring out where I can make it easier on my life was kind of... it really is a journey. It’s not something that you just wake up one day and you're like, I have a great routine now."
— Brittany Sturm [16:58]
Applying Routines to Business
Transitioning from personal routines to business operations, Brittany introduces the concept of macro and micro routines. She explains how time blocking—allocating specific chunks of time for different tasks—has been instrumental in managing her photography business alongside family commitments.
By compartmentalizing her day into dedicated blocks for work, family, and personal time, Brittany eliminated the pervasive guilt of multitasking, allowing her to focus fully on each aspect without feeling overwhelmed.
Notable Quote:
"Time blocking would be the macro routine of your day. First, my morning routine, and then it's kid time, and then it's work time, and then it's kid time, and then it's work."
— Brittany Sturm [21:03]
Brittany's Planner: Features and Philosophy
Brittany introduces her planner, "Capture the Chaos," designed specifically for creatives who struggle with traditional planners. The planner emphasizes flexibility and customization, allowing users to tailor it to their unique workflows and preferences.
Key Features:
- Blank Canvas Design: Encourages personalization rather than imposing a rigid structure.
- Workbook Section: Guides users through creating their own routines and systems.
- Time Audit: Helps identify and optimize daily activities.
- Time Blocking Pages: Facilitates effective scheduling without overwhelming the user.
- Minimalistic Aesthetic: Black and white pages with ample white space to reduce visual clutter.
Brittany highlights that the planner is not just a tool but a framework for developing sustainable habits and routines that align with individual lifestyles and business needs.
Notable Quote:
"It's not necessarily about the tool, the planner that you're using. It's about setting aside time to actually do it and making it work for you."
— Brittany Sturm [25:26]
Resources and Conclusion
Brittany provides listeners with various resources to further explore her methods and tools:
- Planner Website: CaptureTheChaos.com – Offers a walkthrough video, purchase options for 2025 planners with multiple cover designs, and different layout versions to suit diverse needs.
- Time Blocking PDF: Available for download at BrittanyRennae.com – Includes time blocking pages and a guide on conducting a time audit.
- Podcast: The Organized Creative – Focuses on routines, time management, and productivity tailored for creative business owners.
Annemie and Brittany conclude the episode by emphasizing the profound impact that structured routines and personalized systems can have on both personal well-being and business success. Brittany’s journey from chaos to control serves as an inspiring blueprint for creatives seeking balance and efficiency.
Notable Quote:
"I think that what creatives tend to do when it comes to building a business or organizing their time or anything else is they want to start with an empty canvas and say, I’m going to create this from scratch."
— Annemie Tonken [24:16]
Find More Information:
- Planner: CaptureTheChaos.com
- Time Blocking Pages: BrittanyRennae.com
- Podcast: The Organized Creative
This summary provides an in-depth overview of Episode 293, capturing the essence of Brittany Sturm's insights on creating manageable routines and systems to achieve a balanced and profitable creative business.