You don’t have to do it all, but you can prioritize quality time over striving to do it all and be it all for everyone. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of the season and miss out on the magic that defines it. Instead of stressing about everything on your calendar, here’s how to optimize your time and make the most out of the season.

Batch Tasks on Your To-Do List

If you have batched your tasks before, you know that it’s a time management game-changer. Whether you batch entire days or chunks of time for certain types of work, batching tasks is the ultimate way to optimize your time. The idea is to block out time for certain tasks during certain days or times of the day, like cooking, cleaning, or creative brainstorming. 

For example, you might be most creative in the mornings. So you could use this time to write, draw, paint, design, or whatever creative work entails. Later in the day, you might focus on more administrative tasks like taking phone calls and appointments. Batching your tasks is all about showing up in the right state of mind for the right job.

Block Out Time to Recharge

Rest should be a priority during the busyness of the holiday season. Think about it: On one hand, the holidays are the most joyful time of the year. On the other hand, the holidays can also be stressful and germ-ridden. If you want to truly optimize your time, rest has to be on your agenda. Whether it’s time to go for a 30-minute walk, reading a book with your morning cup of coffee, or meditating for 10 minutes, you need time for yourself. Don’t feel guilty for taking it. 

Change Solo Tasks Into Group Activities

If you want to optimize your time during the hustle and bustle of this season, don’t do everything alone. For all the Type A people out there, it might be your default to dive in head first into your daily tasks without asking for help. Instead, make your tasks into fun, group activities. If you are baking holiday desserts for work events or your child’s holiday party, turn it into a family affair. Invite your kids or your spouse into the kitchen to bake with you. It will make the time go faster, and it will feel a lot less like work and more like fun.

Lean Into Early Mornings

As the holidays loom near, you might be tempted to burn the midnight oil, but don’t. In the words of Rachel, if you own the morning, then you own the day. So as best as possible, stick to your normal routine. Your immune system will thank you. You can use this time to workout, journal, hydrate, caffeinate, and ground yourself before the day starts. If you need more time, wake up a little earlier to work on your holiday to-do list. The early morning quiet is ideal to accomplish gift wrapping, decorating, or any last minute work items you need to close out before the holiday break.

Embrace Simplicity

When it comes to the holidays, less is more. If there is anything on your to-do list that brings you more anxiety than joy, cut it off. There’s nothing you have to do. Remove the pressure to decorate your home like a magazine cover or bake an award-winning turkey.

The holiday season will go on if you don’t have the decorations up by December 1 or bake the perfect holiday cookies for your child’s third grade class. Perfection is not the goal. Instead, put the tree up on a weekend when you have more time, and don’t be afraid to buy store-bought cookies—they’ll still get eaten! 

If you are feeling stuck right now, the most powerful thing you can do is take one step. Rach shared on a recent podcast that you don’t have to know what is 20 miles down the road, but you do just have to take one step. Analysis paralysis will keep you stuck, but you get to decide who you are and what is next for you. You just have to be resourceful with what you’ve got. Here are some practical steps to move forward and navigate uncertainty in your career.

Be Strategic With Your Time

Applying to jobs in a difficult job market can feel like throwing spaghetti at a wall and hoping for something to stick. But the truth is the more you apply to just any and every job, the less likely you are to land meaningful work. In the interim of looking for work you’re passionate about, make the most of your time by getting a temp, short-term, or part-time job to pay your bills. This way you are doing something that generates income and removes the immediate pressure to find the perfect, long-term job. 

This also frees you up to be more choosy and find a job that you are passionate about. Because at the end of the day, you are trading your time for someone else’s money. The more value you provide for that exchange, the better. 

Call Your Shot

We know it’s stressful when you’re on the hunt for work, but dont let that fear push you into making a bad choice. Set your intention for your job search at the beginning (or do it today if you haven’t already) by identifying your dream companies to work for. Which brands do you admire? Which companies would you love to work for? Not sure? Start following your favorite brands on social media (especially LinkedIn) to catch their vibe. Keep a note in your phone called “Dream Companies” and add to it any time something new and fun crosses your path. This allows you to focus on positive thoughts around your job search (crucial for self confidence when you land the interview) and allows you to consider entry-point jobs at ideal companies you may not have considered if you were only focused on the “dream job”.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter for Each Job

When you apply for a job that is aligned with where you want to be, be sure to adjust your cover letter and resume for the job you are applying for. ChatGPT, or whatever your AI chatbot of preference is, is a great tool for customizing your resume and cover letter. Start by copying and pasting the job description you are applying for into ChatGPT. Then, upload your resume. Prompt ChatGPT with the task: “Tell me where to adjust this resume to highlight the way my past experience makes me a great candidate for this job.” Ask the AI chatbot to help you rewrite your resume or highlight areas where your skillset is great for the job.

Find Temporary Work That Excites You

As you are looking for a “bridge” or an in-between job, choose something that you enjoy. If you love espresso and creamy coffee, then look for work as a barista. If you love animals, then go apply to the local animal shelter. If you are an avid book reader, then apply to work at a bookstore or library. By finding something you are interested in, you will elevate your energy and fall in love with your life. Your time is valuable, so in this time of job uncertainty, doing work you are interested in will reduce stress and help you enjoy your day. That elevated vibration will attract more opportunities and open you up to possibilities you might’ve once missed. 

Consider Remote Work

Don’t overlook remote work as an option. The great thing about remote work is that it opens the door to companies across the country or even the globe where the job market is potentially better than the city you live in. So change those job filters to remote work. There are countless opportunities for full-time and part-time remote work in various industries.

Look for the Good Stuff

When navigating job uncertainty, it can be easy to fixate on the reality of a downturned job market. But the truth is whatever you look for, you will find. So every time you say things like, “I can’t find a job in this market,” or “There are no jobs right now,” you are reaffirming a negative belief and rewiring your brain to look for that. Your brain will focus on what you tell it to and on what you decide is important or true. 

Instead, take note of whatever you can that is positive about the job search. Maybe it’s a really well-written, intriguing job description or a cool company in your industry that piques your interest, but you can always choose to look for the good stuff. 

Choose an Affirmation That Feels True

Whether it’s a word or a sentence, affirmations assert or declare something. They are something you say over and over that affirm that is what is coming and that is what is true. But remember, your brain is powerful. When an affirmation does not line up with your lived experiences, your subconscious calls BS. There is a disconnect between what you are saying is true and what is really happening. So your subconscious mind doesn’t believe it, and you won’t see positive results. Instead, find an affirmation that feels true and is about what you can control, even in uncertainty. For example, you might say, “I am strong and confident, and when I get the job interview, I am going to knock it out of the park.”

In a fast-paced, hustle-harder culture, we don’t value slowing down the way we should. Fall isn’t just about the Q4 grind before the year ends—it’s about adjusting the tempo, being intentional, and playing smart. There’s a time for high-speed execution and a time to pause, reassess, and realign. So how do you slow the pace and still stay productive? Keep reading to find out. 

1. Focus on Efficiency, Not Just Effort

Let’s be real—more hustle doesn’t always mean more progress. Fall is a great time to evaluate:

• Where’s your energy going?
• What tasks are giving you the best return?

When it comes to productivity, less is more in the fall season. Cut the fluff. Drop the “busy work” and prioritize high-impact actions. Keep your calendar lean and your goals sharp.

2. Shift From Sprinting to Pacing

We train differently for a marathon than a 100-yard dash. You don’t need to hit every task at full throttle. Instead:

• Build in buffer time between meetings.
• Use theme days (e.g., Mondays for planning, Wednesdays for deep work).
• Create intentional pauses—moments to think, reflect, and recalibrate.

Rach is a huge advocate for batch work, which is about organizing your time by tasks or theme. So perhaps, you utilize a day in your week for cleaning or meal prepping. Set outside your phone and turn down the distractions to focus on the task at hand. Rach boosts her productivity by setting aside certain days on her calendar for tasks, such as writing, recording podcasts, and filming on-camera content. Productivity isn’t about speed—it’s about rhythm. Set a tempo you can sustain.

3. Recommit to Routines That Ground You

Discipline builds freedom. Especially when you’re slowing down, your routines become your structure.

• Start your day with a strong warm-up such as exercise, meditation, and journaling.
• Drink water before coffee every morning.
• Set clear shutdown rituals in the evening.
• Use Sundays to plan your week—like reviewing film before game day.

A solid routine is your playbook. Trust it.

4. Communicate the Shift

If you’re dialing down the pace, don’t leave your team or clients in the dark. Transparency is key.

• Let others know you’re focusing on depth over speed.
• Set expectations around response times and availability.

Leadership isn’t just about action—it’s about clarity.

Remember: Slower Doesn’t Mean Weaker

Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up or falling behind. It means playing smarter, longer, and with more purpose. Fall is your chance to find that next gear—not the one that burns you out, but the one that sustains you through Q4 and into the new year.

So take a breath. Set your sights. Adjust the game plan. Because the people who win in the long run? They know when to sprint—and when to slow it down.

The truth is, success in your career, your business, and honestly your whole life doesn’t come from luck. It comes from what you’re willing to do over and over again, even when it’s not glamorous. These five habits are the ones I’ve seen over and over in successful women who not only set big goals but actually reach them.

1. Treat Goals like Appointments 

If you’ve got a goal you’re serious about, stop leaving it floating in the land of “someday.” Put it on the calendar. Literally. Treat it with the same weight you’d give a doctor’s appointment, a client meeting, or picking your kid up from school.

Block off the time—whether it’s 30 minutes a day to design your website, an hour a week to pitch investors, or a standing check-in with your career coach. The point isn’t how much time you carve out, it’s that you carve it out at all.

Dreams don’t move forward because we think about them. They move forward because we show up for them, over and over again. Schedule it. Write it down. And most importantly, don’t break the promise you’ve made to yourself.

2. Keep Goals Visible

If you want to stay on track, you’ve got to keep your goals where you can see them. Out of sight really does mean out of mind—and with all the noise, distractions, and responsibilities pulling at you every day, it’s way too easy to forget what you’re working toward.

So put those goals front and center. Write them on your bathroom mirror, slap them on sticky notes around the house, make them your phone screensaver, or plaster them on a vision board that stares you down every morning. The method doesn’t matter—the reminder does.

Because the truth is, success isn’t just about setting a goal once. It’s about creating constant nudges that pull your attention back to what matters most. Keep your eyes on the prize—literally.

3. Surround Yourself With Ambitious People

You’ve heard it a million times: you are the company you keep. And it’s true. If you want to level up, you’ve got to spend time with people who are already living at the level you aspire to. Take a hard look at your circle—are the people around you lifting you higher, or keeping you stuck where you are?

Think about it: if you were training for the NBA, you wouldn’t hang out with folks who never touched a basketball. You’d find teammates who push you, coaches who challenge you, and mentors who’ve already walked the path you’re trying to take. The same goes for your goals.

Get in rooms with people who are going places. Learn from them, lean on their energy, and let their ambition remind you what’s possible. Iron sharpens iron—so make sure you’re surrounding yourself with people who help you shine.

4. The Willingness to Fail 

If you want big goals, you’ve got to be willing to look a little silly along the way. Falling down, making mistakes, starting messy—it’s all part of the process. Successful women know that failure isn’t the end of the road. It’s just feedback. Every stumble is teaching you what works, what doesn’t, and how to do it better next time.

You don’t get excellent overnight. You get excellent by being brave enough to be bad at something first. So stop waiting until you’re perfect, polished, or ready—you’ll be waiting forever. Show up, try, learn, adjust, repeat. Every imperfect step is still a step closer to the finish line.

5. Regularly Reassess Progress

High-achieving women don’t just set goals and hope for the best—they check in with themselves along the way. Whether it’s once a quarter, at the halfway point of the year, or even monthly, they pause to reflect: Am I actually moving closer to what I want?

Look at how you’ve been spending your time. Are your daily actions aligned with your big vision? Are you prioritizing what matters, or just staying busy? Because here’s the truth: thinking about your goals doesn’t make them happen. Talking about your goals doesn’t make them happen. Only consistent action does.

And if the actions you’re taking aren’t working? Adjust. Refocus. Realign. Successful women aren’t afraid to pivot, because they know the goal is progress, not perfection.

For more advice on the mindsets successful women possess to reach their goals, check out The Rachel Hollis Podcast.

Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what actually matters. And in today’s blog post, I’m breaking down my favorite hacks for getting organized and making the most of your time, whether you’re running a business, chasing a promotion, managing a household, or juggling all the things at once. Plus, I’m including tactical steps on how to get organized you can start using TODAY to see results fast.

Let’s dive in!

Start with a Clean Slate (Literally and Mentally)

Before I can be productive, I need to clear the clutter—both physically and mentally.

I’ll never forget when I was 18, living in a tiny, crappy apartment in Burbank, trying to figure out how to be an adult. My first “desk” was a $22 folding table from Target, and I remember sitting there, trying to organize my dreams of being an entrepreneur and an author with the little time I had outside of my full-time job. That’s where my obsession with productivity started—because when your hours are limited, you HAVE to make the most of them.

Carrying mental clutter is just as exhausting as dealing with a messy workspace. Try this:

Declutter Your Mind

1. Brain Dump: Write down EVERYTHING that’s swirling in your head—errands, work projects, reminders, ideas, all of it. Then use the 3D Method.
2. The 3D Method:
   • Delegate anything someone else can do – I know this can be incredibly difficult if you’re not used to it but delegation is crucial for anyone who wants to get the most out of the time they have. Focus on what you (and only you) do best.
   • Delete anything that doesn’t matter – Seriously, what on that list can you delete? Could you put a reminder in the calendar for 3 months from now and revisit it then? Edit whatever you can.
   • Only Do the things that actually move you toward your goals – so simple and so accurate, the greatest productivity hack is just focusing on the things that get you closer to where you want to be.

I’ve used this method for years, and it’s one of the fastest ways to cut through overwhelm and actually take action. (Pro tip: I also use it for my kids. Instead of nagging, I make a chore chart so they always know exactly what’s expected—no arguments, no surprises.)

Declutter Your Space

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your house; it’s for your productivity too. If your desk, car, kitchen, or workspace is a disaster, it’s going to slow you down. Take an hour (or several) and clear out what you don’t need.

• If you haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it.
• If you’re holding onto something “just in case,” put it in a box and revisit it in six months. I have a big duffle bag in my closet where I put all the clothes I never wear but refuse to give up. My rule is, if after a few months I cant remember what’s in the duffle, I have to donate it because clearly it’s not a favorite.
• Create an environment that makes it easy to focus—your space should work for you, not against you.

I wrote a whole blog post about how to actually enjoy doing your chores if you need some inspiration around this topic.

Ditch the To-Do List—Use a Results List Instead

The Results List is a practice I wrote about extensively in my book Girl, Stop Apologizing but if you’re not familiar, let me give you a summary. To-do lists are endless and overwhelming and studies show they don’t actually help us make traction. Instead, focus on the results you want, not the to-do’s:

• Instead of “Update resume,” try “Send resume to 15 hiring managers today.”
• Instead of “Work on book,” try “Write 1,000 words before lunch.”
• Instead of “Get more clients” try “Make 25 cold-calls by EOD”

Results are specific. Results are what matter. Prioritize the three biggest moves that will actually move the needle in your life and focus on those. If you take nothing else from this blog post, let it be this: Stop being busy and start being effective.

Batch Your Work Like a Boss

Multitasking is killing your productivity. Every time you switch tasks, your brain has to recalibrate, which wastes precious energy. In fact, research shows that once distracted, a worker takes nearly a half-hour to resume the original task. Think about how many times you get distracted in a day… if it takes us half an hour to get focused again we could be losing hours (we don’t have!) because of distraction.

Instead, learn to batch your work. Not sure what that is? Read this blog post where I explain this life-changing style of working and how I do it!

This small tweak alone can 10x your efficiency.

Protect Your Focus and Energy

Want to get organized to be productive? It isn’t just about time management—it’s about energy management.

• Turn off notifications when you’re working on something important.
• Time block your day so you have clear focus periods.
• Set boundaries. (Say no to things that don’t align with your priorities.)

Your time is valuable. Treat it like the limited resource that it is.

Plan Ahead or Plan to Fail

Being organized isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a learned skill. And the secret to staying organized? Planning ahead.

• Take time each week to plan out your biggest priorities.
• Set three big wins you want to accomplish.
• Check your calendar for any appointments or prep work needed.

Want to take a deep dive on this subject with me? I did a whole podcast episode all about it and you can listen to it below.

As an entrepreneur, reading has been one of my biggest tools for growth. Leaders are Readers after all. There are so many incredible books that offer insights, strategies, and inspiration (I think I’ve read about 1,000 of them at this point) that can propel you forward on your entrepreneurial journey. Since I get asked all the time about what I’m reading, I’d love to share some of my absolute favorite books for entrepreneurs that have had a profound impact on me and my business. If you’re ready to grow and level up, these books should be on your shelf!

1. The One Thing by Gary Keller

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my entrepreneurial journey, it’s that focus is everything. Gary Keller’s The One Thing has been a game-changer for me in terms of understanding how to focus my energy and efforts on what truly matters. This book teaches you how to cut through the noise of everyday distractions and focus on that one thing that will have the greatest impact on your life and business. By narrowing your focus, you can make massive strides in less time. Whether it’s scaling your business, improving personal productivity, or simply finding balance, The One Thing will help you identify and prioritize your most important tasks. It’s all about doing less, but doing it better.

2. The Dip by Seth Godin

If you haven’t read The Dip by Seth Godin yet, you’re missing out on one of the most essential reads for entrepreneurs who’ve been “in the game” for a long time. Seth’s insights on knowing when to push forward and when to quit are incredibly valuable. In the book, Seth discusses the concept of “The Dip,” that tough period where most people quit, but those who push through it end up achieving great success.

If you want even more insights into Seth’s genius, I had the privilege of interviewing him on my podcast (after half a decade of trying!) where we dive deeper into his ideas. It’s a must-listen if you’re navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship or freelancing. You can catch our conversation here.

3. Girl, Stop Apologizing by Me

Of course, if we’re going to talk about favorites, I have to mention Girl, Stop Apologizing. I never imagined I’d write a book for women who were pursuing business and careers but so many people kept asking me how they could pursue goals without their ambition upsetting their partners and I realized we have a real problem. Writing this book was my answer. t’s all about taking ownership of your goals, dreams, and ambitions, and most importantly, learning how to stop apologizing for wanting more in life. I’ve met so many women who have big dreams but hold themselves back because of imposter syndrome or fear of judgment. In Girl, Stop Apologizing, I teach you how to break free from that mindset and build the confidence you need to pursue your dreams unapologetically. This book is a call to action, a wake-up call to stop hiding and start showing up as the ambitious entrepreneur you were meant to be.

4. The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy

The Gap and the Gain is a powerful book by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Ben Hardy that explores a critical mindset shift that can make a huge difference in your entrepreneurial journey. The authors explain the difference between the “gap” (the space between where you are and where you want to be) and the “gain” (the progress you’ve already made). Entrepreneurs often focus too much on the gap, which leads to frustration and burnout, but focusing on the gain allows you to celebrate your progress and stay motivated. This book has been pivotal in helping me shift my mindset from a place of lack to one of abundance, helping me to stay grounded and inspired while running my business.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Ben Hardy on my podcast, where we discussed the powerful lessons from The Gap and the Gain and how you can start applying them in your life and business.

5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a classic for a reason. This is one of my favorite books for entrepreneurs because lays out the foundation for personal and professional success, offering timeless principles for building strong habits and creating a life of purpose and balance. One of the biggest takeaways for me was Covey’s emphasis on proactivity and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters. I love the grid he made of “urgent, not urgent, important, not important” (I was so excited I drew it out in my notebook so I wouldn’t remember — hence the drawing above) In entrepreneurship, we can easily get caught up in the daily grind, constantly reacting to external circumstances, but Covey encourages us to take control of our lives by setting clear priorities and creating a plan to achieve them. His seven habits offer a holistic approach to becoming a highly effective entrepreneur—not just in business, but in all aspects of life.

6. The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman

The Alter Ego Effect by Todd Herman is one of those books that makes you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?” In this book, Todd introduces the concept of creating an alter ego to help you perform at your highest level. By tapping into this alter ego, you can step into your power and get past the self-doubt and hesitation that often hold us back as entrepreneurs. I love how Todd breaks down the idea of creating a persona to access your best qualities in moments when you need them most, whether that’s in a meeting, during a big presentation, or when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility. It’s a fun, actionable concept that can radically change the way you show up in your business and your life.

If you haven’t yet read my favorite books for entrepreneurs, I highly recommend you add them to your reading list. And if you’re looking for even more actionable advice and inspiration, check out my podcast episodes with Seth Godin, Dr. Ben Hardy, and Todd Herman. It’s time to stop waiting and start taking action. The best is yet to come!

If you’ve ever felt like you’re working hard but not seeing the results you want, it might be time for a calendar audit! This is something I first learned about from John C Maxwell years ago and once I did it, I couldn’t ever look at my calendar the same way again. Want to have a great year? Then you need to think about how you spend your time. Your year is made up of months that are made up of weeks that are made up of days and ultimately what you choose to fill the hours in your day with. An annual calendar audit allows you to review your past year, identify what worked, and eliminate what didn’t, so you can focus on what truly matters in the year ahead. Here’s how to conduct your own annual calendar audit in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you start, you’ll need the following:

• Your calendar: This could be digital (like Google Calendar) or physical. If you don’t have a detailed calendar (this is your sign to start one) but until then, I recommend using your phone’s photo library to jog your memory of key events.
• A notebook or journal: Choose something where you can jot down reflections as you go. Writing by hand is ideal to avoid distractions.
• A quiet space: Find a place where you can focus without interruptions. Grab a cup of coffee or tea to set the mood.

Step 2: Set Aside Time

A proper calendar audit requires focus and reflection. Aim to set aside at least 2–4 hours for this process. If possible, carve out uninterrupted time during a quieter period, like weekends or holidays, when you can truly dive into this exercise.

Step 3: Review Your Year, Week by Week

Start from January of the previous year and go week by week through your calendar. For each appointment, event, or task, ask yourself:

• What was this activity about?
• How did it make me feel?
• Was it worth the time, energy, and resources I spent on it?

Categorize your findings into three lists:

1. Worth It: Activities that added value to your life or aligned with your goals.
2. Not Worth It: Tasks, meetings, or commitments that felt like a waste of time or energy.
3. Self-Care & Fun: Moments where you took care of yourself, had fun, or recharged.

From there I like to write each one of those categories on top of a blank page and then put each and every event and appointment into one of the three. The first time I did this I was shocked to discover how many things I regularly did that were a waste of time. I was also disheartened to realize that I scheduled almost no time for self care.

Step 4: Identify Patterns

Once you’ve categorized your year, step back and look for patterns. Ask yourself:

• What types of activities consistently added value?
• Which commitments drained me the most?
• Did I make enough time for self-care and joy?

This step is key to understanding where you should focus your energy moving forward.

Step 5: Apply the 80/20 Rule

The Pareto Principle states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Look at your “Worth It” list and identify the 20% of activities that had the biggest impact on your success or happiness. These are the areas to double down on in the coming year.

Step 6: Build Your New Calendar

Using the insights from your audit, start crafting your ideal calendar for the year ahead:

1. Prioritize the 20%: Schedule more time for the activities that made the biggest positive impact.
2. Plan for Self-Care: Add regular self-care and fun into your calendar—like monthly dinners with friends or a weekly yoga class.
3. Eliminate the Waste: Be intentional about saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values or goals.
4. Create a Weekly Template: Map out what your perfect week looks like, from work blocks to family time and personal growth activities.

Step 7: Reflect and Adjust

As you move through the year, revisit your audit. Regular reflection ensures you stay aligned with your goals and values. This practice isn’t just about improving productivity—it’s about designing a life that feels fulfilling and intentional.

Want to take a deeper dive on the Calendar Audit?

Listen to this episode of the podcast here or watch my video below 👇🏼

Let’s be honest—sometimes money is a touchy subject, especially for women. If you were raised in a similar environment to me, then you might have grown up believing that speaking about money was rude, greedy or selfish.

But here’s the thing: dreaming big about your future and planning for financial freedom isn’t just okay—it’s necessary.

As women, we have to think about our financial security. Statistically, women earn less on average than men, and we tend to live longer, which means we need more savings to cover retirement. On top of that, many of us step into caregiving roles—whether for kids, aging parents, or both—that can pause or derail our careers.

Financial security is about the freedom to make choices for your life. It’s about being able to leave a toxic situation if necessary, start your dream business, or sleep better at night knowing you’ve got a safety net. It’s about having the power to call the shots on your terms.

That’s why in this episode of The Rachel Hollis Podcast, we’re tackling this head-on. I’m answering your biggest questions about money– from how to dream unapologetically big to setting goals that align with your values and releasing the guilt society loves to hand us about financial freedom. If you’ve ever felt hesitant about pursuing financial freedom or setting bold money goals, this one’s for you.

But before you dive into the episode, let’s unpack some of the major themes and set the stage for why this conversation is so critical.

Why Do We Feel Guilty About Money?

Where does this money guilt comes from? For many of us, our earliest beliefs about money were shaped by what we heard growing up. Maybe it was a parent who said, “Money doesn’t grow on trees,” or teachers who emphasized hard work over financial literacy. These messages often planted the idea that wanting more money was somehow wrong or frivolous.

On top of that, there’s the societal double standard. Men are often encouraged to chase wealth and success without apology, while women are expected to focus on nurturing roles or “staying humble.” We carry these unspoken rules with us into adulthood, and they hold us back from dreaming as boldly as we deserve.

Here’s the truth: money isn’t the villain. It’s just a tool—a resource that, when used wisely, can create freedom, opportunity, and allow you to take care of the people you love most.

Set Financial Goals That Align With Your Values

Big dreams are one thing; taking action is another. This is where a little clarity goes a long way. Start by asking yourself: What does financial freedom look like to me?

For some, it might mean paying off debt or saving for a dream home. For others, it’s the flexibility to travel the world or leave a nine-to-five job. Whatever it is, write it down and get specific. The clearer your goals, the easier it is to create a plan to achieve them.

And here’s the big one: let go of the guilt. If your financial dreams are rooted in your values, there’s nothing selfish about pursuing them. Surround yourself with examples of people—especially women—who’ve dreamed big and achieved their goals. Their stories are proof that it’s possible.

Talk About Money

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this conversation, it’s this: we need to start talking about money. Openly, honestly, and without shame. The more we normalize these conversations within our trusted circles, the more we empower ourselves and each other to break free from the stigma.

When you share your financial goals with people you trust, you’re not just inviting accountability—you’re also creating space for others to dream big, too. Imagine the ripple effect if more women felt confident and unapologetic about their financial ambitions.

My new book, What If YOU Are the Answer? is here!

What If You Are The Answer? is all about tapping into your inner wisdom and intuition. You have the answers! Who’s coming to save you? You are. Who’s going to fix your life? You are. 

Each chapter begins with a powerful question – something someone asked me or that I read – that forced me to make real changes in my life. My hope is that these questions inspire you to unpack your own truth and spark meaningful changes along the way.

We’re gonna laugh about how ridiculous life can be, but we’ll also dive into those tough conversations – because that’s what we do together, you and me.

And guys, you can officially grab your copy.

ORDER from Barnes & Noble HERE

ORDER from Amazon HERE

ORDER from Books-a-Million HERE

Canada: ORDER from Indigo HERE

UK: ORDER from Waterstones HERE

Australia: ORDER from Readings HERE

If you’re not already familiar with our Start Today Journal, it’s a product created out of a practice I did for years– that practice was born out of frustration. I was tired of starting and stopping my goals over and over again. I wanted a habit that would help me see them through to completion.

In the past, whenever I set out to change my life for the better (like at the New Year or right before a big birthday) I tended to get really fired up and tried to improve everything at once. Have you ever done that? January would roll around and I’d be like, “OK, I’m starting a diet and writing the next great American novel and working on my business and I’m finally going to get my dog to stop pulling on the leash!”

And the thing is, for a few days, I’d kill it! But then life would happen and one ball would drop and then another and suddenly I was right back where I started only now I was beyond discouraged.

The impetus for this daily practice in my life was that I couldn’t understand how I could start out so strong and determined only to watch my drive fizzle and fade in no time flat. The worst part was that whenever I failed to achieve my goals or gave up (again) I would mentally berate myself for not being able to achieve big things. It’s only now that I understand that it wasn’t that my goals were too big, it’s that there were too many. 

When I started to narrow down my focus and begin each day with intention I really began to see a shift in how much traction I was making with my dreams. As I always say, you don’t need to buy the journal to do the practice! You can do it in any notebook you already have… check out the video below for more details. But if you’re a love a keepsake journal like I do you can find the Start Today Journal right HERE.