From Scrolling to Creating

Career

Aug 15

Written By Jaime

How I Took Back My Time (and Built Something I Love)

I can’t believe it—this month marks one full year of our blog. A year that’s flown by so quickly, it feels like I blinked and landed here.

At the start of 2024, I had that familiar pull again: I need something that’s mine. Something beyond work, family, and the day-to-day grind. I’d dabbled in blogging before, way back in 2009–2011, but it was a completely different world. Back then, I didn’t see how it could be profitable. I got a few freebies, sure, but nothing that made me think, this could be something big. If I’d stuck with it, maybe I would have figured it out.

Fast forward to now—and here I am, back in the blogging world. Only this time, I’m building with purpose, clarity, and a whole different mindset about what’s possible.

And along the way, I’ve learned five simple shifts that completely changed how I use my time—and made it possible to grow a blog while still living a full, busy life.

The Excuse I Used for Years

When I stayed home with the kids from 2008–2012, I thought going back to work meant there’d be no time for a side hustle like blogging. My days were packed, and when I got home, I wanted to be fully present with my family. I assumed there was no room for anything else.

But here’s the truth: there were always small pockets of time. An hour after the kids went to bed. A chunk of the weekend. If I’d recognized that back then, I could have made slow, steady progress instead of stalling completely.

How My Time Looks Now

Our son is 18 and self-sufficient, and while family life is still busy, I’ve managed to carve out pockets of time for myself. A couple of hours on weeknights. Extra focus time on weekends. When my husband travels for work, I dive into blog projects.

The difference isn’t that I magically have more hours; it’s that I use them differently. I’ve learned to refocus my spare time so that it moves me toward my goals instead of disappearing into a scroll hole.

5 Simple Steps That Changed How I Spend My Time

These are the exact shifts I made to reclaim my time and actually build something for myself.

Step 1: Audit Your Phone Usage

A few years ago, I got brutally honest about how much time I spent scrolling. If you have an iPhone, check your screen time. It might shock you. There were months I deleted Facebook just to stop the endless scroll.
Now, I still spend time on my phone, but it’s intentional. I listen to podcasts or YouTube videos while cleaning or driving. If I’m a passenger on a trip, I research, take online trainings, or jot down notes. My phone is now a tool, not a distraction.

Step 2: Put Family and Priorities First

Family and real-life events come first. Some weeks are packed with events like baby showers, back-to-school preparations, or senior pictures. I see the busy seasons coming, so I work ahead and schedule blog posts in advance. That way, life doesn’t knock me off track.

Step 3: Live by Your Calendar

When I start working with new teams, people often joke about how much I love my calendar. The truth? I don’t love it—it’s just my lifeline. If it’s not in there, it’s not happening. Training sessions, networking calls, side projects; they all get scheduled. Otherwise, they’ll get forgotten or pushed aside.

Step 4: Work on What You Actually Care About

If you don’t care about the subject, you won’t stick with it. Ask yourself: What truly excites me? Not just what you’re good at, because being good at something doesn’t mean you want to talk about it for the next 10 years. Your interest is what will sustain you when motivation fades.

Step 5: Commit to Your Own Version of Success

If you’re looking to start something of your own, or simply refocus your time, these steps will work if you stick with them. They completely shifted how I spend my days, and that’s why I’m still here, still creating, and still growing a blog I love.

And here’s the most important part: your version of success is defined by you, not by anyone else, not by what you see on TikTok or Instagram, and not by someone else’s highlight reel. It’s easy to get caught up in what other people are doing, but real fulfillment comes when you decide what your goals look like, how you want to spend your time, and what progress feels right for your life.

My screen time — Sunday Roadtrip - I was a passenger and used the time for training.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you’ve ever felt like you “just don’t have time” for that thing you’ve been dreaming about, I want you to know, your time might be hiding in plain sight. It’s not about finding endless free hours; it’s about making the most of the pockets you already have.

What’s one small change you could make this week to reclaim some of your time? Please share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your ideas.

And if you want more strategies like this, plus behind-the-scenes updates from my blogging journey, join my free newsletter below. You’ll get tips, inspiration, and practical tools to help you create space for the life you actually want.

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Jaime

I’m Jaime, founder of Our Daily Lifestyles and host of the Second Act Simplified podcast. After more than 20 years in the supply chain industry, I understand what it is like to balance a demanding career, family responsibilities, and the desire to create something meaningful of your own. I also serve as an Advisor for the Ashland University Women in Leadership Executive Program, where I support women as they grow into stronger and more confident leaders.

I first discovered my love of blogging during the early rise of social media. After stepping away to focus on my career and family, I returned to writing with a clearer sense of purpose. Today, I share honest conversations, practical ideas, and real-life experiences for women who want to make the most of midlife and explore what could come next.

I’m part of a busy blended family, a mother, a grandmother of two, and a lifelong believer that life can keep getting more interesting as we get older. Here you will find stories and inspiration about travel, gardening, home projects, family life, personal growth, and creating a next chapter that feels like your own.