Have you ever tried to “fix” your productivity by packing more into your day, only to end the week more tired and less present?

I have been there. Years ago I was reacting to everything on my calendar, buying birthday gifts on the way to the party, forgetting school closures and scrambling for childcare. I was tightening my planner, but nothing changed.

Here is the shift God has been pressing on my heart:

“Your schedule is not only about what you get done. It is shaping who you are becoming.”

In this week’s Faith Fueled Mompreneur episode, I share a simple way to filter your calendar through what actually matters so you can stop organizing the chaos and start living on purpose.

A Verse that Reframed Planning

Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.”

This is not only for big decisions. It is an invitation to submit our daily priorities to God. When we entrust our time to Him, He straightens the path. Planning becomes less about squeezing more in and more about aligning with His purpose.

The Big Idea

Your schedule is far less about what you want to get done. It is far more about who you want to become.

A Better Filter for Your Time

These are the five foundational habits I use to decide what deserves space first. Everything else fits around them.

1. Put on God’s armor daily
2. Expand your physical capacity, then protect it
3. Be intentional with your family
4. Let God lead your business
5. Steward your time, talent, and treasure well

When new opportunities come up, I run them through this list. If something does not support one of these, it moves behind the priorities that do.

Three Steps to Prioritize What Matters

1) Identify what actually matters in this season

Pray first. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight the few things that must be guarded right now. Put those on your calendar before anything else. Leave margin so you are not running on fumes. Then fit the extras around those priorities, not the other way around.

2) Show up with discipline, not just motivation

Motivation is fickle. Discipline is a decision. Use identity statements that match who you are becoming.
Examples: “I read Scripture before I read my phone.” “I move my body five days a week.” “I protect family connection on set evenings.”
When you miss, you return. Consistency over perfection.

3) Build proactive habits that protect what matters

Do not wait until you feel behind. Create rhythms that guard your priorities before the week begins.

• Monthly CEO date and action plan: a four hour planning session where you align personal and business priorities and map the month
• Weekly planning hour: review the calendar, prepare for what is coming, and plug in margin
• Body doubling and accountability: plan or co work alongside others so you actually follow through

If you are telling yourself “I am not a planner,” notice that label and replace it. Try “I am becoming organized,” and then take one small step that matches it.

One small step for this week

Write your top three priorities for this season. Schedule one concrete habit that protects each one. Say it out loud.

Example: “I protect time with the Lord by opening my Bible before I open my inbox.”

Let’s figure it out together

If this stirred hope and you want support putting it into practice, I would love to walk with you.

• Join the Free Purpose Gathering Community for deeper conversation and practical encouragement.
• Explore the Purpose Gathering Collective for frameworks and accountability that make these habits stick.
• Book a Free Clarity Call if you feel stuck and need a loving nudge toward your next step.

Final words from my heart to yours

You do not have to run faster to feel fulfilled. You need a faithful filter for your time. When you commit your days to the Lord, He will establish your plans. Start small, protect what matters, and watch peace and focus grow.

With love and grace,

Related Podcast Episodes: 

1. Ep 188. Flip the Script on Negative Thinking
2. Ep 187. Get Out Of Your Head + Start Living Your Life with Carla Reeves
3. Ep 184. Navigating the All In or Burn it Down Mentality
4. Ep 36. Maximize Your Productivity with Minimal Time
5. Browse All Mindset Related Episodes

Resources:

1.  Book a Free Clarity Call – This call will help you breakthrough one area in your life in which you’re feeling stuck. You don’t have to do this alone!!
2. Join the Free Purpose Gathering Community – A welcoming space for Christian mompreneurs to connect, grow, and be encouraged in both life and business.
3. Learn more about the Collective Mastermind – A Christ-centered space for ambitious mompreneurs seeking support, clarity, strategy, and strong Kingdom sisterhood.
4. Local to Gilbert/Mesa Arizona (For Mom Business Owners) Join our in person membership community.
5. Have a question for me? Or a specific struggle you’re dealing with? I’ll address your question on the podcast. Submit your ‘Ask Ashley’ question here.
6. Please connect with me on Instagram @thepurposegathering.
7. Message me on Voxer (My username is afreehan)