My dirty little secret as a "put together" person


BONNIE MEADOWS

CAREER COACH & LEADER

Hey Reader,

I'm going to do something a little different today.

I'm going to be honest with you about something I find really tough-organizing and planning, which often feels overwhelming for me too.

Because let's be clear — I talk a lot about strategy, positioning, and leadership clarity. And I genuinely love that work. But behind the scenes? There is one thing that has been quietly driving me absolutely bananas.

Organizing. Planning. Systems. All of it.

Here's what it actually looks like on my end:

I spend more time building my to-do list than doing the things on it. I find a planner I love, commit to it like it's a new relationship, and then abandon it three months later. My email inbox is a whole situation. And just when I think I've got a good flow going, boom, three new projects land and my beautiful system evaporates.

The funniest part? Most people have no idea. I get told all the time that I seem so "put together." And I just smile and nod. 😂

Here's what I know: I am not a type-A, color-coded-binder person, and I have fully accepted that about myself. What I do want is a simple, sustainable flow that works for my actual life — full-time job, coaching business, podcast, association presidency, wife, mom, and apparently, a collector of planners I don't finish.

So I'm coming to you.

Not with advice. With a question.

I'd love to hear what actually works for you when it comes to planning and organizing your time-your tips might help me too.

Is it a specific planner? A digital system? A "done is better than perfect" mindset shift? Some kind of wizardry I haven't discovered yet?

Hit reply and tell me. I read every single one, and I genuinely want to know.

You might just save my sanity — and I will be forever grateful. 🙌

Until Next Time...

Bonnie Meadows MSN, APRN, ACCNS-AG

Board-Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist | Career Coach | Well-Being Coach

CEO, Professional Ascension

You can listen to The Ambitious Nurse Podcast's latest episode. It is available on Apple or Spotify.

Hi! I'm Bonnie Meadows, Nurse Career Coach.

👩🏽‍⚕️I help experienced Nurses advance + lead beyond the bedside. Download my free guide➡️ https://professionalascension.com/nursing-growth-lm www.professionalascension.com

Read more from Hi! I'm Bonnie Meadows, Nurse Career Coach.
A couple of cups of coffee sitting on top of a wooden tray

Hey Reader, Happy New Year! 🎉 As we enter 2025, I want to reflect on the podcast episodes that resonated most with you last year. You clicked on, talked about, and shared these episodes—so let’s celebrate them! This list is a great way to revisit your favorites or dive into an episode you may have missed. Even better, it’s the perfect way to start planning your career path for 2025. So, without further ado, here are the Top 10 Podcast Episodes from The Ambitious Nurse: #1 🎧 Episode 05 – 4...

A christmas ornament hanging from a christmas tree

Hey Reader, Do you ever notice how this time of year seems to slow down and speed up at the same time? It’s weird, right? Because of this weird thing with the calendar, I want to update you on what’s happening here at Professional Ascension. Hence, you know exactly what’s coming and when (unlike Aunt Marge's unpredictable gifts). (I’ll try to keep the update brief, too.) I will travel much more this season than others, but you will still see me in your inbox weekly. I have paused producing...

a notebook with a quote written on it

Hey Reader, Lately, I’ve been fully embracing the season with Christmas and holiday movies everywhere. Have you started watching them yet? 🎄✨ It’s incredible how these movies can bring cheer and lighten the heaviness many have been feeling. But, as I glance at my calendar, one thing becomes crystal clear: 2025 is just around the corner! Can you believe we have fewer than 60 days left in the year? While I’d love to settle in for another holiday movie marathon, it’s time to shift gears and...