E302: Designing Your Time & Life in 2026: Intention, Systems & What Actually Matters with Stephanie Potter & Marnie Dachis Marmet

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We all say we don’t have enough time - but what if the real issue isn’t time at all, but how intentionally we’re using it? In this timely episode, we explore how to stop letting life happen by default and start designing your days, weeks, and year with purpose.

In this practical and reflective solo episode of The Art of Living Well Podcast®, hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet and Stephanie May Potter break down how to intentionally plan and design your time in 2026. From understanding where your hours are really going to building simple systems that support your health, relationships, and energy, this conversation focuses on sustainable habits - not overwhelm. 

Through real-life examples, personal experiments, and coaching insights, Marnie and Stephanie share actionable tools to help you step off the hamster wheel, reclaim your time, and create a year that actually feels good to live.

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

● How intention and systems matter more than motivation

● Why small, consistent habits outperform big goals

● How to design your year without overloading January

● The power of visual planning and seeing your year at a glance

● How to build habits in manageable 10-15 minute increments

● How to create anchors or buckets for health, work, relationships, and adventure

● Ways to reclaim time from distractions like phones and notifications

● Why flexibility and grace are essential when building new habits

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Noteworthy Quotes from the Episode:

● “If you don’t design your year, your year will design itself.” - Marnie Dachis Marmet

● “If it’s not on your calendar, it’s not real.” - Stephanie Potter

● “We don’t rise to the level of our goals. We fall to the level of our systems.” - Stephanie Potter

● “Motivation is not going to tap you on the shoulder and say today’s the day.” - Marnie Dachis Marmet 

● “You are the only one who can make 2026 amazing for yourself.” - Marnie Dachis Marmet

● “Small, consistent actions create momentum over time.” - Stephanie Potter

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Episode Breakdown with Timestamps:

00:00  - If you don’t design your year, your year designs you

02:09  - The 8760-hour reality check where your time actually goes

03:40  - Why goals fail without systems (Atomic Habits logic)

06:55 - One habit every 90 days using the calendar method

08:24 - The 5-minute habit rule that changes your identity

17:02 - Three questions that decide how your 2026 will feel

21:36 - Non-negotiables and how to protect time for what matters

 

Episode with Erin Newkirk: https://www.theartoflivingwell.us/blog/episode-10-learn-how-to-work-your-best-life-with-erin-newkirk

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