The Second Shift Is Real—Here’s What’s Saving Me


This week’s Better Together Round-Up is here! Think: one game-changing strategy, the resources you didn’t know you needed, and a few fun favorites we’re loving right now. Quick to read, packed with value—you in? 🕒 3-minute read, unlimited inspiration.

Hey Reader,

We survived the first full week of school. Barely.

The bus pulls up at 6:55 am, so I'm up at 5:45. And by 2:30? I need a nap. The girls need a snack. And all of us need a very present, very patient parent.

New school. New schedule. New friendships. BIG feelings. More meltdowns than I can count.

Oh, and in the chaos of "back to school," I chipped a tooth from a rogue tortilla chip and landed myself in an emergency dental appointment. Because...of course.

So when I say I am in my Second Shift Era, I mean it. I’m running a business and showing up for my kids in a whole new way—and it’s a lot.

But amidst the overwhelm, there’s been this unexpected gift: our flower garden is in FULL bloom. Every day, I take a few minutes to make a bouquet. We even have a pink sunflower. (Yes, pink. I’m still not over it.) We planted those seeds in May. It’s August. A timely reminder that beautiful things take time.

With everything going, I thought it was timely to share 3 systems that are saving me right now. Not perfect. Not polished. But keeping me afloat while I adjust to this new rhythm:

1. The "Slow Morning" Rule

I don’t have any calls on my calendar until 10 am. Mornings are for:

  • Eating breakfast without my laptop
  • Moving my body
  • Reading something that isn’t business-related
  • Doing what my priority is (not someone else's)

That 90-minute window is my reset. It helps me shift from mom mode to CEO mode without snapping at anyone (most days). I used to do it in the evening, but I can't keep my eyes open past 8 pm, so we flipped the routine.

2. If It's Not in ClickUp, It Doesn't Exist

I’ve literally scheduled everything—from client calls to Gilmore Girls wind-down time at 7 pm.

  • Need to prep for a dance classes? It’s in ClickUp.
  • Date night? In ClickUp.
  • Writing this email? Yup, ClickUp.

Even fun needs a spot on the calendar these days. Otherwise, it doesn't happen.

3. Friday = CEO Day (aka No Meetings)

This is my sacred space. Friday is for:

  • Planning content (yes, fall is mapped out!)
  • Mapping out launches and workshops
  • Making flower bouquets and pretending I'm on a lifestyle farm ;) This one is my fav.
  • Doing something fun. Solo. 💛

I need that mental breathing room to think clearly and lead well. So, if you’re wondering how I get anything done with so much going on, it’s this rhythm.

Anti-Social Shift of the Week: Systems Buy You Space

Even in survival mode, your systems can hold you.

This week, I watched 1:1 clients do incredible things:

  • Bridget was on the Today Show (!!)
  • Molly hosted a live open house for her agency
  • Juhi launched her brand new podcast
  • Madeline + Chanlie taught a training on starting a private podcast
  • Katy (our team) walked through our new A.S.S.™ funnel for the whole Co-Op program

They’re not doing more. They’re doing what matters most.

And that’s what we’re diving into at our Fall Content Planning Workshop this September.

If you're craving more margin and momentum—without burning out before Q4 even starts—this is for you. We’ll map out your content strategy, simplify your focus, and make space for your actual life in the process, all before the holidays hit.

🧡 Join us here: hollymariehaynes.com/fallworkshop

✨What We are Loving Right Now

Quick picks from the community this week—smart, soulful, and a little bit fun.

🎧 On the Podcast This Week: Two fresh episodes to queue up during your walk or work break:

🎉 AI Era Waitlist Is Open: I'm hosting a brand new AI workshop on how we used bots to improve client connection inside our A.S.S.™ program. Join the waitlist here.

🏈 On My Fall Wishlist: Football season is coming and I’ve got my eye on this navy track pant. Cozy + cute = yes, please.

🔍 Currently Listening: Loving this podcast on growth and marketing tools for female podcasters. Perfect background vibes for admin days.

🚀 Want Your Copy to Convert? My friend Marissa just dropped her Fall Workshop—a must for anyone wanting high-converting copy without the ick.

🔥 Last Call for The Shortcut Suite: This bundle has been a game-changer, and today’s the final day to grab it. Details here.

What system is saving YOU right now? Hit reply and let me know. I’m always looking for new ideas to test — especially ones that make room for rest.

Cheering you on always,
Holly

Client Wins

The Last Word

“You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
—James Clear

P.S. TL:DR Quick Links 😉
🎧
Latest Podcast Episode: This week, we're sharing how we’re using LinkedIn to grow with intention—and the simple, stress-free strategy we use to save for family vacations through our business→ Listen here
🧠
Work with Me 1:1: Let’s design your custom fall strategy together → Apply here
📅
Join the Anti-Social School™: Get access to our full AI Marketing Crew, Monthly Planning Parties, and live coaching with me → Come inside
💬
DM or email me anytime: Hit reply. I’m not hard to reach, I’m just intentional with my energy.

P.P.S. Got a favorite community resource or friend you want to shout out? Hit reply and share—I might include it in a future roundup!

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Holly Marie Haynes

Holly Haynes, a leading voice in the entrepreneurial world, is the founder of the globally recognized Crush the Rush Podcast. With her unique blend of business acumen and personal experience, Holly empowers women to build successful businesses while maintaining a fulfilling personal life and scaling their businesses without relying on the social media algorithm.

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