168 ⎸ Slowing down to create more success with Katy Murray

Hey, ambitious bookkeepers!

I’m super excited to share the latest episode of The Ambitious Bookkeeper Podcast with you! In Episode 168, I had an amazing conversation with Katy Murray, a powerhouse entrepreneur and the voice behind the Ginger Biz Podcast. Katy's story is a breath of fresh air in our fast-paced world—she's a firm believer in slowing down to achieve more.

Listen here or on your favorite podcast player, or watch the video version on YouTube >>

Now let’s dive into some highlights!

A Digital Reconnection

Katy and I first connected on Threads, a social networking app that initially left us both feeling overwhelmed. But after giving it another shot, we recognized its potential for meaningful connections and networking. It’s funny how sometimes the tools we find chaotic can eventually become invaluable once we learn to navigate them.

Katy’s Multi-faceted Background

Katy’s résumé is impressive: head of HR for an organization with 600 employees, mom to a toddler, former professional photographer featured in over 30 publications, and co-founder of Katy and Co, a virtual assistance and social media management company. Despite her packed schedule, Katy has a unique approach that’s centered around intentionality and slowing down—something many of us high-achievers struggle to grasp.

Mastering the Art of Screen Time Management

Katy shared her ingenious way to manage screen time: blocking apps on her phone until 9:30 AM to ensure focused, intentional time in the mornings. While it’s not easy to resist the lure of mindless scrolling, she finds this practice enhances her focus and creativity. On the flip side, Katy highlighted the downside of eliminating these boundaries, as it can lead to increased distractions and wasted time.

Setting Firm Professional Boundaries

Katy’s approach to managing professional boundaries is refreshing. She schedules emails sent late at night to go out the next day, reinforcing the idea that she’s not always available. I follow a similar method in my own practice, stressing the importance of deadlines over rigid work hours. This strategy helps in maintaining a healthy work-life balance for both me and my team.

Embracing Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, and even talk therapy play a significant role in Katy's life. These activities help her manage stress and stay focused. She also values the simple yet powerful rituals and routines that provide stability in her busy life. For me, my morning ritual of savoring a cup of coffee on the porch sets the tone for a productive day.

Outsourcing for Greater Efficiency

We also discussed the perks of outsourcing. Katy finds peace of mind in hiring house cleaners and utilizing CRM platforms to streamline her business operations. Outsourcing domestic tasks, while sometimes feeling indulgent, has proved to be both time-saving and cost-effective. I can totally relate—delegating tasks like cleaning and administrative work has freed me up to focus on higher-value activities, whether it’s advancing my business or spending quality time with my family.

Redefining What Success Means

One of the key takeaways from our chat was redefining success. For both Katy and me, success isn’t solely based on financial metrics but on personal fulfillment and aligning our work with our values. Savoring life’s little moments and spending time with loved ones is just as important as hitting our professional milestones.

The Joy of Simplicity and Scheduled Downtime

Katy isn’t about the hustle 24/7. She loves simple pleasures like watching movies or playing cards with her family and schedules downtime to avoid burnout. This mindset has motivated me to follow suit—I've started keeping Mondays and Fridays meeting-free, which has done wonders for my mental and emotional well-being. It gives me the necessary space to breathe and focus on personal projects.

Benefits of Decluttering and Simplifying

An organized, clutter-free environment can work wonders for reducing stress. Katy and I both find that decluttering our spaces makes us feel more peaceful and productive. It’s a small change that has a big impact on our mental clarity.

Outsourcing and Automation in Business

Katy invested in CRM platforms and automation tools to streamline her business processes. She wishes she’d done it sooner, and it’s a sentiment I completely get. Hiring help and leveraging technology has allowed us both to work smarter, not harder, making a significant difference in our productivity and peace of mind.

Embracing Imperfections

Katy and I also agree that it’s vital to embrace imperfections, especially on social media. We discussed the pressure of maintaining a flawless online presence and how it’s more important to enjoy the process and be authentic. Besides, your audience will appreciate the real you far more than a perfectly curated image.

Wrapping It Up

Ultimately, Katy’s approach to balancing her multifaceted life with intentionality and mindfulness is something we can all learn from. Slowing down and setting boundaries not only enhances productivity but also enriches our personal lives. So, if you’re feeling the pull between ambition and balance, take a leaf out of Katy’s book and give yourself permission to slow down.

Tune in to Episode 168 and let Katy Murray inspire you with her refreshingly laid-back yet effective take on achieving success. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Stay connected with Katy Murray:

• Instagram: @gingerbiz
• Website: www.katymurrayphotography.com

Thanks for being part of our community. Stay ambitious, mindful, and keep striving for that perfect balance!

Catch you in the next episode!

Special thanks to our amazing production team, and remember, keep chasing balance and stay ambitious!

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