Why We Feel Like There’s Never Enough Time

If you’ve ever said “I wish there were more hours in the day”, you’re not alone. Research from McKinsey shows that 67% of women leaders report feeling burned out — not because they aren’t capable, but because they are constantly overcommitted.

The problem isn’t time itself. The problem is how we relate to it.

That’s where Michelle Niemeyer — a coach, speaker, and former attorney — brings a revolutionary idea: The Art of Bending Time. Instead of working harder or longer, she teaches professionals how to align energy, work, and purpose so time works for you, not against you.

📩 Want weekly tools to help you align your energy and leadership?
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What Does “Bending Time” Really Mean?

Michelle’s concept isn’t about squeezing more tasks into your day. It’s about creating time harmony. That means:

• Matching work to energy: Scheduling high-focus tasks when you’re naturally sharp.

• Integrating wellness: Making self-care non-negotiable, so you’re fueled, not depleted.

• Leading with clarity: Knowing what matters most so you don’t waste time on distractions.

As Michelle says: “You don’t need more hours in the day. You need to align the hours you have with the energy that fuels you.”

The Science of Energy Alignment

Studies in chronobiology (the science of body rhythms) show that productivity peaks vary across individuals. Morning people (larks) hit their stride early, while night owls do their best thinking later.

But most workplaces ignore this — leading to fatigue, poor focus, and eventual burnout. Michelle’s framework helps professionals identify their personal energy curve and design their work accordingly.

Pro tip: Track your focus for a week. Notice when you’re most creative, analytical, or social. Align tasks accordingly.

🎧 Want to hear Michelle explain how to map your own energy curve?
Listen to Episode 102 of STANDOUT From The Crowd Podcast.

The SWORD Method: Cutting Through Distraction

One of Michelle’s most practical tools is her SWORD Method:

1. Simplify: Eliminate unnecessary commitments.

2. Write: Get tasks out of your head and onto paper.

3. Organize: Prioritize what matters most.

4. Review: Check progress and adjust regularly.

5. Do: Take focused action, one task at a time.

This isn’t just productivity — it’s purpose-driven productivity. By filtering tasks through SWORD, you cut through overwhelm and ensure your actions are aligned with your goals.

Why Work-Life Balance Is a Myth

Michelle is clear: “Work-life balance doesn’t exist.”

The traditional idea of balance assumes equal weight — 50% work, 50% life. But life doesn’t happen that neatly. Instead, Michelle advocates for time harmony: an intentional integration of work, wellness, and relationships that adapts to your current season of life.

Think of it less as a scale, and more like an orchestra — different sections playing louder or softer, depending on the moment.

Practical Steps to Bend Time in Your Favor

Here’s how you can start reclaiming your time today:

• Audit your day/week: Where are you spending time on low-value tasks?

• Set energy rituals: A 10-minute morning clarity session, a midday walk, or a nighttime skincare routine to reset your system.

• Use your peak energy wisely: Tackle the most important tasks when you’re sharpest.

• Release expired goals: Don’t cling to commitments that no longer serve you.

From Burnout to Renewal: Michelle’s Story

Michelle spent 33 years as a high-performing attorney. But the stress led to burnout — and eventually an autoimmune disease diagnosis. Instead of giving up, she reinvented her life, blending her professional experience with a passion for helping others avoid the same pitfalls.

Today, at 60, she says she feels better than she did in her 20s. That transformation is proof that bending time isn’t just theory — it’s a pathway to sustainable energy and fulfillment.

Key Takeaways from Episode 103

• Clarity about what lights you up is the cornerstone of productivity.

• Energy matters more than hours. Align your tasks with your natural flow.

• Work-life balance is outdated. Aim for time harmony instead.

• The SWORD Method cuts through distraction. Use it to simplify and refocus.

• Burnout is not inevitable. With intentional rituals and purpose, you can thrive.

Final Thoughts

Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re weak. It happens because the system we work in rewards overcommitment and ignores energy.

Michelle Niemeyer’s Art of Bending Time offers an alternative: sustainable ambition. A way to stay sharp, productive, and profitable without sacrificing your health or happiness.

The good news? You don’t need more hours. You just need to align the ones you already have.

👉 Ready to bend time yourself?

• 📩 Join the STANDOUT Newsletter for weekly resets

• 🎧 Listen to Episode 103 here

• 📚 Order my book STANDOUT: Own Your Voice, Reclaim Your Power and Lead Without Burning Out