Ditch the Chaos: The Productivity Rebellion

Cara Chace
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

The productivity podcast for burned out women entrepreneurs who are tired of holding their business together with duct tape and coffee. Your week fell apart by Tuesday. Again. You started Monday with a perfectly planned calendar, and by Wednesday you're drowning in "quick requests," rewriting the same to-do list for the third time, and rage-eating lunch at your desk because you're behind on everything. You've tried the productivity systems. The morning routines. The time-blocking. The apps that promise to fix everything. And they all assume your life goes according to plan—which it never does. Here's the truth: You're not bad at time management. You're exhausted from being everyone's backup plan. Your brain is running three parallel to-do lists during client calls. You're carrying the mental load for both your business and your family. And no planner app can fix that. You need weekly planning that bends when life doesn't cooperate. Boundaries that actually protect your capacity. And permission to stop apologizing for needing rest. That's what Ditch the Chaos: The Productivity Rebellion is for. I'm Cara Chace—entrepreneur since 2015, homeschooling mom of two, and recovering people-pleaser who learned the hard way that most productivity advice is built for people whose days are predictable. Mine aren't. Yours probably aren't either. This isn't another podcast telling you to wake up at 5am, batch your content, or hustle harder. This is where you learn to build your own systems instead of following everyone else's rules. Every week, you'll get strategies for entrepreneur burnout recovery, real talk about setting boundaries without guilt, and practical ways to create white space in your calendar and breathing room in your brain—before you hit the wall. You'll learn how to stop white-knuckling your way through every week, get your Fridays back, and run your business without sacrificing your sanity. No templates. No rigid time-blocking. No productivity guilt. Just relief that actually works when your Tuesday falls apart. Ready to stop being the failsafe for everything? Subscribe now and let's ditch the chaos together.

  1. Why Your Productivity System Keeps Failing (And the 3-Step Fix That Actually Works)

    4D AGO

    Why Your Productivity System Keeps Failing (And the 3-Step Fix That Actually Works)

    You've tried the planners, the time-blocking, the productivity courses—and nothing sticks. If you're tired of blaming yourself every time a system falls apart by Tuesday, this episode is for you. The problem isn't discipline. It's that you're missing the three-step process that actually makes productivity habits work long-term. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "nothing is new" frustration means you need perseverance, not another systemThe MAP Process: Mindfulness, Action, Perseverance (and how to use it as a feedback loop)How to build productivity skills that evolve with your life instead of breaking when plans changeWhy your first attempt at any productivity habit won't work perfectly—and why that's actually the pointThe real reason productivity systems fail (hint: it's not the system)Key Topics Covered: The MAP Process framework (03:23)Step 1: Mindfulness—understanding yourself before picking a system (05:23)Step 2: Action—testing and gathering data (09:23)Step 3: Perseverance—tweaking instead of quitting (12:23)How to use MAP as a feedback loop (16:23)Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Pick ONE productivity habit you've been trying to build and run it through the MAP process this week. Ask: What do I know about myself (Mindfulness)? What happens when I try it (Action)? What needs adjusting (Perseverance)? Resources Mentioned: The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): carachace.com/productivity-rebellionChaos Detox: carachace.com/chaos-detoxConnect with Cara: Website: carachace.comInstagram: @carachaceEmail: hello@carachace.comLove this episode? Leave a review! It helps other overwhelmed women entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    16 min
  2. How To Stop Feeling Guilty When You Set Boundaries

    JAN 29

    How To Stop Feeling Guilty When You Set Boundaries

    If you're woman who struggles to set boundaries without feeling guilty (especially a female entrepreneur)—this episode is for you. You know you need to stop saying yes by default and protect your time, but every time you set a boundary, the guilt spiral starts. Sound familiar? In this episode, you'll learn: Why boundary guilt doesn't mean you're doing something wrong as a woman entrepreneurThe 4 types of boundary guilt high-achieving women deal with (including the ego-driven one)How to set boundaries with clients, family, and colleagues without feeling selfish (00:08:22)The "guilt-free no" scripts female entrepreneurs can use in any situation (00:10:00)How to set boundaries and protect your energy without people-pleasing (00:11:15)Why celebrating boundary wins helps build confidence (00:11:58)Key Topics Covered: Why boundary guilt happens for women entrepreneurs (00:01:46)The 4 types of boundary guilt women face (00:03:27)5 strategies to set boundaries as a female entrepreneur (00:08:00)The permission you're waiting for to protect your time (00:12:28)Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Set ONE boundary this week that you've been avoiding because of guilt—with a client, family member, or colleague. Resources Mentioned: The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): carachace.com/productivity-rebellionChaos Detox (boundary scripts for female entrepreneurs): carachace.com/chaos-detoxConnect with Cara: Website: carachace.comInstagram: @carachaceEmail: hello@carachace.comLove this episode? Leave a review and help other female entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    16 min
  3. Stop Spinning Your Wheels: How to Break the Multitasking Habit

    JAN 22

    Stop Spinning Your Wheels: How to Break the Multitasking Habit

    You know that moment when you look up at 4:37pm with 21 tabs open, everything half-finished, and no idea what you actually accomplished? That's multitasking—and it's probably why you feel so exhausted and unaccomplished at the end of every day. In this episode, you'll learn: How multitasking reduces your productivity by up to 40%Why checking email first thing derails your entire dayThe night-before habit that eliminates morning chaosHow batching similar tasks reduces decision fatigueWhy you need a hard stop time (or STAAAHHHP)How often to reevaluate your schedule so it keeps workingKey Topics Covered: Why multitasking destroys focus (00:00:35)Stop checking email first thing (00:02:47)Give your brain a chance to wake up (00:05:00)Write your to-do list the night before (00:06:10)Batch similar tasks for efficiency (00:08:05)Set dedicated time for learning (00:10:44)Establish a hard stop time (00:12:08)Reevaluate your schedule regularly (00:14:25)Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Choose ONE area where you multitask the most and set one specific boundary around it this week. Resources Mentioned: The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): CaraChace.com/productivity-rebellionChaos Detox: CaraChace.com/chaos-detoxConnect with Cara: Website: CaraChace.comInstagram: @carachaceEmail: hello@carachace.comLove this episode? Leave a review and help other exhausted entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    18 min
  4. Build a Sustainable Business Without Burning Out

    JAN 15

    Build a Sustainable Business Without Burning Out

    If you’ve been trying to keep up with a business that’s moving faster than your actual life can, you’re not alone. This episode breaks down how to build a sustainable business that won’t burn you out — even if you’re used to running at full speed. You’ll learn how to simplify your systems, set real boundaries, market with depth, and finally create a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. In this episode, you’ll learn: What a slow business actually is (and why it’s the antidote to burnout)How to simplify your workflows and stop juggling 12 different toolsWhy marketing with depth beats posting dailyHow to set boundaries with clients and collaborationsWhy rest is a business strategy (not a luxury)How to make space for insight instead of constant actionKey Topics Covered: • Simplifying systems (00:01:50) • Marketing with depth (00:04:50) • Boundaries & workflow design (00:07:50) • Rest as strategy (00:10:50) • Insight over execution (00:13:50) • Action step (00:16:50) Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Choose ONE area of your business to slow down — and simplify it. One tool to consolidate, one boundary to set, one ritual to ground you, or one workflow to refine. Resources Mentioned: • The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): https://carachace.com/productivity-rebellion • Chaos Detox: http://carachace.com/chaos-detox 44 Hygge Gift Ideas for a Cozy Home Office: https://www.carachace.com/blog/hygge-gift-ideas-cozy-home-office Connect with Cara: • Website: https://carachace.com/ • Instagram: @carachace • Email: hello@carachace.com Love this episode? Leave a review and help other exhausted entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    20 min
  5. Stop Letting Your Day Run You: How to Shift Out of Reactive Mode

    JAN 8

    Stop Letting Your Day Run You: How to Shift Out of Reactive Mode

    If you feel like your day constantly pulls you in every direction, you’re probably stuck in reactive mode — and it’s draining your energy, creativity, and momentum. In this episode, we break down what it really means to shift out of reactive patterns and into a workflow that bends with your life instead of collapsing under it. In this episode, you'll learn: • How reactive habits sneak into your day and derail your focus • Why high-capacity women default to emergency mode (you’re not broken) • The exact systems Cara uses to run her business proactively • Why Theme Day Planning works better than rigid time-blocking • The one proactive shift that changes your entire week Key Topics Covered: • Reactive vs. proactive mindset for entrepreneurs (00:00:23) • The real-life stories behind default work patterns (00:01:35) • Common reactive habits sabotaging your workflow (00:03:40) • The proactive habits that protect your time and energy (00:06:40) • How Theme Days create structure that bends (00:10:00) • Why your systems must evolve as your life evolves (00:13:00) Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Choose ONE reactive habit and replace it with ONE proactive habit for the next seven days. Resources Mentioned: • The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): carachace.com/productivity-rebellion • Chaos Detox: CaraChace.com/chaos-detox Connect with Cara: • Website: CaraChace.com • Instagram: @CaraChace • Email: hello@carachace.com Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    10 min
  6. Letting Go of Goal Setting to Build Self-Trust

    JAN 1

    Letting Go of Goal Setting to Build Self-Trust

    Every January the internet screams "New Year, New You" like it's a competition. But what if your biggest act of growth this year isn't about chasing goals—it's about trusting yourself instead? In this episode, I'm sharing how letting go of rigid goal-setting can actually build deeper confidence, calm, and clarity. We'll talk about why traditional goals often fail, what presence over perfection really looks like, and how small daily promises can rebuild the self-trust you've been outsourcing to checklists. If you're craving a New Year that feels peaceful instead of punishing, this is your reset. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why traditional goal-setting leads to performance, not transformation - How "presence over perfection" shifts how you work, rest, and grow - Practical ways to rebuild self-trust through small daily promises - Why slowing down might be the smartest way to move forward this year - The mindset shift from achieving to embodying Key Topics Covered: - Why traditional goal setting is broken (00:01:35) - Personal examples: triathlons, 75 Hard, and reading 50+ books yearly (00:02:00) - Presence over perfection: making mindful, intentional choices (00:03:00) - How to build self-trust through small promises (00:04:37) - The mindset of presence in business, personal life, and health (00:05:19) - Practical strategies for embracing presence (00:06:00) - Slow down to speed up: why pausing creates clarity (00:07:00) Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Pick one small daily promise you can keep—something easy enough to do every day, but meaningful enough to matter. Maybe it's five minutes of journaling, turning off your phone after dinner, or taking one mindful breath before your first email. Keep that promise for seven days. Notice how your self-trust starts to build from the inside out. Mentioned in this episode: - Personal challenges: triathlons (2005-2006), 75 Hard challenge (2021), reading 50+ books yearly - Chaos Detox: CaraChace.com/chaos-detox – where mind management comes before time management - The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): CaraChace.com/productivity-rebellion Connect with Cara: - Website: CaraChace.com - Instagram: @carachace - Email: hello@carachace.com --- Love this episode? Leave a review and help other exhausted entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    9 min
  7. 7 Intentional Living Habits for Busy Moms

    12/25/2025

    7 Intentional Living Habits for Busy Moms

    What if the only thing standing between you and a life that actually feels good is a little less busy and a little more intentional? You don't need another planner or "bossbabe" productivity hack. You need a moment to breathe—and a way to live that actually feels good. In this episode, I'm sharing 7 real-life habits that help busy moms reset their rhythm, create space, and protect their energy—without giving up their goals. If you feel like you're constantly juggling flaming swords on a unicycle… this is your sign to get off the ride. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why "being busy" isn't the same as being productive - How to define and protect your work-life harmony (not balance—harmony) - Ways to simplify your time systems without a full-blown overhaul - How to say no without guilt—and why it's a form of self-care - Small self-care habits that actually make a difference - The 7 intentional living habits that create real change Key Topics Covered: - The illusion of busyness and how to escape the trap (00:01:06) - Embracing intentional living: aligning actions with values (00:03:00) - Mastering time management: theme days and ideal week planning (00:04:40) - The power of saying no—to commitments and social media (00:06:00) - Streamlining your systems to reduce stress (00:07:41) - Nurturing self-care as a foundation, not a luxury (00:08:42) - Cultivating work-life harmony, not balance (00:10:00) Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Choose one strategy from this list that resonates with you. Maybe it's saying no, simplifying your systems, or starting a tiny self-care ritual. Commit to it this week. One small, doable shift. That's how intentional living starts. Mentioned in this episode: - Theme day planning and ideal week framework - Tools mentioned: Notion, Asana for task management - Boundary scripts inside Chaos Detox for saying no gracefully - Chaos Detox: CaraChace.com/chaos-detox - The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): CaraChace.com/productivity-rebellion Connect with Cara: - Website: CaraChace.com - Instagram: @carachace - Email: hello@carachace.com --- Love this episode? Leave a review and help other exhausted entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    12 min
  8. Stop Chasing Shiny Objects in Your Business: 5 Questions Before You Buy

    12/18/2025

    Stop Chasing Shiny Objects in Your Business: 5 Questions Before You Buy

    That dopamine hit when you find a new app or course that promises to fix everything? Yeah… it's not your next big breakthrough—it's shiny object syndrome. If you've been bouncing from one "this will fix it" purchase to the next, this episode is your reality check and reset. I'm sharing five brutally honest questions to ask yourself before you buy that next tool, planner, or program—questions that keep your focus on what actually grows your business instead of what distracts you from it. In this episode, you'll learn: - The five questions that reveal whether a new tool is worth your time or just another distraction - How to spot the difference between progress and avoidance - Why your "future self" test is the best filter for new ideas - How to stop planning and start doing without burning out - The expensive lessons I learned the hard way (like my email platform disaster) Key Topics Covered: - Why the problem isn't the tools—it's you (00:01:00) - My costly mistakes: ActiveCampaign, planners, and projects I abandoned (00:01:38) - Question 1: Do I already have a solution available? (00:03:26) - Question 2: Am I avoiding something? (00:04:22) - Question 3: Would my future self or business be doing this? (00:06:34) - Question 4: Will this actually save me time or money? (00:07:33) - Question 5: Am I spending more time planning than doing? (00:08:35) Reset & Reclaim Action Step: Before you buy, pause. Ask yourself these five questions out loud—it'll take less than two minutes and could save you hundreds of dollars and hours of distraction. If even one answer feels off, don't buy it. Or at least bookmark it for later and move on to what actually matters right now. Mentioned in this episode: - My email platform disaster: switching from Kit to ActiveCampaign and back - Tools mentioned: Trello vs Notion, project management systems, planners - Chaos Detox: CaraChace.com/chaos-detox – build systems and boundaries that fit your life - The Productivity Rebellion (free monthly guide): CaraChace.com/productivity-rebellion Connect with Cara: - Website: CaraChace.com - Instagram: @carachace - Email: hello@carachace.com --- Love this episode? Leave a review and help other exhausted entrepreneurs find the show. Support the show ❓Want your question answered on the show? Join the Productivity Rebellion for free monthly guidance + the chance to ask me anything! Connect: Instagram | YouTube | Website ✨Start your Chaos Detox 📩Join The Productivity Rebellion ⭐Loved the episode? Leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

    12 min
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About

The productivity podcast for burned out women entrepreneurs who are tired of holding their business together with duct tape and coffee. Your week fell apart by Tuesday. Again. You started Monday with a perfectly planned calendar, and by Wednesday you're drowning in "quick requests," rewriting the same to-do list for the third time, and rage-eating lunch at your desk because you're behind on everything. You've tried the productivity systems. The morning routines. The time-blocking. The apps that promise to fix everything. And they all assume your life goes according to plan—which it never does. Here's the truth: You're not bad at time management. You're exhausted from being everyone's backup plan. Your brain is running three parallel to-do lists during client calls. You're carrying the mental load for both your business and your family. And no planner app can fix that. You need weekly planning that bends when life doesn't cooperate. Boundaries that actually protect your capacity. And permission to stop apologizing for needing rest. That's what Ditch the Chaos: The Productivity Rebellion is for. I'm Cara Chace—entrepreneur since 2015, homeschooling mom of two, and recovering people-pleaser who learned the hard way that most productivity advice is built for people whose days are predictable. Mine aren't. Yours probably aren't either. This isn't another podcast telling you to wake up at 5am, batch your content, or hustle harder. This is where you learn to build your own systems instead of following everyone else's rules. Every week, you'll get strategies for entrepreneur burnout recovery, real talk about setting boundaries without guilt, and practical ways to create white space in your calendar and breathing room in your brain—before you hit the wall. You'll learn how to stop white-knuckling your way through every week, get your Fridays back, and run your business without sacrificing your sanity. No templates. No rigid time-blocking. No productivity guilt. Just relief that actually works when your Tuesday falls apart. Ready to stop being the failsafe for everything? Subscribe now and let's ditch the chaos together.

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