It’s always fun to hear from our community members, and in this episode, we’re sharing an interview that Coach Jill did with one of our STEP Mastery members, Emily. Some takeaways and Q&A can be found below!
Key Takeaways:
- Emily has been using the STEP system for over a decade, evolving through three versions as her life circumstances changed
- Her latest system transformation involved shifting from paper-based to digital tools, primarily using Apple Reminders
- Daily processing of emails, mail, and capture tools has significantly reduced the time needed for Weekly Reviews
- Emily has experienced a notable reduction in feeling hurried and behind, leading to more presence with her family
- Breaking projects into 10-minute microbursts has been transformative for Emily’s productivity
- Implementing consistent routines has created a foundation that supports creativity and spontaneity
- Emily recently achieved having zero Current Projects to focus on welcoming her son home from his church mission
- The STEP system principles can be applied in countless ways to accommodate different personality types
Q&A Summary
(Responses have been paraphrased.)
Introduction and Background
Jill: When did you first hear about LearnDoBecome?
Emily: Around 2011 or 2012 when it was called “Mind Organization for Moms” through April’s Power of Moms podcast. A friend recommended it, knowing Emily was struggling with managing multiple roles in her life.
Jill: What pain points were you experiencing when you first discovered the system?
Emily: Despite being naturally organized with planners since high school, Emily struggled when juggling marriage, children, home ownership, church volunteering, and starting a business. The biggest challenge was not having long blocks of time as a mom and wanting to be present with her children without the mental “buzz” of pending tasks.
Evolution of Emily’s STEP System
Jill: How has your STEP system evolved over the years?
Emily: Emily described three versions of her system. Version 1.0 (2011-2012) was her initial implementation. Version 2.0 (2016-2017) came after moving to a new home, when she joined STEP Mastery and implemented the Freedom Filer system. Version 3.0 (recent) involved shifting from paper to digital systems after falling off the wagon while focusing on her coaching business and podcast. She realized her digital life needed digital systems.
Jill: What tools do you use to manage your routines and projects?
Emily: Emily now uses Apple Reminders for her Context Based Next Actions Lists, projects, and routines. She was inspired by seeing another member’s digital Command Central and realized having her system on her phone would allow her to manage it throughout the day rather than only during weekly office sessions.
Impact and Benefits
Jill: What changes have you experienced mentally, emotionally, and physically with your system?
Emily: The biggest shift has been saying no to feeling hurried and behind. Emily set an intention to stop hurrying through life, which led her to STEP Momentum. Her Command Central has given her contentment and clarity about what she’s doing each day, allowing her to confidently schedule projects for appropriate times without rushing.
Jill: Have people in your immediate circle noticed changes in you?
Emily: Her husband has noticed she’s more consistent with personal routines, creating a calmer atmosphere in their home. She’s also implementing more systems for the family, like dating leftovers with post-it notes and creating mail processing routines.
Practical Implementation
Jill: How has daily processing affected your Weekly Review?
Emily: Previously, Emily’s Weekly Reviews became overwhelming 3-hour sessions that included processing email and paper, which became discouraging. Now, with daily processing, her inbox rarely contains papers, and her email is already managed. This makes Weekly Reviews lighter, clearer, and more enjoyable, giving her a “dopamine hit” rather than dread.
Jill: What new routines have made the biggest difference?
Emily: Processing mail and packages daily has been transformative. She moved her mail station to the kitchen with tools attached to the wall with command strips, making it easy to process everything daily. She also mentioned implementing new routines gradually by adding them to her calendar until they become habits.
Advice for Others
Jill: What would you say to someone who thinks they could never be organized?
Emily: Emily believes the STEP system can serve any personality type because the principles can be applied in infinite ways. The program allows for personalization—paper or digital, structured or loose. The 10-minute microburst approach makes it accessible to everyone, allowing people to progress at their own pace, whether completing it in 3 weeks or over a year.
Jill: Any final thoughts to share?
Emily: Emily highlighted how she’s using the “waiting” feature more than expected in Apple Reminders, moving tasks there when waiting for responses. She emphasized that breaking large projects into 10-minute chunks makes anything achievable. She appreciates that STEP shows how great accomplishments are really just combinations of small actions.
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Thank you, Emily, for sharing your experiences with us and being a member of the STEP Mastery Community!
Related Links:
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Fun (and Totally Free!) Training Recording: Clear The Space – LIVE!
Free Training, How to Finally Stop Drowning in Piles
Our Steps to Everyday Productivity program!
The ARISE Membership– an amazing gathering place for community members that are using their Command Centrals to refine relationships, health, finances, individual purpose, and more. We focus on a new topic each month, and this is an amazing opportunity to receive coaching and support from Team LearnDoBecome. You can sign up for a free, 60-day trial here. 
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