Designing Your Days for Success - Jonathan Broekman and Louise Janovsky

Welcome back to Living & Investing with me Jonathan Broekman! In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Louise Janovsky, founder of Coaching for Clarity, to explore a topic that resonates with all of us: how to stay on track, build sustainable habits and design your days for success.

Louise recently wrote an article for Daily Maverick entitled From Slip-Ups to Success: Transforming Your Approach to Building Sustainable Life Habits, which sparked our discussion. 

Falling off the wagon is something we all experience - but what really matters is how we get back on. Let's dive into the wisdom she shared.

The Road to Productivity: From Sales to Coaching

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
Louise, welcome! Tell us a little about your background and how you got into the world of coaching.

Answer - Louise Janovsky
Thanks, Jonathan! Well, I'm turning 47 this year, marking 28 years in the business world. I started out in sales - selling soft drinks, actually - where I learned how business works from the ground up. From there, I moved into advertising, working my way from receptionist to account manager.

Throughout my career, I've always been fascinated by productivity, leadership and getting the best out of people. Early on, I realised that to lead others effectively, I first needed to manage myself well. This led me to study positive psychology and executive coaching, which now forms the foundation of my work. Coaching is such a powerful approach because it doesn't impose solutions - it helps people discover their own.

Falling Off the Wagon: Why Perseverance Matters

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
Your recent article spoke about getting back on the wagon after setbacks. How do we cultivate perseverance when things don't go as planned?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
Perseverance is about daily actions - not just willpower. People often assume they have to wait for the next opportunity after a failure. But why? You can run after the wagon and jump back on!

Too often, we sit in the dust, watching our goals slip away, thinking, I'll start again next Monday, next month, or next year. But perseverance means taking the next small step - immediately.

Burnout vs. Healthy Persistence: Where's the Line?

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
How do you differentiate between healthy perseverance and pushing yourself to burnout?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
Both involve effort, but the difference lies in control. Healthy perseverance means holding the reins firmly - choosing your direction and moving at a sustainable pace. Burnout, on the other hand, happens when you let momentum take over and lose control.

When we ignore the warning signs - fatigue, anxiety or lack of motivation - we risk being dragged forward at an unsustainable pace. The key is mindful progress, ensuring that persistence doesn't become self-destruction.

The Power of Having a Plan

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
How strict should we be with a plan? Is it better to stick rigidly to one, or tweak it along the way?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
The biggest mistake people make is not having a plan at all.
Many of us have vague dreams: I want to write a book, I want to lose weight, I want to be promoted. But we don't outline specific steps to get there. The truth is, achieving anything isn't exciting - it's methodical.

Once you have a solid plan, it's less about motivation and more about consistency. You follow the steps, even when you don't feel like it. You refine the plan when necessary, but you don't abandon it completely at the first hurdle.

Productivity Hacks: How to Get More Done

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
You talk about blocking distractions and time management. What are your best tips for improving focus and productivity?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
I use three E's to guide productivity:
1️⃣ Energy - Productivity starts before work begins. A good night's sleep, movement and nutrition fuel your ability to focus.
2️⃣ Ethos - Your approach to work matters. Are you intentional? Do you let distractions dictate your day? Setting clear priorities makes all the difference.
3️⃣ Environment - Where you work influences how well you work. Whether it's noise levels, workspace setup, or how easily you're interrupted, designing the right environment is crucial.

Small Shifts That Create Big Results

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
Your article suggested simple habit shifts that lead to long-term success. Can you share some?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
Absolutely! Sustainable change isn't about overhauling everything at once - it's about small, consistent habits. Here are seven easy habits to build momentum:

✅ Get 7-8 hours of sleep - Sleep isn't a luxury; it's essential for brain function and decision-making.
✅ Pack a healthy lunch - Preparing one nutritious meal daily is a small but powerful shift.
✅ Move your body - Exercise doesn't have to be intense - just get your heart rate up!
✅ Reduce mindless scrolling - Swap 15 minutes of social media for a real connection (call a friend, check in on a colleague).
✅ Time-block for deep work - Schedule 2 distraction-free hours every morning for important tasks.
✅ Curate positive experiences - Plan one enjoyable activity weekly to break routine.
✅ Check emails only 3x a day - Constant email-checking kills productivity. Batching messages prevents unnecessary distractions.

Each of these changes is small, but over a month, they compound into massive progress.

Is 30 Days Enough to Build a Habit?

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
Many people think they need 30 days to form a habit. What's your take?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
30 days isn't enough if you take on too much at once.
If you try to overhaul everything - your diet, exercise, sleep and work routine - at the same time, you'll burn out. Instead, make small, sustainable adjustments. The compound effect of minor improvements over time is what makes the difference.

Work Smarter: Rethinking the 8-Hour Workday

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
The 8-hour workday was designed during the Industrial Revolution. Do you think it's outdated?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
Yes! Productivity shouldn't be measured in hours worked - it should be measured in results achieved.

Studies show that employees are only truly productive for 1.5 - 2.5 hours per day. Companies like Microsoft and Andrew Barnes' 4-Day Workweek experiment have proven that when employees work fewer hours but with greater intensity, they achieve more.
It's about quality over quantity - getting clear on goals and measuring impact rather than just tracking time spent at a desk.

How to Start & Stay on Track

Question - Jonathan Broekman 
What's your biggest piece of advice for people trying to make a change?

Answer - Louise Janovsky
Just start! Overthinking is the biggest barrier to progress. Take the first step, even if it's small.
🚀 Start before you're ready.
🚀 Take action, even if it's imperfect.
🚀 Adjust along the way, but don't wait for "perfect" conditions.

The momentum will follow.

Final Thoughts

This conversation with Louise was a masterclass in self-mastery, resilience and productivity. Whether you're trying to build better habits, increase focus or improve work-life balance, the key is intentionality.
👉 Your time and energy are valuable - spend them wisely.
👉 Your habits define your future - start shaping them today.
👉 Your success is in your hands - design your days for it.

Thank you, Louise, for such valuable insights. To explore more of her work, visit Coaching for Clarity or read her full article in Daily Maverick.

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided as general information on building sustainable habits, enhancing productivity, and designing your days for success. While we strive to share valuable insights and practical strategies, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes or results. Each individual's journey towards productivity and balance is unique. Our aim is to offer guidance and inspiration to help you make informed decisions that align with your personal and professional goals. Always tailor any strategies to suit your own needs, lifestyle, and capabilities.

Choose Homes of Distinction to Sell your home

Listing your home with Homes of Distinction means partnering with an experienced team that understands the nuances of the real estate market. Our agents are experts in showcasing properties, ensuring that your home receives the attention it deserves. With our proven strategies, high-quality marketing and personalised service, we help you navigate the selling process with ease and efficiency. Trust Homes of Distinction to guide you through every step, from pricing and staging to final negotiations, ensuring a smooth and successful sale of your property. Let us turn your selling goals into reality.

Are you looking to buy or sell your property? Visit our website at https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/

Sign up for our newsletter: - https://www.homesofdistinction.co.za/agents/ or pop by our offices for a chat. Our friendly property practitioners are always available to assist in this regard.

Homes of Distinction CC holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA).