Meet Nicole Meeks | Planner Enthusiast & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Meeks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance looks different at different stages of life. I crave balance because I enjoy doing projects outside of my normal routine and doing those often creates a need for a consistent schedule to build upon.

Prior to becoming self employed; I built everything around my work schedule. I believed that doing so would allow me to rest and have time for my family. This thought process allowed me to move through life however, over time I realized I was missing the life I wanted to live.

I began to use my planner as a tool to bring balance instead of as a tool to balance life…. I gained a whole new world. Planning helps me visualize what I would like my life to be like and set up systems to support those desires. My desires change however, my responsibilities are pretty standard. I now build my life around my energy levels and my responsibilities. Even though I welcome change; being reliable and consistent are extremely important to me.

I think balance should leave you feeling unrushed, with minimal anxiety and open to possibilities you want to pursue. That’s how I gauge if I’m truly “balancing” correctly or not. If I want to start something I want to have time to do so without it being a life adjustment. The climate of my previous lifestyle had me spreading myself too thin because I was living up to standards that were not my own. Glad I got over that!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m currently working on creating a planner to help anyone align with the moon + implement mediation into their lives. This will be completed Summer 2021. I chose this subject to be my first planner because as a planner person it is the one I needed the most, Now in my early thirties; I realize more than ever that remaining consistent with my personal growth is vital to my peace. Maintaining high energy levels with minimal output is lovely. This doesn’t mean I do not work hard, but it ensures I will be progressing toward my personal goals which is the motivation I need to remain consistent. As a mother and wife and daughter I know it is easy to forget about yourself and your own needs. Staying in alignment with the Moon and meditation has me feeling like I am blooming over and over again. Its blissful. I’m grateful for the clarity and now I want to share it with my peoples!

The road to peace never ends. Recognizing that early will force you to prioritize yourself. Everyone finds peace differently for me, being a Scorpio I find it in solitude and silence. For most people solitude and silence seem like torture but for me because I enjoy doing the most never the less…. it’s a welcoming adjustment.

Planning in my solitude and silence allows me to organize my thoughts, feelings, and desires. Looking at your thoughts, feeling, and desires on paper allows you to “see them through” and judge if the outcome is desirable and one you want to pursue “in the real world”. That’s why + how I became a planner enthusiast. I always leaned on the power of planning and brain dumping to propel me forward.

Dear World, When you are confused, at a cross road, or feeling overwhelmed with emotion….write it down. I never recommend calling someone to talk through something you havent went through first on your own with pen and paper. The people outside you will never see things exactly like you… so check in with yourself first to figure out how you truly feel before putting that energy into the universe.
XO,
Nicole
-Planner Enthusiast

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My bestie is in town we would most definitely hit all the parks downtown, We are people watchers and I have an obsession for all dogs so that would be fun. Piedmont Park, Centennial Park and the Botanical Gardens would be first on the list. I would take her to my favorite Coffee Shops: Intermezzo Café, Rev Coffee, Tintos Coffee and Cool Beans Coffee are a few of my favorites. Atlanta has many historical places so we would go see them of course – The WHOLE West Side of Atlanta, Auburn Street and the MLK Monuments. The museums are also cool here I love the Muppets and Civil Rights museum. Then like the big kids we are we would visit the Aquarium and Zoo!

Hanging out we would hit the downtown scene and of course Buckhead Bars! I love the energy of Atlantic Station so those would be prime areas for drinks and dancing.

I love Kennesaw and Red Top Mountains! The areas are well maintained and the beauty is marvelous. Also the Etowah mounds have amazing historical facts and are beautiful to see.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
An author that played major role in my development as an entrepreneur is Laura Vanderkam. Her books, interviews and articles on how we spend our time has helped me compartmentalize my life for opulence. Opulence on my own terms.

Her books highlight the inconsistencies of social norms compared to reality and offer ways to develop a lifestyle that yields you more time and less anxiety. More relaxation and less hustle. More intention less folly.

I started out as a working mother + wife determined to do it all and go for my “piece of the pie”. While on the journey I realized that time management was a huge part of my success. I also, understood that it was up to me only to achieve my dream and that most people get comfortable and complacent on their journeys, then they settle. That is my biggest fear… settling for a life that doesn’t peak my curiosity.

Laura offers a “yes you can” attitude along with remedies for anyone. I always find a resolution I didn’t know I was looking for when I consume her research. It’s just the good stuff!

Website: www.planheruniverse.com

Instagram: planheruniverse

Facebook: planheruniver

Youtube: Nicole Meeks – Planner Enthusiast

Image Credits
Demond Williams