Clarity in Chaos – Prioritizing, Budgeting, and Pushing Forward - 2025 - Week 36 Update


Journal Entry:

This week’s update is all about getting real with my life—gains, gaps, and the grind to make it all work. I had a great meeting with my parents, diving into the hard truth that I can’t juggle two full-time jobs forever. There just aren’t enough hours in the day, and it’s been wearing me down. So, we talked scheduling (something I’ve slacked on lately) and zeroing in on what’s truly important. It was eye-opening to list out my priorities and commit to them:

  1. Being a dad and showing up for my kids—that’s non-negotiable, the heart of everything.
  2. Maintaining a solid sleep schedule around my night shifts at WinCo to stay sharp and healthy.
  3. My job at WinCo, which provides that steady foundation I need right now.
  4. My handyman side hustle, building it up for extra income and impact.
  5. Posting daily on my blog, sharing my journey and insights with you all.

Getting this clarity felt like a weight lifted. I added these priorities to my weekly vision board update, so I can track how I’m investing my time and tweak as needed. It’s all about maximizing what I’ve got to move forward intentionally. We also dug into budgeting—making sure I’m aware of where every dollar goes and that bills are covered. Updating my budget to reflect where I’m at today was tough but helpful. I’m extremely close to breaking even, which makes me optimistic about the future. The cold hard truth? WinCo covers the basics, but it’s tight for my family’s needs.

Without the handyman work, I wouldn’t be making real progress. So, I’m scheduling more focused time to get the handyman gigs consistent, ensuring I can comfortably support my loved ones while chasing my dreams. In the grand scheme, I’m still at the starting line with this rebuild. Figuring out how to provide steadily while growing my blog and sharing it with others—that’s the puzzle I’m solving. But I feel like I’m on the verge of a breakthrough. Before long, people will start seeing what I’ve been building. Until then, I’m pushing forward, taking action every day.

Remember: if you don’t have a plan, you’ll default to someone else’s, and that rarely leads to your goals. So, create one—no matter where you are today—and build on it step by step. Life’s adventure is unfolding, and with these priorities locked in, I’m ready for what’s next.

Here’s my challenge for you this week: list out your top 5 priorities right now. Add them to a vision board, planner, or even a sticky note. Then, schedule one action this week to advance your #1. Hit reply and share your list or that action—I’d love to hear and cheer you on!

With clarity and determination,

Justin

Spotlight on Nonprofit Tech for Good: Enhancing Digital Connections for Nonprofits

Published on September 5, 2025

Justin Stephens spotlights Nonprofit Tech for Good in Great Causes: Empowering nonprofits with digital marketing/fundraising training (certificates, webinars, resources). Impact: Millions raised/skills built. Donate/partner at nptechforgood.com. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Spotlight on Nonprofit Tech for Good: Enhancing Digital Connections for Nonprofits

Read more...

Digital Branding for Customer Service: A Point of View from Marketing Pro David Lee

Published on September 4, 2025

Justin Stephens features marketing pro David Lee in Point of View: Digital branding amplifies service—consistent presence (voice across platforms), value content (educate/engage), data personalization (tailored offers), monitor/iterate (feedback loops). Examples: Boosted inquiries 40%! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Digital Branding for Customer Service: A Point of View from Marketing Pro David Lee

Read more...

Balancing Night Shifts, Side Hustles, Fatherhood, and Dating Challenges: A Life Update

Published on September 3, 2025

Justin Stephens' Journal Entry: WinCo night shift great (learning/progress), handyman easier (new client), sleep habits challenging (adjusting), dating challenge (finding alignment/transparency via blog). Excited direction! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Balancing Night Shifts, Side Hustles, Fatherhood, and Dating Challenges: A Life Update

Read more...

Spotlight on One Love Foundation: Supporting Healthy Modern Relationships

Published on September 2, 2025

Justin Stephens spotlights One Love Foundation in Great Causes: Educating youth on healthy vs. unhealthy relationships to prevent abuse. Programs: Helplines, workshops, films. Impact: Millions empowered. Donate/volunteer at joinonelove.org. Subscribe at justindcstephens.com!  Spotlight on One Love Foundation: Supporting Healthy Modern Relationships

Read more...

Navigating Modern Dating: A Point of View from Dating Expert Dr. Emily Carter

Published on September 1, 2025

Justin Stephens features dating expert Dr. Emily Carter in Point of View: Navigate modern dating—empathize/listen (understand beyond profiles), embrace vulnerability (authenticity), practice patience (organic growth). Tips for apps/busy lives! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! Navigating Modern Dating: A Point of View from Dating Expert Dr. Emily Carter

Read more...

A Refreshing Week: WinCo Balance, Handyman Focus, and Exciting Dating Adventures

Published on August 31, 2025

Justin Stephens' Journal Entry: Loving WinCo (leave work at work), handyman hustle easier (focus on blog/value), dating with Dani fun/rewarding (smart/finance, adventures videos, romantic business building). Unexpected alignments! Subscribe at justindcstephens.com! A Refreshing Week: WinCo Balance, Handyman Focus, and Exciting Dating Adventures

Read more...

Justin Stephens

Life with Justin Stephens

I am on a journey to document the true value of time. I am doing that through writing my own documentary on my life on X. By subscribing, you will be seeing behind the scenes on how I believe we as a society can collapse time and take care of each other better.

Read more from Life with Justin Stephens

Journal Entry: This week, I’ve been reflecting on how incredible it is to work at WinCo, where I can truly leave work at work. Punching out after my night shift means the job stays behind—no emails piling up, no late-night stress. It’s given me precious time to pour into my side hustle and blog, and honestly, it’s been a huge blessing. In a world where hustle culture often blurs the lines, this setup lets me recharge and focus on what lights me up outside of the store. I’m getting better at...

Journal Entry: This week, I’ve been focused on dialing in a solid sleep schedule around my night shift at WinCo, and let me tell you—it’s been a challenge, but I’m loving how my life is set up right now. Flipping to nights means tweaking everything: powering through the shift, crashing for a deep nap in the morning, then rising refreshed for the day ahead. It’s not always smooth—those first few days felt like jet lag on steroids—but I’m finding my groove. Short power naps, consistent...

Journal Entry: This week, I’ve been thinking about how I’m reshaping my days from the usual 24-hour grind into a more intense, focused 12-hour cycle—and surprisingly, it’s working wonders. With my night shift at WinCo kicking in, I’ve flipped my schedule: stock shelves from 11 PM to 7:30 AM, grab a solid nap or sleep to recharge, then dive into my handyman business for a few hours in the afternoon. Another quick rest, and it’s back to the cycle. It’s not your typical routine, but it’s giving...