It All Starts with Lunch: A Simple Time Management Strategy That Changed Everything

A client and I have an ongoing joke that one day we’ll write a book together called It All Starts with Lunch. And while the title might make you think it’s about recipes or restaurant recommendations, the truth behind it runs much deeper—and it offers an important lesson for anyone exploring executive functioning coaching or trying to improve time management skills.

When we began working together on her goals, we started with one deceptively simple step: scheduling a daily lunch break.

At first glance, it might not seem like a groundbreaking change—but it became the tipping point in her journey to reclaim control of her day and build sustainable executive functioning habits.

Here’s what shifted:

– Instead of letting appointments spill over into the lunch hour, she protected that time.
– Instead of letting others schedule over this valuable time, she set clear boundaries around a basic need.
– Instead of watching precious time slip away, she became intentional with how she used it.

Once that lunch break became a fixed part of her day, other positive changes followed. She noticed her energy lasted longer into the afternoon. Her mood improved. She started preparing more thoughtful, nourishing meals—ones that felt like a gesture of care for herself, rather than something hurriedly grabbed between meetings.

And then something bigger clicked.

She realized how powerful it was to carve out time for what matters. From there, we began adding other meaningful time blocks into her schedule: time to exercise, explore hobbies, connect with friends, and still meet her responsibilities. The transformation didn’t happen overnight, but it began with that one decision—to honor her own need for rest and nourishment.

So yes—sometimes it really does all start with lunch.

Small, intentional changes can create the foundation for a more sustainable and fulfilling rhythm to the day. That’s often where the deeper work of executive functioning begins—not with a complete overhaul, but with a single, meaningful shift. Ultimately, productivity begins with a well-balanced lifestyle.