The Distracted Dreamer
Get ready to confidently and unapologetically go after dreams! Welcome to The Distracted Dreamer Podcast.
Today is the day you’re going to pull your dreams off the shelf and bring them to the forefront of your life. You are never too tired, too busy, too old, too young, too anything to pursue your dreams.
Imagine… the joy and excitement of doing what lights you up. Your dreams are yours. No one gets to take them from you and no one gets to chase them - except you. Your dreams are there to guide you, to inspire you and to show you that yes, there is something more in store for you.
You see, the size of your dreams don’t matter - it could be running a marathon, reading a book series, perfecting that family recipe, traveling the world, or learning to dance.
I’m Carlene Bauwens, entrepreneur, Life Coach and now host of The Distracted Dreamer podcast. I’m here to show you how to kick distraction to the curb and grab hold of your dreams. Your happiness matters. You have a big, beautiful, amazing life to live. And you've only got one of them. Welcome to the Distracted Dreamer Podcast.
The Distracted Dreamer
#25: Own Your Day, Part 2: The One Thing Stronger than Willpower or Habits to Stay Focused on Your Dreams
Have you ever had one of those days where you really meant to stay focused… but somehow, your energy vanished, your to-do list exploded, and your day went completely sideways again? Yeah. Me too.
For a long time, I thought I just needed more willpower. Or maybe better habits.
But here’s the truth: willpower wears out, and even the best habits can fall apart when life gets chaotic.
We all want to stay focused, be productive, and actually move forward on the things that matter most. That’s why in today’s episode—Part 2 of the Own Your Day series—I’m sharing the one thing that’s stronger than willpower and more reliable than habits when it comes to staying on track with your goals: your personal rules.
These aren’t rigid or restrictive. They’re intentional, self-chosen standards—your Standard Operating Rules (SORs)—that make decisions easier, minimize distractions, and keep you aligned with the version of you that you're becoming.
This episode is part conversation, part reflection, and part mini-workshop. So grab a journal or open up your Notes app—because I’m guiding you through exactly how to create your own “I will” and “I will not” rules. These simple but powerful commitments are how you stop relying on willpower and start creating real rhythm and clarity in your day.
The rules you choose are the key to building focus, freedom, and momentum.
Let’s do this together.
00:00 Introduction to the Distracted Dreamer Podcast
00:22 Welcome and Preparation
01:30 The Importance of Rules
03:01 Benefits of Having Rules
05:50 Personal Rules and Examples
07:36 Creating Your Own Rules
08:34 Types of Rules: I Will vs. I Will Not
11:30 Implementing and Sticking to Rules
15:21 Consistency and Self-Compassion
16:45 Conclusion and Next Steps
18:02 Legal Disclaimer
Check out all my coaching and course offerings - Coachcarlene.com
MORE FROM ME
Follow me on Instagram: @coach_carlene
SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW
If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps me reach more dreamers who need these insights. 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the Distracted Dreamer Podcast! See you next week!
FOLLOW NOW
Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding episodes every week, and if you're not folllowing, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow now!