Melissa Cruz: Time Is Your Only Currency: Vision, Buckets, and Boundaries

In this episode, Cheryl Knowlton and Melissa Cruz discuss:

• Vision casting with 10–5–3–1 year planning

• Aligning daily time blocks with long-term goals

• Using color-coded "buckets" to organize calendar time

• Prioritizing revenue-producing activities over admin tasks

• Protecting me-time and family time to avoid burnout

Key Takeaways:

• Long-term vision (10, 5, 3, and 1 years out) should drive what you do today, not the other way around.

• Time blocking works best when you categorize your life into clear "buckets" like lead generation, customer retention, admin, personal development, me time, and family time.

• Revenue-producing activities must be scheduled first, not squeezed in around busywork, and many entrepreneurs feel exhausted because they're living in admin mode while believing they're building a business.

• Trying to do everything yourself keeps you stuck as the intern of your business instead of growing into the CEO role.

• Me time is not optional; it's the foundation that keeps your business and family life sustainable, and when you move your body, eat well, and nourish your mind, you show up with the energy and clarity needed to serve others at a higher level.

"Time is the only currency that we spend without ever knowing the balance. So choose wisely, spend it wisely, and make every single minute count."
- Melissa Cruz

About the guest, Melissa Cruz:

Melissa Cruz is a business coach dedicated to helping ambitious women build businesses and lives that align with their values—without sacrificing what matters most. As a mom, she understands the constant balancing act of family, business, and personal goals, which is why her coaching focuses on overcoming limiting beliefs, building with intention, and releasing the guilt that often comes with wanting it all. Melissa helps her clients create clarity, confidence, and momentum while staying grounded in who they are.

A natural problem-solver, Melissa guides women in turning challenges into opportunities for growth, whether that means improving time management, increasing productivity, or navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. In addition to coaching, she creates practical, experience-driven courses for real estate professionals, offering actionable strategies that lead to real results. Melissa believes success doesn't require compromise—when businesses are built on authenticity and aligned values, sustainable growth and fulfillment follow.

Connect with Melissa Cruz:

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irisbloomcoaching/

CONNECT WITH CHERYL:

Website: www.cherylknows.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwvWKXBC6fKn1dLGY11hxIg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theknowltonteam/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylknowlton/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherylknows/

Show notes by Podcastologist: Hanz Jimuel Alvarez

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.