E317: How to design a life you're excited to live with Taylor Prokes

Are you living your life by design...or by default? If you've ever found yourself saying, "I don't have enough time," feeling like the weeks fly by, or wondering where the year went, this episode is for you. This week, we're joined by Taylor Prokes, co-founder of the Big A## Calendar Company, endurance athlete, entrepreneur, and advocate for intentional living. Taylor shares why your calendar is much more than a scheduling tool—it's one of the most powerful ways to create a life filled with purpose, joy, adventure, and meaningful experiences. Together, we explore how planning ahead can help you stop simply reacting to life and start intentionally creating it. Whether you're navigating midlife, raising teenagers, becoming an empty nester, or simply craving more fulfillment, Taylor offers practical strategies to help you prioritize what matters most. We also discuss why women in midlife may actually have more opportunities than ever before to pursue meaningful goals, embrace adventure, and inject more fun into everyday life. In this episode, we discuss: Why your calendar shapes your life more than you realize How to stop saying "I don't have time" The power of planning adventures and experiences in advance Why midlife is the perfect time to prioritize yourself The concept of a Misogi—a year-defining challenge Why doing hard things builds confidence and resilience How to balance family, work, relationships, and personal goals The importance of creating seasons instead of chasing "perfect balance" How mini adventures can add more joy to everyday life Practical ways to become more intentional with your time Episode Breakdown with Timestamps In This Episode 01:15 How Taylor discovered intentional living 09:30 Stop reacting to life—start designing it 15:30 Why planning ahead creates more freedom 19:30 Rethinking work-life balance 27:00 What is a Misogi? 34:45 How the Big Ass Calendar works 42:00 Why women in midlife should prioritize fun 50:30 When life changes your plans Whether your next adventure is running your first race, learning a new skill, taking a bucket-list trip, or simply scheduling more fun with friends and family, this conversation will inspire you to stop waiting and start living. Connect with Taylor Prokes Instagram: @TaylorProkes Website: TheBigAssCalendar.com Use this link and code LIVINGWELL for a discount off your calendar purchase. Summer is the perfect time to press reset. Our 7-day Vitality Reboot gives you a clear, guided path to reducing inflammation and reclaiming your energy, with Marnie and Stephanie in your corner the whole way. You do the work, we provide the roadmap and the support. Join us at https://p.bttr.to/39XDmpQ Follow and Connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofliving_well Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theartoflivingwellpodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-art-of-living-well-podcast/?viewAsMember=true Connect with Your Hosts Marnie Dachis Marmet: https://www.instagram.com/zenfullifecoaching Stephanie May Potter: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniemaypotter/ If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that it's never too late to design a life they truly love.