The Zen Desk Podcast

116 Why working 4-hour days feels harder than working 10 & how to reprogram your subconscious guilt behind it | Interview with Alja Podgornik

Nobody warns you that the hardest part about working 4 hour days isn’t managing your time or getting your work done faster.  It’s actually allowing yourself to let 4 hours of work be enough without feeling guilty like you could have “done more”.  That low-level guilt you feel when you leave your office or laptop early?  That voice in the back of your mind that whispers (or screams) ‘I haven’t deserved to rest yet’?  That has zero to do with you becoming more productive.  What's actually going on here is how your subconscious has been conditioned to perceive success, productivity and rest.  And today we’re breaking down exactly what’s going on and how to reprogram it. Next Steps: Download your FREE 4 Hour Work Day Starter Pack [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdaystarterpack/] Inside you’ll find the exact tools to stack consistent sales while working fewer hours a day and creating more white space in your calendar. Here's what's included: 💕3 meditations & 1 EFT tapping for a calm body and a clear mind 💕 Time Rich | The Masterclass where I show you how I transitioned from working 10-12 hour days in my corporate job to building a thriving online business working only 4 hours a day 💕The secret tools that protect your digital assets & secure your online business against hackers (most online business owners don't know this)  💕High-converting face to camera video script so you can go from not knowing what to say on camera to showing up confidently when you hit record and bring in sales with every video BONUS FREE ACCESS TO 🎙️ THE TIME RICH RADIO 🎙️(aka. my Telegram Broadcast Channel) with a behind the scenes look into the exact strategies I’m using daily to build a business that generates consistent sales while only working 4 hours a day. Join us inside The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] and learn how to save HOURS every week with a system that creates 4 hour work days, eliminates stress and helps you sign 3x more clients without sacrificing your daily workouts, 8 hours of sleep or time with family and friends. Save EUR 300 when you enroll today.  Join us inside The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] and learn how to create simple, repeatable systems that free up hours every week so you can work 4-hour days while your content goes out, clients get onboarded, and sales come in automatically!  Or get both programs included for free when you join us inside 4 Hour Work Day Freedom [https://subscribepage.io/4-hourworkdayfreedom] and become the TIME RICH CEO of your soon-to-be empire where you work less and earn more and your success doesn't come at the cost of your energy, well-being or the life you left your 9-5 to create. The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] and The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] are automatically included when you join. Let's connect: Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@itslauralange [https://www.instagram.com/itslauralange/] Follow on LinkedIn: Laura Lange [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lange/] Get in contact with me at ⁠laura@itslauralange.com [laura@itslauralange.com]  Visit my website: https://www.itslauralange.com/ [https://www.itslauralange.com/] Connect with Alja Podgornik: Follow Alja on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.alja.podgornik/ [https://www.instagram.com/dr.alja.podgornik/]  Check out Alja’s offers (free & paid): https://linktr.ee/dr.alja.podgornik [https://linktr.ee/dr.alja.podgornik]  Please rate the show, leave a review, subscribe and share it with a friend.

115 What I do to prepare my business for maternity leave (as a lawyer & online business owner)

In today’s episode we are talking maternity leave prep: What I’m doing, what I’ve built, and how I’m setting things up so I can rest and enjoy time off with my baby and little family while knowing the business still works in the background. By the end of this episode, you’ll know: How I’m structuring my maternity leave behind the scenes, what I’ve done before pregnancy to set this up and what’s staying, what’s pausing, and how I’m preparing financially and operationally. Whether you’re already a parent, planning to be, or just craving a business that gives you the opportunity to take 3 months off, this episode is for you. Next Steps: Download your FREE 4 Hour Work Day Starter Pack  [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdaystarterpack/] Inside you’ll find the exact tools to stack consistent sales while working fewer hours a day and creating more white space in your calendar. Here's what's included: 💕3 meditations & 1 EFT tapping for a calm body and a clear mind 💕 Time Rich | The Masterclass where I show you how I transitioned from working 10-12 hour days in my corporate job to building a thriving online business working only 4 hours a day 💕The secret tools that protect your digital assets & secure your online business against hackers (most online business owners don't know this)  💕High-converting face to camera video script so you can go from not knowing what to say on camera to showing up confidently when you hit record and bring in sales with every video BONUS FREE ACCESS TO 🎙️ THE TIME RICH RADIO 🎙️(aka. my Telegram Broadcast Channel) with a behind the scenes look into the exact strategies I’m using daily to build a business that generates consistent sales while only working 4 hours a day. Join us inside The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] and learn how to create simple, repeatable systems that free up hours every week so you can work 4-hour days while your content goes out, clients get onboarded, and sales come in automatically! We kick off on February 16 2026. Only a few spots left! Or get The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] included for free when you join us inside 4 Hour Work Day Freedom [https://subscribepage.io/4-hourworkdayfreedom] and become the TIME RICH CEO of your soon-to-be empire where you work less and earn more and your success doesn't come at the cost of your energy, well-being or the life you left your 9-5 to create. The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] and The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] are automatically included when you join. Let's connect: Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@itslauralange [https://www.instagram.com/itslauralange/] Follow on LinkedIn: Laura Lange [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lange/] Get in contact with me at ⁠laura@itslauralange.com [laura@itslauralange.com]  Visit my website: https://www.itslauralange.com/ [https://www.itslauralange.com/] Please rate the show, leave a review, subscribe and share it with a friend.

114 The 5 SOPs I Wouldn’t Run My Online Business Without (And Why You Shouldn’t Either)

DOORS TO THE SOP BOOTCAMP [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] ARE OPEN! JOIN NOW AT SPECIAL EARLY BIRD PRICE OF EUR 397 (SAVE EUR 200 WHEN YOU ENROLL BEFORE 1 FEBRUARY 2026) In this episode, I’m walking you through the 5 core SOPs (standard operating procedures) I believe every online business owner needs to have in place. Especially if you want a business with 4 hour work days that give you more time, more spaciousness, and less hot mess energy behind the scenes. We’re talking about:  → Automating your client onboarding  → Streamlining your content creation  → Running launches without reinventing yourself every time  → Getting your finances in order (even if you don’t want to look at your bank account)  → And creating SOPs for your personal life so cooking, cleaning and getting the groceries feel lighter and get done every week.  Let’s talk about creating simple, repeatable workflows that free up hours each week and let you operate like a true time rich CEO (not a burned out freelancer). And yes… I’m giving you the details on The SOP Bootcamp too. Next Steps: Download your FREE 4 Hour Work Day Starter Pack [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdaystarterpack/] Inside you’ll find the exact tools to stack consistent sales while working fewer hours a day and creating more white space in your calendar. Here's what's included: 💕3 meditations & 1 EFT tapping for a calm body and a clear mind 💕 Time Rich | The Masterclass where I show you how I transitioned from working 10-12 hour days in my corporate job to building a thriving online business working only 4 hours a day 💕The secret tools that protect your digital assets & secure your online business against hackers (most online business owners don't know this)  💕High-converting face to camera video script so you can go from not knowing what to say on camera to showing up confidently when you hit record and bring in sales with every video BONUS FREE ACCESS TO 🎙️ THE TIME RICH RADIO 🎙️(aka. my Telegram Broadcast Channel) with a behind the scenes look into the exact strategies I’m using daily to build a business that generates consistent sales while only working 4 hours a day. Join us inside The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] and learn how to create simple, repeatable systems that free up hours every week so you can work 4-hour days while your content goes out, clients get onboarded, and sales come in automatically! We kick off on February 16 2026. Save EUR 200 when you enroll before February 1 2026.  Or get The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] included for free when you join us inside 4 Hour Work Day Freedom [https://subscribepage.io/4-hourworkdayfreedom] and become the TIME RICH CEO of your soon-to-be empire where you work less and earn more and your success doesn't come at the cost of your energy, well-being or the life you left your 9-5 to create. The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] and The SOP Bootcamp [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/sop-bootcamp/] are automatically included when you join. Let's connect: Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@itslauralange [https://www.instagram.com/itslauralange/] Follow on LinkedIn: Laura Lange [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lange/] Get in contact with me at ⁠laura@itslauralange.com [laura@itslauralange.com]  Visit my website: https://www.itslauralange.com/ [https://www.itslauralange.com/] Please rate the show, leave a review, subscribe and share it with a friend.

113 How I navigated a chemical pregnancy + first trimester sickness while running my online business 🤢❤️‍🩹

❤️‍🩹 TRIGGER WARNING ❤️‍🩹 In this episode, I talk about pregnancy loss and early pregnancy. Please take care of yourself while listening wherever you are on this journey or however you relate to it. In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story I wasn’t sure I’d tell. During the second half of 2025, I navigated a chemical pregnancy, followed shortly after by the early months of a new pregnancy all while trying to keep my business running, support my clients, and run a few new creative projects. Spoiler: I had to let go of most of it. And that’s okay. This is an honest reflection on what it looked like to show up (and sometimes not show up) during one of the most vulnerable and physically intense seasons I’ve ever been through. I talk about: 👉What a chemical pregnancy is, how it hit me, and why it’s so often minimized 👉What it felt like to hold space for others while grieving behind the scenes 👉The whiplash of going from pregnancy loss into first trimester symptoms: fatigue, nausea, brain fog, and big emotions 👉How I redefined my relationship with content, productivity, and online business norms 👉What actually helped me feel better (and what didn’t) I also share how my 4-hour workday system became the ultimate safety net… Why I let my visibility take a backseat for two months… And how I’m slowly reshaping what business looks like for me from here. This episode is for you if you're: 👉Going through something heavy while holding or building a business 👉Navigating loss, fatigue, or emotional overwhelm behind the scenes 👉Wondering if it's okay to “disappear” for a while (short answer: yes) 👉Craving a business model that holds you, not just the other way around Next Steps: Download your FREE 4 Hour Work Day Starter Pack [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdaystarterpack/]  Inside you’ll find the exact tools to stack consistent sales while working fewer hours a day and creating more white space in your calendar. Here's what's included: 💕3 meditations & 1 EFT tapping for a calm body and a clear mind 💕 Time Rich | The Masterclass where I show you how I transitioned from working 10-12 hour days in my corporate job to building a thriving online business working only 4 hours a day 💕The secret tools that protect your digital assets & secure your online business against hackers (most online business owners don't know this)  💕High-converting face to camera video script so you can go from not knowing what to say on camera to showing up confidently when you hit record and bring in sales with every video BONUS FREE ACCESS TO 🎙️ THE TIME RICH RADIO 🎙️(aka. my Telegram Broadcast Channel) with a behind the scenes look into the exact strategies I’m using daily to build a business that generates consistent sales while only working 4 hours a day. Join us inside The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] and learn how to save HOURS every week with a system that creates 4 hour work days, eliminates stress and helps you sign 3x more clients without sacrificing your daily workouts, 8 hours of sleep or time with family and friends. Save EUR 300 when you enroll today.  Or get the full experience and join us inside 4 Hour Work Day Freedom [https://subscribepage.io/4-hourworkdayfreedom] and become the TIME RICH CEO of your soon-to-be empire where you work less and earn more and your success doesn't come at the cost of your energy, well-being or the life you left your 9-5 to create. The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] is automatically included when you join. Let's connect: Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@itslauralange [https://www.instagram.com/itslauralange/] Follow on LinkedIn: Laura Lange [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lange/] Get in contact with me at ⁠laura@itslauralange.com [laura@itslauralange.com]  Visit my website: https://www.itslauralange.com/ [https://www.itslauralange.com/] Please rate the show, leave a review, subscribe and share it with a friend.

112 How Sara made €50K in sales in just 4 months 💸 after sorting out her contracts ✍️

In today’s episode I’m joined by my client Sara Vezenšek who came to me a few month ago sharing about the incredible momentum she had already created in her business. She even proclaimed to the internet how she was planning to make 50,000 euros in just 4 months in her business. I watched from the sidelines as Sara ticked off one big goal after the other but eventually she realized that there was one missing piece of the puzzle to make those dreams of 50k in 4 months feel really good….  *drum roll*  You guessed it…  solid and clear contracts. What happened after she put those in place? Let’s just say the energy shifted even more, the boundaries were in place and she’s called in some serious opportunities and clients that she shares more in the episode.  We’re breaking down her journey from operating without contracts (or with contract templates that didn’t fit her business) to confidently signing aligned, high-paying clients with structures that support her, protect her, and match the business she’s building. Next Steps: Book your Contract Power Hour [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/contractpowerhour/] today at EUR 111 and get my eyes on your business and offers today to determine what contracts you need to protect your business. This is high-level custom contract consulting for the woman who doesn't know where to start when it comes to implementing contracts into her business but knows that it's time to protect what she's built so she can continue to scale with ease.  Download your FREE 4 Hour Work Day Starter Pack [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdaystarterpack/] Inside you’ll find the exact tools to stack consistent income while working fewer hours a day and creating more white space in your calendar. Here's what's included: 💕3 meditations & 1 EFT tapping for a calm body and a clear mind. 💕 1 hour masterclass to become a time rich CEO. 💕 My cyber security checklist to protect your online business from hackers. 💕 My high-converting face to camera video script to sell without being salesy. BONUS FREE ACCESS TO 🎙️ THE TIME RICH RADIO 🎙️ (aka. my Telegram Broadcast Channel) with weekly thoughts, riffs, and behind-the-scenes considerations from me. Join us inside The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] and learn how to save HOURS every week with a system that creates 4 hour work days, eliminates stress and helps you sign 3x more clients without sacrificing your daily workouts, 8 hours of sleep or time with family and friends. Save EUR 300 when you enroll today.  Or get the full experience and join us inside 4 Hour Work Day Freedom [https://subscribepage.io/4-hourworkdayfreedom] and become the TIME RICH CEO of your soon-to-be empire where you work less and earn more and your success doesn't come at the cost of your energy, well-being or the life you left your 9-5 to create. The 4 Hour Work Day Foundation [https://itslauralange.thrivecart.com/4hourworkdayfoundation/] is automatically included when you join. Let's connect: Follow on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@itslauralange [https://www.instagram.com/itslauralange/] Follow on LinkedIn: Laura Lange [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-lange/] Get in contact with me at ⁠laura@itslauralange.com [laura@itslauralange.com]  Visit my website: https://www.itslauralange.com/ [https://www.itslauralange.com/] Connect with Sara: https://www.saravezcoach.com/ [https://www.saravezcoach.com/]  Listen to Sara’s and my podcast episode on her podcast She Thrives: Stop with the overwhelm | The 4 Hour Work Day Technique [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0W6mMpTKIJsx1H3S5NdXND?si=f47debc13ab64a23]  Please rate the show, leave a review, subscribe and share it with a friend.