A Guide to Harmonious Sustainability and Living a Balanced Life in the Optimization Era
- Jun 13, 2025
- 5 min read
Written by Hayden Mater, Serial Entrepreneur
Hayden Mater is a professional life enthusiast and serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of Mater Made, a micro brand watch company, and the department head for the US West lumber department at Richmond International Forest Products, a commodity trading firm.
In an age where every second counts and efficiency is king, we find ourselves in the midst of an "optimization era," a time when maximizing our time, energy, and resources is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Yet, amid the hustle, the true art lies in achieving balance. A harmonious life is not about doing more, but about doing what matters most, intentionally, sustainably, and with purpose.
The power of a thoughtful schedule
Creating a schedule is more than just blocking out hours on a calendar. It’s about designing your day with intention. When a schedule is made, it takes a mental load off. That mental load is incredibly taxing as you grow and fill up your schedule. Let the calendar do the heavy lifting of organizing and scheduling. A well-structured schedule helps you:
Prioritize what truly matters, from work to wellness.
Reduce decision fatigue, freeing up mental energy. This is a pivotal point to move towards a calmer, more focused state of mind.
Create space for rest and spontaneity, which are essential for creativity and joy.
As much as we want and need to power through the lazy thoughts that creep in, it’s important to listen when your body and mind need a true reset. Being spontaneous is also critical for mental balance, keeping the thrill of uncertainty alive.
Creating balance
A schedule can be the assistant you need to achieve a balanced life. It builds rhythms and prevents overcommitment. Saying yes to everything can slowly grind you down.
One of the clearest signs that my life is out of balance is when I come home and find I have no energy left to play with my young kids, who are so eager to run, laugh, and connect. That moment hits hard. It’s a wake-up call. It’s a wake-up call that I’ve been giving too much of myself to work, or even to my own interests, and not enough to what truly matters. That’s when I know it’s time to reassess how I’m spending my energy and time.
Start by identifying your peak energy hours and align your most demanding tasks with those times. Include buffer zones for transitions, and don’t forget to schedule time for yourself, and for those you love. Because self-care and connection aren’t rewards, they’re requirements.
Fueling your body for sustainable energy
Your body is your engine, and what you feed it determines how well it runs. In a world of fast fixes and processed convenience, choosing whole, nutrient-rich foods is a revolutionary act of self-respect. Meal prepping is time-consuming on the front end but saves a lot of time and headache on the back end.
Eat for energy, not just for fullness. Focus on balanced meals with complex carbs, healthy fats like avocado, and lean proteins. A rule of thumb from various sources states that we should eat 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight.
Hydrate consistently, water is the unsung hero of productivity. Drink more water!
Take vitamins and supplements: While this isn’t medical advice, it’s worth noting that many of us don’t get all the nutrients we need from food alone. Supplements like Vitamin B12, Omega-3 (fish oil), and NAD+ can support energy, brain health, and cellular function. It’s always best to do your research and consult a healthcare provider to find what’s right for you.
When you eat well, you think clearly, move efficiently, and feel more in control of your day.
Sleep: The ultimate performance enhancer
In the hustle-first world of today, sleep is often sacrificed in the name of productivity. But science tells us the opposite: sleep is the foundation of high performance. It cannot be overstated how important sleep is.
Eight to nine hours of quality sleep sharpens your short-term memory. Sleep enhances your mood and dramatically increases the speed and accuracy of decision-making. Think of quality sleep as your superpower.
A consistent sleep schedule helps regulate your circadian rhythm, improving both energy and focus. Even short naps can restore alertness and reduce stress.
Here is an example of sleep impacting me:Typically, I get 8–9 hours of sleep, with 1–2 of those being deep REM sleep, as tracked by my fitness monitor. When I have a few nights in a row of less-than-average sleep, I find myself falling victim to my lazy thoughts far more often during the day. Maybe I don’t make as many phone calls at work, or maybe I skip my workout.
I find myself being slower to make decisions and having to go through a thought process twice to reach a resolution.
Neither of those habits will foster a productive future. There is nothing wrong with prioritizing sleep because we get one body, and we might as well take care of it.
Think of sleep as your nightly reset, a sacred time when your body repairs, your brain consolidates thoughts and files them away, and your spirit recharges.
Evolving toward a better future
Living a balanced life is not a destination, it’s a continuous evolution. It’s about becoming more aligned with your values, more aware of your habits, and more intentional with your time and growth.
Reflect regularly: What’s working? What’s draining you?
Adapt mindfully: Life changes, and so should your systems. What works at 30 years old may not work at 40 years old.
Invest in your future self: Learn, grow, and surround yourself with people who elevate you.
Optimization isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. You can’t and won’t be an expert in the first month. But like anything else in life, it takes practice, repetition, and consistency. Optimization is about designing a life that supports your goals without sacrificing your well-being.
Final thoughts
In this era of endless possibilities and constant motion, the real flex is a balanced life. A harmonious life is one where your schedule reflects your values, your meals fuel your purpose, your sleep restores your strength, and your evolution is guided by clarity and compassion.
You don’t have to do it all. You just have to do what matters, and do it well.
Did I miss something or talk about a topic you are passionate about? Find me on social media and let’s connect!
Read more from Hayden Mater
Hayden Mater, Serial Entrepreneur
Hayden Mater is a dynamic professional who seamlessly blends the worlds of commodity lumber trading and innovative watchmaking. With years of experience in the lumber industry, he has honed his skills in navigating complex markets and securing top-tier deals. In addition, as the founder of Mater Made, his micro brand watch company, Hayden brings precision and passion to every venture. Dedicated to excellence in health, work, and family life, Hayden cherishes every opportunity to grow and inspire others. With a commitment to professionalism and a drive to motivate those around him, he is a true leader in both the lumber industry and the entrepreneurial world. Click to learn more about his journey and vision.
