You’ve Got Time
Time management is hard. Too many situations in life and work that find us feeling overwhelmed or simply missing out on tasks/experiences we were hoping to achieve.
However, it’s a skill - not a talent. This means that with some work, practice and creativity, you can feel a bit more in control of your time. Note that we all have different brains, so different folks will appreciate different pointers - do what works for you.
If Your Calendar is Your Boss, be its Skip Level
Many people say their calendar runs their life, with back-to-back meetings and packed days. But blindly following a jam-packed schedule can be exhausting and unproductive. I had days where I showed up to a meeting without even knowing who I’m meeting and why. I just clicked the box on the calendar.
- Take time regularly to clean up your calendar.
- Cancel or decline meetings that don’t truly add value.
- Add buffers before/after important meetings.
- Protect your time for deep work and priorities that matter most.
Your calendar should serve you, not the other way around.
Schedule Time for Rest, Movement, and Reflection
The best ideas come when you’re not sitting and staring at a screen. Schedule breaks, times for physical activity, and time to think or meditate. All of those can boost your energy and focus; eventually making you more productive.
Estimate Tasks and Schedule Them
When going through your to-do list, try estimating how long each task will take and put that on your calendar. This helps build realistic expectations and structure your day. Don’t worry if you get the timing wrong at first. Estimating is a skill that improves with practice. Over time, this habit will help you plan better and reduce last-minute rushes.
Pomodoro: Use Short, Focused Bursts of Work with Built-In Breaks
The Pomodoro Technique breaks your work into focused intervals - usually 25 minutes - called “Pomodoros,” followed by a 5-minute break. This helps train your brain to concentrate intensely for short periods, which is especially helpful if you struggle with distractions. Using a timer app or a simple kitchen timer can keep you accountable and prevent burnout. Note - Personally, I like 10-minute bursts. Do whatever works for you!
Use Visual Timers and Alarms
Some people (especially those who have ADD/ADHD) often struggle with time blindness - losing track of time or hyperfocusing on one task. Visual timers, like hourglass apps or timer clocks, and alarms can help by giving concrete cues to start, switch, or stop tasks. You know there are apps that will go full screen to remind you a meeting is starting now? Technology can help us in so many ways!
Effective time management isn’t about squeezing every last minute of productivity out of your day - it’s about aligning your schedule with your goals and energy, and being kind to yourself in the process. Start with these steps and you’ll soon find your time working for you, not against you.
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