Let’s talk about time. Or more specifically, that weird thing where the day disappears and somehow your to-do list didn’t. You know the drill, you meant to clean one shelf, answer two emails, and make a healthy dinner, but somehow ended up scrolling Amazon while eating chips out of the bag.
I’ve been there. We all have.
But managing your time doesn’t mean turning into a robot or scheduling every second. It’s more about being honest with yourself, working with your brain instead of against it, and not expecting to build Rome in one afternoon.
So, here are five things to stop doing when it comes to time, and five things that’ll actually help you use it better.
🚫 What NOT to Do
1. Don’t rely on memory alone.
Your brain is great, but it’s not a planner. If you’re keeping everything in your head, no wonder it feels full. Write it down. Anywhere. I don’t care if it’s a notebook, an app, or a sticky note stuck to your dog (okay, maybe not your dog).
2. Don’t make a list that’s 72 items long.
That list will just sit there quietly judging you. Overwhelm isn’t motivating, it’s paralyzing. You don’t need a list of everything you’ve ever wanted to do. You need a short list of what matters today.
3. Don’t multitask yourself into a tizzy.
Folding laundry while on a Zoom call while answering texts while mentally meal-planning is not “productive.” It’s a recipe for burnout. One thing at a time, your brain will thank you.
4. Don’t forget to factor in real life.
If your schedule doesn’t leave room for interruptions, meals, or the fact that you’re human, it’s not realistic. Time management isn’t about cramming more in, it’s about fitting it in smarter.
5. Don’t wait for motivation to strike.
If we only did things when we felt like it, a lot of us would still be in pajamas at 4pm. Action creates momentum. Start small, and motivation usually tags along like a puppy.
✅ What TO Do Instead
1. Do use a timer.
Seriously. Set it for 15 or 20 minutes and just begin. You’ll be shocked at what you can knock out when you give yourself a time limit and a little focus.
2. Do schedule your priorities first.
Your energy and time are valuable. Treat them like it. Block time for what matters to you, even if it’s just 10 minutes of quiet or clearing the kitchen counters. (Yes, that counts.)
3. Do create a simple routine.
A good routine is like autopilot for your day. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just predictable. Morning, evening, Sunday reset… pick one place to start and build from there.
4. Do batch similar tasks.
Emails, errands, cleaning bursts, group them together and knock them out in one go. Less switching around = less time lost to “Now, what was I doing again?”
5. Do celebrate the wins.
You stayed focused for 20 minutes? You followed your routine for three days in a row? You said no to something that didn’t fit your time goals? That’s worth a little happy dance (or chocolate, your call).
Time doesn’t need to be tamed, micromanaged, or color-coded down to the minute. It just needs a little guidance, and so do we. Give your time a job, give yourself some grace, and remember: progress beats perfection every single time.
Live with intention,
Coach Linda