The Secret to Time Management? Stop Managing Time.

Let’s get one thing straight: you can’t actually manage time!

Time keeps ticking whether you like it or not. You can’t pause it, stretch it, or magically create more of it (unfortunately). So why do we keep treating time like something we can control - when what we really need to manage is ourselves?

Most time management struggles aren’t about the clock.

They’re about priorities, clarity, and boundaries. It's not that you don’t have time - it’s that your time is being spent on the wrong things.

We all say it:

• “I’m too busy.”

• “There just aren’t enough hours in the day.”

• “How does she get it all done?”
  

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: you make time for what you prioritize. Whether it’s coaching your team, developing yourself, or finally starting that big project - you will find a way when it matters enough.

This blog post isn’t about fancy productivity hacks or color-coded calendars (although we do love those). It’s about getting real about what matters most, and how to take back control of your focus (and your sanity) in the process.

Let’s stop managing time and start using it like it matters...because it does:

Step 1: Get Clear on What Actually Matters

Think of your time like a suitcase. You can cram it full of random socks, or you can fold and pack what’s essential for the journey.

At the start of each week, ask yourself:

• What are my top 3 priorities this week?

• What are my personal goals and non-negotiables for my wellbeing this week?

• What’s something I say is important but never actually schedule time for?
  

✨ Pro tip: If it’s not on your calendar, it’s probably not a real priority.

Try this quick clarity exercise:

1. Check your calendar from last week.

2. Did you complete your top work priorities?

3. Did you achieve your personal goals?

4. Did your schedule reflect those goals? Or was it full of things that didn’t move the needle?
   

Step 2: Know the Difference Between Urgent and Important

Shoutout to the Eisenhower Matrix because it still holds up.

• Urgent = The stuff that is screaming for your attention right now.

• Important = The stuff that drives long-term success but isn't needed immediately.
  

When you’re stuck reacting solely to what’s urgent, you lose sight of what’s important.

Try blocking 60–90 minutes a day for what we like to call: “Focus Work That Actually Matters™”(Not a trademark. Yet.)

Step 3: Set Boundaries Like a Boss

You can't do it all- Fact! You can't be in five places at once (we wish), answer every Teams message instantly, and still have time to think clearly and act intentionally.

Time leadership means:

• Saying no without guilt.

• Proactively removing distractions.

• Guarding your focus like it’s backstage passes to Beyoncé.

If your calendar looks like a game of Tetris played by a sleep-deprived squirrel, it’s time to declutter.

Try the following:

• Cancel or consolidate meetings that could’ve been emails.

• Use “do not disturb” blocks for deep work.

• Batch similar tasks to avoid cognitive whiplash.

• Turning off notifications (yes, even Teams).
  

Step 4: Align Your Time With Your Values

Want to know what you really value? Check where your time goes.

If you say personal and professional development matters but spend zero time coaching your team or developing yourself - there’s a disconnect.

The goal here isn’t perfection. It’s alignment - between what you value and how you spend your time.

That’s where fulfilment (and results) live.

Step 5: Ditch the Busy Badge

Being busy isn’t impressive. It’s often a sign of poor boundaries, unclear goals, or reactive work patterns.

The best leaders aren’t the busiest people in the room. They’re the most focused.

Let’s stop glorifying the hustle and start celebrating impact.

Instead of saying:

“I’m busy - I've been slammed all week just trying to keep up!”

Try:

“I’ve been focused on key priorities and made space to move them forward.”

Sounds better, right? Feels better too.

Step 6: Stack It or Waste It

Here’s the secret sauce to truly maximizing your time: habit stacking.

It’s not about doing more - it’s about being smarter with your time.

Love walking but can’t find time for personal development?

🎧 Listen to a podcast or audiobook while you walk.

Need to clean the kitchen?

👂Catch up on that training video while you do it.

Got a repetitive admin task?

💡Use it as thinking time for a strategy session (bonus points if you jot down insights as you go).

This isn’t multitasking overload - it’s intentional pairing.

Linking one automatic task with a meaningful one gives you double the value from the same block of time.

It’s the adult equivalent of “two birds, one stone”, except way less violent and way more productive.

Your Fast-Track Takeaway

If your days feel like they’re running you, not the other way around - start here:

1. Clarify your top goals.

2. Audit your calendar - does it match what matters?

3. Prioritize the urgent and important

4. Protect your focus with boundaries.

5. Align your time with your values.

6. Stack habits to squeeze even more juice from your day.
   

Time management isn’t a productivity hack. It’s self-leadership.

And the good news? You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight. Start small by:

• Cancelling one non-essential meeting.

• Blocking 30 minutes tomorrow for deep work.

• Pairing your daily walk with a self-development podcast or e-book.

• Saying no to something that’s not serving your goals.
  

That’s how real change starts - one intentional choice at a time.

🎯 What’s one thing you’ve done recently to reclaim your time and focus on what matters most? Drop it in the comments - we’d love to hear what’s working for you.

Let’s stop managing time and start managing what matters.