The complexity of time management
"You can do anything, but you can't do everything."
Managing my time has been one of the hardest things I’ve tried to figure out, and the irony is, trying to get it just right has probably wasted more time than anything else. I’ve spent hours watching videos on time management, trying different techniques, but the pressure to be productive has been tough. And when you’re feeling like time is slipping through your fingers, the guilt and regret that come with it make it even worse.
One thing I’ve learned: regret can really eat away at you, bit by bit. Learning how to manage or move past those feelings is probably one of the best things you can do for yourself. But here’s the kicker—when you try too hard to nail down the perfect system, you lose sight of the fact that everyone’s different. You don’t need a one-size-fits-all formula; you just need a few simple steps that work for you, something that’ll help you build better habits over time.
If you’re constantly searching for a magic method to finally get things done, you’re not really focused on the work itself. What you’re craving is that feeling of being productive. But the reality is, there’s no perfect system. It’s about figuring out how to get things done in a way that doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed or trapped. So here are the three simple rules I’m following to help me focus, make better use of my time, and stop feeling like the clock is always running out.
1. Create a Priority List by Quarter
We all want to make the most of the year ahead, but the problem with planning for a whole year is that it’s a long time. If you’re in a phase of your life where you’re trying out new things or shifting focus, it can be hard to stick with one plan for 12 months straight. Instead, breaking it down into quarterly goals—focusing on just three key things every few months—helps you stay on track without feeling like you’re stuck in one place for too long.
2. Don’t Keep Your Goals Vague
Ever looked at a restaurant menu with a hundred different options? It’s overwhelming. Sometimes there’s so much to choose from that you end up wanting nothing at all. The same thing happens with vague goals. Saying you want to “be healthy” or “be productive” doesn’t really mean much to your brain. Instead, try setting specific, clear goals like walking a certain number of steps every day for a month. When your goals are clear, they’re way easier to achieve.
3. Use a Calendar
I used to think scheduling every minute of my day was the key to success. But honestly, that just made me feel like I was trapped, and the second I fell behind, my whole day would fall apart. Now, I focus on the top three tasks I want to get done that day. If I finish those, the rest is just a bonus. It’s a much easier way to stay on track without feeling like you’re locked into a rigid routine.
Time is something you never get back, and figuring out how to manage it in a way that works for you is the real challenge. You don’t need a perfect system, just something simple and flexible. The more you let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on what truly matters, the better you’ll feel about how you’re using your time—and, honestly, the less stressful it’ll be.
What time management tips have worked well for you that you think I should give a try too? Let me know 😊
Shermeen <3