The Myth of Time Management

Time management isn’t about how many hours you have in the day, it's about finding ways of thinking that allow you to get things done.
time management

The Myth of Time Management

We're all familiar with the struggles of time management—that feeling of constantly being behind, of never having enough hours in the day to get everything done. It’s especially common among executives, entrepreneurs and other high-achievers. We try to squeeze in more tasks, optimize our schedules, and work longer hours, but the feeling of being pressed for time never seems to go away.

The problem is that this approach to time management is fundamentally flawed. That’s right! It's not actually about how many hours you have in the day—it's about finding creative solutions and ways of thinking that allow you to get done what needs to get done.

How to manage your time more effectively

1. Dispense with the “thinking trap”

At the root of time management woes is often a certain way of thinking; a belief that we "should" be able to do it all, that we're failing if we can't perfectly juggle every responsibility. We berate ourselves for not being more efficient, more organized, more in control.

This type of thinking creates a vicious cycle. The more we judge ourselves, the more stressed and overwhelmed we feel, which then makes us try to exert even more control. We pack our schedules tighter, multitask more, and end up feeling even more frazzled. It's a problem of the mind, not the clock—and the first step to managing your time more effectively is letting go of that sticky word, “should,” and instead embracing a new phrase: “could.”

What could I do if I stopped thinking so rigidly about time?

2. Let go of perfection

So, what COULD you do about your time management problem?

The key is to shift away from a perfectionistic, self-critical mindset and toward a more flexible, problem-solving approach. Instead of asking "How can I do more in less time?", try reframing the question: "What are the most important things that need to get done, and how can I get those done as effectively as possible?"

This subtle shift in perspective can make a big difference. It takes the focus off of trying to maximize your own individual productivity and instead gets you thinking about how to leverage the resources around you—your team, your tools, your systems—to accomplish your priorities.

3. Look for creative solutions

Once you've identified your true priorities, the next step is to get creative in finding solutions. Maybe that means delegating certain tasks, automating others, or rethinking your workflow entirely. What’s important is to be open-minded and willing to try new approaches, rather than stubbornly clinging to the way you've always done things. After all, how you have been doing things hasn’t gotten you the results you want.

Instead of trying to cram more into your own schedule, you might consider hiring a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks. Or you could experiment with time-blocking or the Pomodoro technique to structure your day more effectively. These are just suggestions, but what’s important to remember is that your options are endless.

The only limitation? Your willingness to think outside the box.

4. Delegate, delegate, delegate 

Delegation is KEY to time management. This may be easier said than done as many of us have a deep-seated need to be in control and to do everything ourselves (especially hard workers and high-achievers). But learning to let go and trust others can be incredibly freeing.

It may feel uncomfortable at first to hand off tasks or admit that you can't do it all. But the alternative—trying to micromanage every aspect of your life—is a recipe for burnout. By delegating and collaborating, you not only lighten your own load, but empower others and build a more resilient, adaptable system of support around you for future time crunches. 

5. Look for fulfillment, not achievement

At the end of the day, true time management isn't about achieving perfection or cramming in as much as possible. It's about finding a way of living and working that allows you to focus on what's truly important, while also leaving room for rest, relationships, and fulfillment.

So stop beating yourself up over your "time management failures" and start getting creative. Identify your priorities, think outside the box, and be willing to let go of control. The solution isn't more hours in the day—it's a different mindset entirely.

Got enough time in your schedule to talk? Let’s chat about better time management tips together.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Contact Us Today!