In today’s fast-paced world, time is an increasingly valuable commodity as demands on our schedules continue to grow. The constant pressure to make the most of every moment is often compounded by a desire for perfection. While societal expectations can sometimes place uneven burdens, the good news is that even on the busiest days, it’s possible to carve out breathing room by implementing effective strategies. This article offers expert tips to help you overcome being “time-poor.’’
Prioritise Your To-Do List
Multitasking is often overrated. Research shows that people perform better when focusing on one task at a time. Regardless of how skilled or talented you are, you can only give your full attention to one thing at any moment. Trying to do everything at once often leads to decreased productivity and increased stress.
Instead, prioritise your tasks using tools like the Pareto Principle or a Time Management Matrix. These methods help you identify what’s truly important versus what can wait. By focusing on high-priority tasks, you’ll make the most of your limited time.
Embrace the Power of Saying No
Many times, pressures arise because we struggle to say no. We often accept projects or responsibilities out of obligation, fear of missing out, or simply because we’re good at them. However, not every opportunity aligns with our goals or passions.
Before committing, visualise how you’ll feel in that situation. If the idea of the task being cancelled brings relief, it’s a clear sign to decline. Saying no can free up time and mental energy for things that truly matter. And once you’ve made your decision, resist FOMO by focusing on the benefits of saying no.
Identify Your Energy Cycle
Are you most productive in the morning, afternoon, or evening? Everyone has specific times when they’re naturally more focused and energised. Identifying your energy cycle allows you to structure your day efficiently, tackling the most challenging tasks when you’re at your best.
Prioritise rest, too. Being under-rested affects productivity, making even simple tasks feel insurmountable. Treat sleep as an essential activity—go to bed at a consistent time and ensure others in your household do the same.
Stop Procrastinating
Procrastination often stems from fear of failure—if we don’t try or finish, we can’t fail, right? However, delaying tasks only adds stress. Mark Twain famously advised, “If you have two frogs to eat, eat the ugliest one first.” In other words, tackle your least desirable or most difficult tasks first.
Counter procrastination by setting clear deadlines, prioritising tasks, and breaking large projects into manageable steps. Delegation is another effective way to ensure progress.
Stop Owning Other People’s Responsibilities
How often do you find yourself saying, “I’ll just do it myself”? Taking on more than your share of responsibilities is a significant time drain. The solution is to let others manage their own tasks.
This includes colleagues, family members, and even children. Delegating isn’t admitting defeat; it’s about leveraging the strengths of your network. Relinquishing control can feel challenging, but freeing up time and encouraging others to contribute is necessary.
Get Enough Sleep
Prioritising sleep is essential to thriving in daily life. Being under-rested can leave you feeling drained and unproductive, ultimately wasting more time. Treat sleep as a non-negotiable part of your routine—schedule it just like any other important activity. Aim to go to bed at a consistent time to ensure you’re well-rested and ready to function the next day. If you have children, setting and enforcing their bedtimes can benefit the whole household.
Establish Healthy Work Hours
Before accepting a new role, ensure that your expectations regarding work hours align with your employer’s. Life and work commitments naturally fluctuate, so periodically check in with your manager or team to ensure expectations remain clear and reasonable. For instance, if after-hours calls or emails are common in your workplace or business, decide in advance whether you’ll be available or set boundaries to protect your personal time. Many people reserve evenings and weekends exclusively for family, hobbies, or self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Let Go of Perfection
Perfection is unattainable, so stop striving for it. Instead of obsessing over a house that’s already clean enough or chasing unrealistic ideals, focus on practical ways to use your time more meaningfully. Remember, stressed-out people are rarely productive or happy. Make relaxation a priority to avoid burnout in your personal and professional life.
Allow yourself time to recharge by planning holidays, long weekends, or fun moments with family and friends. These breaks will keep you grounded, energised, and joyful, enabling you to show up as your best self in every aspect of life.
By incorporating these strategies into your routine, you’ll be better equipped to manage your time, reduce stress, and reclaim balance in your life. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or simply someone juggling multiple responsibilities, these tools can help you maximise productivity while leaving room to breathe.
These tips are adapted from my book Her Way to the Top: A Guide to Smashing the Glass Ceiling.
Hira Ali
Hira Ali is an executive coach, leadership development specialist, and speaker. Founder of Advancing Your Potential and champion of allyship programs and inclusive talent management initiatives, she is also the award-winning author of two books: Her Way To The Top: A Guide to Smashing the Glass Ceiling and Her Allies: A Practical Toolkit to Help Men Lead Through Advocacy. Hira is an active member of the Diverse Coach Directory.
