Okay, let’s get real for a second. Who else feels like there are just NOT enough hours in the day? 🙋‍♀️ I used to be that girl who was always running late, drowning in to-do lists, and constantly saying, “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Spoiler alert: tomorrow never came. But then, something clicked. I realized that time management isn’t about being a productivity robot—it’s about creating space for the things that truly matter. And let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer.
Here’s the thing: I didn’t wake up one day with a perfectly color-coded planner and a PhD in productivity. Nope. It started with a moment of total overwhelm. I was juggling work, my side hustle, my social life, and, oh yeah, trying to actually take care of myself. I felt like I was constantly spinning plates, and I was one dropped plate away from a meltdown.
So, I decided to take a step back and figure out what was really important to me. And guess what? It wasn’t about doing more—it was about doing better. I started by identifying my non-negotiables. For me, that’s my morning routine (yes, I’m that girl who wakes up at 6 AM for yoga and journaling), my work hours, and my downtime. Everything else? It had to fit around those.
One of the biggest shifts for me was learning to say no. And let me tell you, that was HARD. I’m a people pleaser by nature, so turning down invitations or stepping back from commitments felt like I was letting people down. But here’s the truth: every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else. And if that “something else” is your sanity or your sleep, it’s not worth it.
Another game-changer was batching my tasks. I used to think multitasking was the ultimate flex, but honestly, it’s just a one-way ticket to burnout. Now, I set aside specific blocks of time for similar tasks. For example, I’ll do all my emails in one go, then move on to creative work, and so on. It’s amazing how much more focused and efficient I feel when I’m not constantly switching gears.
Oh, and let’s talk about technology. I used to be glued to my phone, scrolling through Instagram or checking emails at all hours. But I’ve since learned to set boundaries. My phone goes on Do Not Disturb during my work blocks and after 8 PM. It’s not about being unreachable—it’s about being intentional with my time.
But here’s the real secret: time management isn’t just about getting things done. It’s about creating a life that feels fulfilling and balanced. For me, that means making time for the things that bring me joy, whether it’s reading a book, catching up with friends, or just sitting in silence with a cup of tea.
I’m not perfect, and I still have days where I feel like I’m barely keeping it together. But the difference is, now I have tools and strategies to help me navigate those moments. And honestly, that’s the best feeling ever.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re constantly running on empty, take a deep breath. You don’t have to do it all, and you don’t have to do it perfectly. Start small, figure out what matters most to you, and go from there. Trust me, your future self will thank you. 💕