So, I was scrolling through my phone the other day, and I came across this quote: “You have the same 24 hours as Beyoncé.” And honestly, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Like, how does she do it? How do some people seem to have it all together while I’m over here struggling to even remember to drink water? 😅
That’s when I realized—it’s not about having more time; it’s about managing the time you have. And let me tell you, once I started implementing some simple but effective time management techniques, my life changed. I’m not saying I’m Beyoncé-level productive (yet), but I’m definitely closer than I was a month ago. Here’s how I did it, and how you can too.
First, let’s talk about the myth of multitasking. I used to pride myself on being able to juggle a million things at once. Emails, work calls, cooking dinner, all while trying to squeeze in a workout? No problem. Or so I thought. Turns out, multitasking is a lie. Studies have shown that our brains aren’t actually capable of focusing on multiple tasks at once. Instead, we’re just switching between them really quickly, which ends up making us less efficient and more stressed.
So, I decided to try something radical: single-tasking. I started focusing on one thing at a time, giving it my full attention before moving on to the next. And guess what? Not only did I get more done, but I also felt less frazzled. It’s like my brain finally had room to breathe.
Another game-changer for me was learning to say no. I used to be the queen of overcommitting. Friends wanted to hang out? Sure. Work needed me to take on an extra project? Absolutely. Family needed help with something? Of course. But then I’d end up stretched so thin that I couldn’t give my best to anything.
Now, I’m much more selective about where I invest my time. I ask myself, “Is this aligned with my priorities?” If the answer is no, I politely decline. And you know what? People respect that. In fact, they often admire it. It’s not about being selfish; it’s about being intentional.
Speaking of priorities, I’ve also started using the Eisenhower Matrix to help me figure out what’s truly important. If you’re not familiar, it’s a simple tool that helps you categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance. Tasks that are both urgent and important get done first. Tasks that are important but not urgent get scheduled. Tasks that are urgent but not important get delegated. And tasks that are neither? They get deleted.
This little matrix has been a lifesaver for me. It’s helped me stop wasting time on things that don’t really matter and focus on what does.
Oh, and let’s not forget about the power of routines. I used to think routines were boring, but now I see them as a form of self-care. Having a morning routine, for example, sets the tone for the rest of my day. It’s my time to center myself and get into the right mindset.
My morning routine is pretty simple: I wake up, drink a glass of water, do a quick meditation, and then write down three things I’m grateful for. It only takes about 15 minutes, but it makes a world of difference. I feel more focused, more grounded, and more ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me.
And speaking of gratitude, I’ve found that taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what I’m thankful for has had a huge impact on my productivity. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to appreciate the little things. But when I take the time to acknowledge the good stuff, it puts everything into perspective. It reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing, and that gives me the motivation to keep going.
Of course, no discussion of time management would be complete without talking about technology. Let’s be real: our phones are both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, they keep us connected and informed. On the other hand, they’re a constant source of distraction.
I’ve had to set some serious boundaries with my phone. I’ve turned off most of my notifications, and I’ve started using apps that help me stay focused. There’s one that blocks social media during certain hours, and another that tracks how much time I’m spending on different activities. It’s been eye-opening to see just how much time I was wasting scrolling through Instagram.
But it’s not just about cutting out the bad stuff; it’s also about incorporating the good. I’ve started using my phone to listen to podcasts and audiobooks while I’m doing chores or commuting. It’s a great way to make use of what would otherwise be downtime.
And finally, let’s talk about self-compassion. Because here’s the thing: no matter how good your time management skills are, there are going to be days when things don’t go as planned. And that’s okay.
I used to beat myself up when I didn’t get everything done on my to-do list. But now, I’m much kinder to myself. I remind myself that I’m human, and that it’s okay to have off days. What matters is that I keep trying, that I keep showing up for myself.
So, there you have it—my journey to better time management. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about making small, consistent changes that add up over time. And the best part? You don’t have to be Beyoncé to do it. You just have to be you.