Time management is not a time management problem
It is an emotional regulation, lack of systems, and work/life optimization problem
Time management is not a time management problem, it is an:
Emotional regulation problem
Systems problem
Work/life optimization problem
Let’s dive into what can be holding you back.
Emotional regulation
Procrastination and burnout often arise from an unfulfilled outcome. The inability to cross the finish line often occurs because:
We have expectations of productivity, but there is a gap in the level of challenge against our skill level and we do not know how to close the gap
We expect perfection but we are not sure how to get to the outcome in mind
We compare ourselves to peers and feel inadequate due to unclear goals
We are afraid to fail so we self-sabotage and provoke failure before it can disappoint us
In turn, we feel stuck and procrastinate by doomscrolling. Or we feel burnt out due to the mental exhaustion of unclear goals. Or we fake productivity by doing things that won’t move the needle for our immediate goal, like cleaning out our inbox. All due to dysregulated emotions.
Understanding the root cause of the issue is crucial for remediation. Are you avoiding work because you cannot reach flow? What is the blocker between you and flow?
(I talk about burnout and flow more here)
Time management systems
When we lack time management routines and systems, we procrastinate. Revving up the engine takes too much gas — and the cognitive load of switching gears wears us out. My systems start with a goal, and the goal is followed by habits.
Work system
Goal: Understand key outcomes and prioritize tasks around them
Habit: Weekly planner to define and manage the desired outcomes. Daily breakdown of meetings and tasks, ensure the tasks puzzle into goal completion by end of week
Impact on time management: Spend little time mentally re-grouping when switching tasks, as priorities and tactics are laid out
Clutter system
Goal: Reduce clutter (which is mostly toys and laundry)
System: 2 small bins in each room, one for each culprit. Bins eventually work their way to a hamper or the toy bin
Impact on time management: Not always cleaning up, kids partake in the habit
Writing system
Goal: Capture valuable insights with minimal time investment/distraction
System: A gDoc with a table of contents and an emoji system to indicate how raw a thought is
Impact on time management: Reference gDoc when assembling a blog, allowing me to apply a bit of grammar and be done
Work/life optimization
Women have been sold the myth of having at all for as long as employees have been sold the myth of work/life balance. To be effective, both of these schemas must be founded on a clear definition of good. What are you optimizing for? What three things matter most? For me, it is family/work/health. Everything else is nice to have, but not an immediate priority. Social life and travel are not priorities. Framing art for my home is not a priority. Priorities are dynamic, and time is finite. I have it all because I have clearly defined what I want -- and it does not include fancy vacations, a plethora of date nights, or a hot social life. All is time with my family, a heavy focus on building the company, and a healthy gym schedule.
I am curious how you all manage your time. Comment below.
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“I have it all because I have clearly defined what I want” resonates so much. LOVE this articulation!