Why most people think they don’t need time management – but really do

Think you don’t need time management?

Most normal people are happy with the status quo, and just live for getting by. They live paycheck to paycheck working a job they don’t really like, and that’s fine for them.

But if you’re a woman who wants more out of life and you’re willing to do the work to get more, then you have to think carefully about time management. 

However, most women who know what they want (or at least think they do) keep struggling to achieve it despite their best efforts. They can’t figure out what they’re doing wrong, but they’re sure they don’t need time management. 

Time management certainly isn’t the only problem you struggle with, but it’s a piece of the puzzle. It’s more than just managing your to-do list. I’d say that mastering your tasks is the last thing you need to do, because a never-ending list is simply a symptom of a wider problem. 

Where to start instead with time management

Treating the symptom often ends up causing more problems than it helps in the long run. So, we have to drill down to the root of the issue and address the heart of the matter. 

One of my core principles of life which has changed my approach completely, is this: 

The way you do anything in life is the way you do everything in life. 

You might think that your approach to managing your time is just a part of your life. And while that may be true to an extent, our character traits tend to show up in everything we do. 

If your life feels stressful or out of control in any way, then time management is an overused but underutilized concept that can totally turn your life around and give you the true freedom you want. 

What do I mean by that? Well, people throw around the phrase ‘time management’ all the time, but rarely dig deep into what it means. It’s really about ‘priorities management’, and most women haven’t clearly defined their priorities. 

You may think you have, and you’ve even written them down, but living your priorities is a totally different thing. And if you’re not doing that, you react to everything, usually saying yes to everyone. 

Without clearly defining your priorities and then managing them, you’ll find yourself constantly putting out fires. You won’t have clarity or focus on the things that matter the most. 

The importance of saying no

From a time management perspective, what you say no to becomes just as important as what you say yes to. When high-achieving women or aspiring high achievers ask me for help, the first thing we do is go back to square one. 

I encourage them (and you) to get clear on their values, goals and priorities. Then, you can make strategic and methodical decisions on what stays and what goes. Not everything can stay if you truly want to have a big impact in your life. 

When the women I work with know their big picture and can see what matters most, they move onto the four pillars of success framework. This allows them to build a schedule and a life they love. 

If you can do this, you’ll no longer spend your days feeling overwhelmed and underachieved. Instead, you’ll live your life with purpose, intention and focus. 

Which do you want to be? A busy maniac or a joyful, focused champion? Your commitment to time management can make all the difference in the world. I can’t wait to see how you progress!