Time is a curious thing. It’s the one resource we all have in equal measure—24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week. Yet, at times it feels like the scarcest of commodities. There’s always another email to send, another client or colleague to call, another meeting to attend, another recommended book to read or a must-attend webinar on AI and the speed of change; let’s not even mention the mythical creature called “work-life balance” that we’re all supposed to find.
The truth is time management isn’t just about packing as much as possible into your day. It’s about making thoughtful choices. It’s about prioritizing what matters, not just what’s urgent. And it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down when you need to.
Productivity vs. Purpose
Many of us measure success by how productive we’ve been—how many tasks we’ve ticked off, how many hours we’ve worked. One way my husband measures success at work is by how many emails he’s tackled in a day. But let’s pause for a moment and ask a deeper question: Are we focusing on the right things?
Productivity without purpose can leave us feeling busy but unfulfilled. As a leader in business, you likely wear many hats (yes, an understatement I know), but not all of them need to be worn every single day. Are you spending your time on activities that align with your goals, strategy and priorities for your business or are you getting lost in the whirlwind of the “urgent but not important”?
Empathy Starts with You
Here’s another truth about time: how you manage it affects more than just your to-do list. It affects your mental health, your relationships, and even your creativity. It’s tempting to think you must do it all, but remember, empathy starts with you. By taking time for self-care, setting boundaries, and delegating when needed, you’re not only helping yourself—you’re modelling a sustainable way of working for those around you (this can include colleagues, employees as well as family members)!
And don’t forget about empathy for others. The people you work with—whether it’s employees, clients, or partners as well as those you may live with. They’re also juggling their own challenges. A little understanding can go a long way in building stronger, more resilient relationships.
The Time Audit
If you’re feeling stretched thin, here’s a simple exercise to try – track how you spend your time for a week. Be brutally honest. How much of your time goes to high-value activities that move your business forward? How much goes to tasks that could be automated, delegated, or even dropped? You might be surprised by the patterns you uncover—and hopefully inspired to make changes.
Closing Thoughts
Time isn’t just something we spend; it’s something we invest. By being intentional with how you use it, you can create not just a successful business, but a fulfilling life. So, take a deep breath, set your priorities, and don’t forget to make time for what truly matters not just in 2025, but well beyond.
Joanne Free-Pameli
Senior Advisor
A Few Resources to Maximize Your Time:
- The Eisenhower Matrix – A simple tool to prioritize tasks by urgency and importance.
- Rescue Time – An app to track and understand your daily habits.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear – A book on building small habits for big change.
- Mindfulness Apps (e.g., Headspace, Calm) – For managing stress and staying focused. Or an excuse to hear Matthew McConaughey’s voice…Did I say that out loud?
- Local Board of Trade events– Connect with fellow leaders in business for support and exchange valuable insights.
