Struggling to manage your time?
Two Powerful Lessons About Time Management
In the last few weeks, I’ve uncovered two valuable lessons about time management—lessons that, looking back, feel obvious, but were anything but clear when I was struggling to make things work.
I’ve always considered myself the Queen of Planning. I completed a PhD in four years, trained for a 10 km swim while working a demanding job, found time for friends and family, and even built a business on the side. I had no issue starting my days at 5 AM, with a structured routine that allowed me to hit all my goals without burning out.
For years, I dreamed of a job that would give me ample free time. So when I started my polar guiding job—six months on, six months off—I thought I had hit the jackpot. I imagined working hard for half the year and using the other half to focus on building new projects and passions.
But the reality? I’ve been struggling to get anything done. Despite having all the time in the world, I often reach the end of the day wondering: What have I actually achieved today? And the uncomfortable truth? Not much.
Frustrated and upset, I brought this issue up in my weekly coaching session. After all, I’d wanted this kind of flexible job for years—why was I struggling to make the most of it? Why was I feeling overwhelmed by all this free time?
After a couple of coaching sessions, two key insights emerged:
1. Crystal-clear goals are essential.
When your days lack structure, you need to create it—and be even more disciplined than when your time was limited. A vague goal like "I want to get fit" isn’t enough. You can't plan for it, measure progress, or know if you’re succeeding. Setting an unspecific goal like this set me up for failure because, in my mind, I was already fit. So when I’d consider skipping the gym, my brain would rationalize, It’s no big deal—we’re already achieving the goal.
2. Too much flexibility can be a trap.
When I was balancing work, training for my 10 km swim, and side-hustling, I had to be in the pool at 6 AM. There were no other windows in my day, so I stuck to it. Now? I can swim at 6, 9, 3 PM… whenever. But this flexibility has become a trap—I get to the end of the day without having made it to the pool. Too much time can lead to procrastination, and without structure, the day slips away.
This experience has led me to reflect on time —how easily we can get lost in it without structure. Time management isn’t just about filling a schedule; it’s about understanding that even when you have time, it’s easy to get sidetracked if you’re not intentional about it.
This quote from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time captures it perfectly:
“Time is a mystery, and not even a thing, and no one has ever solved the puzzle of what time is, exactly. And so, if you get lost in time it is like being lost in a desert, except that you can’t see the desert because it is not a thing.
And this is why I like timetables, because they make sure you don’t get lost in time. ”
The truth is, having all the time in the world doesn’t guarantee success. Without clear goals and structure, time can easily slip away. Creating a timetable or a routine is one way to stay grounded, focused, and on track toward your goals.
What are your biggest challenges when it comes to managing your time?
I’d love to hear from you—leave a comment or reach out, and let’s start the conversation!
