My calendar was full but my life felt empty.
I used to believe that being busy was a badge of honor. A packed schedule meant I was important. It meant I was productive. But in reality I was just running in circles. I was exhausted drained and felt like I was never actually getting anywhere meaningful. My days were a blur of meetings emails and tasks but my big goals stayed far off in the distance.
I know that feeling well. Before I found a better way I was stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits from binge eating to endless hours of gaming. I felt lazy and out of control. Change seemed impossible. But I learned that taking back control of your life doesn't require a massive overhaul. It starts with taking back control of your time.
Here are 10 simple hacks that helped me go from overwhelmed to on purpose.
1. Plan Tomorrow Tonight
Decision fatigue is real. Waking up and trying to figure out what to do first is a huge drain on your mental energy. Instead take five minutes before you wind down for the evening to write down your top 3-5 priorities for the next day. This isn't a massive to-do list. It's a short focused list of what truly matters. When you wake up you don't have to think. You just have to execute.
2. Eat The Frog First
We all have that one task on our list that we dread. It’s the one we procrastinate on. The one we push to the end of the day. Mark Twain once said that if the first thing you do each morning is to eat a live frog you can go through the day with the satisfaction of knowing that is probably the worst thing that is going to happen to you all day long. Your "frog" is your most challenging task. Get it done first thing in the morning. Everything else will feel easy by comparison and you’ll build incredible momentum for the rest of the day.
3. Master the Deep Work Block
Most people think they need to work eight hours straight to be productive. I learned that’s a myth. I used to waste hours "working" but was really just distracted by notifications and small tasks. Now I get more done in 2-4 hours of focused deep work than I ever did in a full day.
Here's how:
- Choose a 2-4 hour block in your schedule.
- Turn off your phone. Close all unnecessary tabs on your computer.
- Tell your family or colleagues you are unavailable during this time.
- Work on ONE high-priority task without interruption.
It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you give your brain the space to truly focus. These focused bursts are where real progress happens.
4. Batch Your Small Tasks
Answering emails sending quick messages and making phone calls can chop your day into tiny unproductive pieces. Every time you switch tasks your brain has to re-focus which wastes time and energy. Instead of reacting to things as they come in group similar tasks together. Set aside specific times to handle all your emails at once or make all your phone calls in one go. This clears your mind to focus on bigger things.
5. Use a “Done” List
To-do lists can sometimes feel defeating. You look at a long list of things you haven’t done yet. I prefer a “Done” list. It’s a simple shift in perspective that builds confidence. When I was losing over 110 pounds I didn't focus on the huge number. I focused on the small wins each day. I celebrated drinking enough water or going for a walk. A "Done" list works the same way. At the end of the day write down everything you accomplished. It shows you how far you’ve come and motivates you to keep going.
6. Embrace the Two-Minute Rule
If a task takes less than two minutes to complete do it immediately. Replying to a simple email putting a dish in the dishwasher or tidying up a small mess are perfect examples. Getting these little things out of the way prevents them from piling up and becoming a bigger source of stress later. It’s a simple rule that keeps your physical and mental space clear.
7. Set Clear Boundaries
Your time is your most valuable resource. You have to protect it. This means learning to say no. Say no to meetings without a clear agenda. Say no to projects that don’t align with your goals. Say no to social events that drain you. It feels hard at first but setting boundaries is not selfish. It's essential for protecting your energy for the people and priorities that matter most.
8. Automate What You Can
We live in an age of technology so use it to your advantage. Set up automatic bill payments. Create email templates for responses you send frequently. Use a grocery delivery service to save you a trip to the store. Every small task you can take off your plate frees up mental space and time for more important work.
9. Disconnect to Reconnect
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Constant connection to work and social media is a recipe for burnout. Schedule time to completely disconnect. Put your phone away for a few hours. Go for a walk in nature. Spend quality time with your family without screens. This isn't wasted time. It’s an investment in your well-being that pays huge dividends in focus and creativity when you return to your work.
10. The Sunday Reset
For me Sunday is more than just the end of the weekend. It’s a day to reset my soul and prepare for the week ahead. It’s a day for church for prayer and for quiet reflection. I spend time with my family plan our meals for the week and look over my calendar. This small ritual grounds me. It fills me with peace and purpose and helps me start Monday with clarity instead of chaos. Finding purpose through my faith has been the ultimate anchor in managing my time because it helps me see what's truly worth my energy.
Managing your time is really about managing your life. It’s about being intentional with your minutes so you can build a life that feels good not just one that looks busy.
What is one small hack you can try this week to take back some of your time?
