In the second of my series on time and energy management, we’re going to take a look at one of the biggest myths - you don’t need more time.

When it comes to time management, many of us focus on squeezing more into our day. We juggle tasks, rearrange schedules, and try to multitask our way to success. But real time mastery isn’t about managing the clock—it’s about managing your priorities. Once you shift your mindset, you’ll find it easier to focus on what truly matters and achieve more with less stress.

Schedule Priorities, Don’t Prioritise Your Schedule

One of the most powerful time management strategies is to schedule your priorities instead of prioritising your schedule. It’s a subtle but significant shift. Instead of tackling tasks as they come or letting your calendar dictate your day, start by identifying what matters most.

Each morning, write down your top three priorities for the day. These are the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your goals. Once identified, block out time for them in your schedule—before adding anything else. This ensures that the most important work gets done, no matter what interruptions arise.

Establish Rhythms, Not Routines

Routines are helpful, but rhythms allow for flexibility while maintaining consistency. Establishing rhythms in your week reduces decision fatigue and helps you focus.

For example, dedicate specific days to recurring tasks:

• Mondays for planning and setting goals.

• Wednesdays for creative or deep work.

• Fridays for admin or catching up.

This approach creates structure without rigid constraints, giving you a sense of control while accommodating the unexpected.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have discovered Michael Hyatt’s work back in 2008 or 2009. His principles, heavily influenced by Stephen Covey’s wisdom on “scheduling your priorities, not prioritising your schedule,” became a cornerstone of how I approach my work. Since then, I’ve done my best to follow this advice, though I’ll admit I’m far from perfect.

The beauty of this approach is its simplicity—it’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters. By identifying what’s truly important each day and making time for those priorities, I’ve been able to focus my energy where it counts most. This mindset shift has helped me achieve key goals without feeling overwhelmed by the endless demands on my time.

When I remind myself of this principle, it keeps me grounded. It’s a foundational block for how I manage my workload and ensure that my efforts make a meaningful impact. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how much you get done—it’s about how much of what you do truly matters.

The 10-Minute Planning Exercise

Good planning doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. A simple 10-minute exercise can transform how you approach your day and help you focus on what truly matters. Here’s how to do it:

Brainstorm

Start by getting everything out of your head. This could mean pulling tasks from your task manager, jotting down things from memory, or a mix of both. Whether you prefer analog (a pen and notebook) or digital tools, the goal is the same: capture everything in one place. Personally, I find that writing the list by hand first helps me process it better, and then I transfer it to a digital planner for tracking. This hybrid approach lets you organise your day without losing the clarity that comes from physically writing things down.

Categorise

Once you have your list, categorise each task into three groups:

• A’s (Critical): These are the three most important tasks for the day—no more than three. These should align with your goals and have the greatest impact.

• B’s (Important): Tasks that are meaningful but not as urgent as the A’s.

• C’s (Optional): Tasks that would be nice to get done but aren’t essential.

This process keeps your focus on what’s truly important and prevents you from feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate.

Time-Block

Allocate specific times for your A-tasks and fit the B and C tasks around them. For clinicians, this means carving out time outside of clinical hours for planning, admin, or personal development. Protect this time as much as possible to avoid added stress.

And don’t forget to schedule breaks. Our brains use a surprising amount of energy, especially in the morning, so taking a proper lunch break to recharge and refuel is crucial. A refreshed mind in the afternoon can make the difference between finishing strong or slogging through the day.

This quick and adaptable exercise gives you a clear direction for the day, helping you stay focused on high-impact activities while maintaining the energy you need to perform at your best. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things, and doing them well.

Mastering Time Isn’t About Doing More

Time management isn’t about cramming your schedule with tasks. It’s about using your time for what truly matters. When you schedule priorities, establish rhythms, and take 10 minutes each day to plan, you’ll not only achieve more—you’ll also create space to breathe.

Start tomorrow by identifying your top three priorities and blocking time for them. It’s a small change, but one that can lead to a big shift in how you manage your day and your life.

If managing time and energy feels like a constant battle, you’re not alone—and there’s a better way. Join me on 31st January for a 30-minute Masterclass on Time and Energy Management, where we’ll take a look at overcoming overwhelm, creating focus, and making room for what truly matters. This practical session is designed to help you reclaim control of your time and energy, so you can lead your practice and your team with confidence. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick-start the year with strategies that work. Register now to secure your spot!