Mid-career professionals often make these time management mistakes. Are you one of them?

Common time management mistakes for mid-career professionals include lack of prioritization, overcommitting, ineffective planning, procrastination, lack of boundaries, multitasking, not delegating, underutilizing technology tools, failure to set goals, mindless meetings, poor email management, neglecting self-care, and lack of regular review. To enhance productivity and efficiency, professionals should prioritize tasks, set clear boundaries, delegate tasks, and use technology tools. Regular review and self-care can also help maintain work-life balance.

Delegation and outsourcing are crucial skills for mid-career professionals. It's important to understand that delegation isn't just about offloading tasks, but strategically assigning tasks based on individual strengths and capabilities. Similarly, outsourcing isn't a sign of incompetence, but a strategic move to focus on core competencies. A key to effective time management is recognizing when to leverage others' expertise to optimize productivity and work quality.

Sometimes as a manager it is better not to say 'yes' or 'no' but instead to buy time. Give yourself more time to consider the situation, those involved and all possible outcomes. Don't dismiss or promise but instead take time to think things over and give a time by which you will make the decision...

The ability to say "no" is a crucial skill in time management. It's not just about refusing requests, but about making conscious choices that align with your professional goals and values. This not only helps in avoiding overcommitment but also ensures that your time and energy are invested in tasks that yield the most value. It's a strategic approach to managing time, which can significantly boost productivity and job satisfaction. When you say "yes" too often, you flood your schedule and bandwidth with projects that may not be utilizing your time, skills, and energy to their fullest potential. That flooding of your calendar also drowns out space for key opportunities that could significantly boost your career or skills.

Saying 'No' is one of the toughest time management challenges because we are all people pleasers, we all want to be liked, & want to be asked so that we feel needed. This makes it tough. Saying 'Yes, wisely' is key to getting back in control. The oak tree model can help... Imagine a big majestic oak tree in a field. One that has been there for over 250 years. Standing the test of time. The trunk is your core - Your values. For example, you'd like not to work this weekend because you want to see your family. The branches represent the many options. Instead of saying 'No', say yes, wisely. For example, 'If you can either A. Take this other project off me, B. Give me another 2 days, or C. Give me x resource, then I can do that for you'.

In the journey of professional growth, a common pitfall lies in the inability to decline requests that diverge from one’s core priorities, goals, or values. This misstep can lead to a cascade of negative outcomes: overcommitment, distraction, and even resentment. As a seasoned professional, it’s imperative to master the art of saying no—a skill that is both polite and firm. It’s not merely a matter of refusal but a strategic choice to honor your time and boundaries. This selective approach is not a limitation but a powerful tool for carving out a path that resonates with your aspirations and authentic self. Remember, saying no is not a rejection of opportunity; it’s an affirmation of your direction and purpose.

When you are mid-career and are on this upward climb towards the next level you often forget to give yourself a break. I know for me, I have often not taken a lunch break because I had so much on my plate and I didn't want to be seen as someone that couldn't handle the workload when compared to my male counterparts. But when you work nonstop, you can begin to feel physically exhausted. Your eyesight starts to suffer, your posture declines, and even your attitude about your job changes. Scheduled breaks should be something you automatically have programmed into your calendar so that you can remain at the top of your game. If you don't take care of yourself you will burnout and that is not the outcome anyone wants.

Reflecting on one's work is indeed a crucial aspect of time management. It not only helps in identifying areas of improvement but also in recognizing patterns that lead to success. It's a form of self-feedback that encourages continuous learning and growth. Review and reflection also help assess and monitor personal satisfaction and fulfillment. They can help identify hidden issues, opportunities, and even help you decide when it's time to move on from a position or organization. Additionally, it's important to note that reflection should be a structured process, perhaps even scheduled into your routine, to ensure it's not overlooked in the hustle of daily tasks.

When you are in the middle of your career sometimes you second guess yourself. There may be other things that you want to pursue in order to increase your job satisfaction but you might feel as if you don't have the time. Not true. You can make the time to seek other opportunities along with doing your current job if you manage your time well. So, schedule in time for personal and professional development so that you can continue to grow as an individual. This will improve your job satisfaction and remind yourself that you are capable of greatness.