MAKING TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS MOST IN YOUR CAREER.

Make Time for What Matters: A Guide to Prioritizing What Counts

In today’s fast-paced world, time often feels like a precious commodity slipping through our fingers. We’re pulled in countless directions, balancing work, family, social obligations, personal growth, and relaxation. But how often do we stop to ask ourselves: are we making time for what really matters? Prioritizing what is truly important can bring greater purpose, fulfillment, and balance into our lives. Here’s how we can make more intentional choices with our time and prioritize what matters most.

1. Identify Your Core Values

The first step to making time for what matters is to know what actually matters to you. This can mean different things to different people: relationships, career growth, personal well-being, creativity, community involvement, and so on. Take time to reflect on your core values. Write them down if that helps solidify them. When you understand your priorities, it becomes easier to make choices that support them. Your values act as a compass, helping you decide which activities to focus on and which to let go.

2. Set Clear Goals

Once you understand your values, turn them into specific goals. For example, if family is one of your top priorities, set a goal to spend quality time with loved ones every day, even if just for an hour. If health is important, make regular exercise or meal prep a non-negotiable part of your routine. Setting clear, realistic goals gives structure to your values and keeps you accountable to what you’ve identified as important.

3. Eliminate Time-Wasting Habits

A major obstacle in making time for what matters is time wasted on unproductive habits. This might include mindlessly scrolling on social media, procrastinating on important tasks, or binge-watching shows that don’t add value to your life. Start by identifying your main time-wasting activities. Then, look for ways to limit or eliminate these habits. Set screen-time limits, break large projects into smaller tasks, and only consume content that uplifts you. By minimizing time-wasters, you create space for activities that align with your values.

4. Learn to Say "No"

One of the hardest yet most essential skills in time management is the ability to say “no.” Whether it’s a social event, a work request, or a favor, saying “yes” to everything can spread you thin, leaving little room for what matters. Practicing assertive communication and prioritizing your goals allows you to say “no” without feeling guilty. When you say “no” to things that don’t serve you, you’re essentially saying “yes” to what does.

5. Schedule Time for What Matters

It’s easy to assume that we’ll find time for our priorities amid our daily hustle, but often, that time never appears. Scheduling specific blocks of time for what matters to you is an effective way to ensure you follow through. Treat these commitments as non-negotiable appointments, whether it’s an hour for exercise, a date night with your partner, or a quiet time for reading and reflection. By setting aside dedicated time for these activities, you’re giving them the importance they deserve.

6. Practice Mindfulness and Presence

Making time for what matters also means being fully present in those moments. Mindfulness—paying full attention to the present without judgment—enhances the quality of your experiences and helps you savor life’s meaningful moments. When you’re spending time with loved ones, resist the urge to check your phone. If you’re working on a personal project, focus entirely on that task. By practicing mindfulness, you can make the most of your time and deepen your connections with the people and activities that matter.

7. Embrace Flexibility

Prioritizing what matters doesn’t mean life won’t throw curveballs your way. Sometimes, unexpected challenges or responsibilities arise, and plans have to be adjusted. Instead of getting frustrated, embrace flexibility and adapt as needed. Having a clear sense of your values allows you to make quick decisions when things change, so you can stay grounded even when your routine shifts.

8. Reflect and Adjust Regularly

Life is ever-evolving, and what matters most may change over time. Regularly reflecting on your priorities can help ensure you’re still on track. Every few months, take some time to review your goals and values. Are you spending your time on what matters most, or have new priorities emerged? By assessing and adjusting, you can stay aligned with what truly matters to you.

Final Thoughts

Making time for what matters is a continual journey that requires self-awareness, intention, and discipline. By identifying your values, setting goals, minimizing distractions, and practicing mindfulness, you can build a life centered around what truly fulfills you. The rewards—a sense of purpose, happiness, and connection—are well worth the effort. So take control of your time, make intentional choices, and build a life where what matters most is at the forefront.