Take Control of Your Time, Take Control of Your Life

Does time seem to be going faster and faster every year? As of the publishing of this article, it is the new year, 2025, and yet, it seems like just yesterday I was working on my 2023 year taxes. It is crazy how work piles up, emails ping constantly, and meetings devour hours of our day. Yet, amidst the chaos, some people thrive. How do they manage it? They’ve mastered the art of time management. If you’re tired of feeling like you’re barely treading water, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news: you can regain control.

Let me explain how—and why—time management is a game-changer for busy executives like you using data from a survey by timewatch.com.

The State of Time Management Today

Time management tools are more popular than ever, with 48% of people now using to-do lists—up 10% from 2022. But there’s no one-size-fits-all approach:

• 23% of professionals schedule everything in their calendar.
• 12% rely on their inbox to prioritize tasks.
• 9% tackle whatever feels most important at the moment.

While systems like Time Blocking and the Eisenhower Matrix offer structured solutions, only 5% and 1% of people, respectively, use them in full. Interestingly, 92% of respondents unknowingly adopt parts of the Eisenhower system, categorizing tasks into “urgent” and “important.”

But the stats reveal a sobering reality: 63% of people feel out of control at work at least five days a week.

Where Does Our Time Really Go?

One word: distractions.

Emails are the biggest culprit, with more than 79% of workers checking their inbox constantly or every time a notification pops up. Yet, the most productive people limit email checks to once an hour or twice daily.

Another time sink? Meetings and tasks that don’t align with core roles. 75% of professionals admit to wasting up to two hours a day—an alarming 10% increase over the past two years. That adds up to nearly 10 hours a week spent on low-value activities.

For those who don’t manage their time effectively, the day slips away:

• 42% waste 1-2 hours daily.
• 16% waste 2-3 hours daily.

The Benefits of Better Time Management

So, why should you care about time management? Because the benefits are transformative:

• 94% agree it boosts productivity.
• 91% report reduced stress.
• 90% see improved focus on tasks.
• 88% experience better decision-making.
• 87% achieve goals faster.
• 85% say it enhances their professional reputation.
• 81% feel more confident at work.
• 76% report better workplace relationships.

In essence, better time management doesn’t just improve your work life—it elevates your overall well-being.

Simple Steps to Regain Control

1. Audit Your Time Start by tracking how you spend your day. Tools like time-tracking apps can uncover inefficiencies and help you identify time wasters. It’s no coincidence that 43% of people who use time-tracking systems feel in control of their schedules compared to only 26% who don’t.
2. Define Priorities Use the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks:
3. Set Boundaries with Email Resist the urge to check your inbox constantly. Start with scheduled email sessions—once an hour or just twice daily.
4. Time Block Your Calendar Allocate specific chunks of time for focused work. Protect these blocks from interruptions to maximize deep, meaningful productivity.
5. Review and Adjust Time management is an evolving practice. Regularly review what’s working and refine your systems to fit your changing needs.

Mindset Matters

Time management isn’t just about tools; it’s about mindset. To truly regain control, you need to:

• Let go of perfectionism.
• Learn to delegate.
• Embrace the power of saying no.

It’s not about cramming more into your day. It’s about focusing on what truly matters—to you, your team, and your goals.

A Better Tomorrow Starts Today

When you commit to mastering your time, you’re not just improving your productivity. You’re reclaiming balance, reducing stress, and creating space for what matters most—whether it’s strategic growth, quality time with family, or personal well-being.

But change doesn’t happen overnight. That’s where our proprietary program, the MindFlow Cycle program, comes in.

This breakthrough program is designed for overwhelmed professionals ready to rewrite their story. Through mindset and flow methodologies, we help you achieve more while working less. Together, we’ll create systems that align your time with your goals so you can focus on what truly matters.

Ready to get started? Let’s unlock your potential and take back control of your time—and your life.

Matt Meyer, Ph.D | MindFlow Cycle Coach | Helping Leaders Achieve Balance and Peak Performance