Reading Time: 3 minutes

Stop Doing this One Thing that’s Wrecking Your Time Management

Do you ever feel like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough? Or that you’ll finally focus on managing your time once life settles down-only life never actually settles? You’re not alone. In this episode of It’s About Time, I’m pulling back the curtain on one sneaky habit that keeps so many of us stuck in busyness.

LISTEN IN APPLE PODCASTS | LISTEN IN SPOTIFY

When was the last time you put yourself first without feeling guilty about it?

If you’ve ever thought…

• I’m too busy to work on time management.
  
• I’m just not naturally good at this.
  
• Life’s too messy right now—I’ll wait until things settle down.
  

You’re not alone.In this episode of It’s About Time, I’m tackling one of the most uncomfortable beliefs we carry: the idea that taking care of yourself—especially your time—is selfish. Spoiler alert: it’s not. In fact, it might just be the most generous thing you can do for yourself and the people you love.

Why Time Management Feels So Hard

So many of us grew up with lessons that taught us to put others first:

• Give your friend the bigger piece of pie.
  
• Don’t take the last cookie.
  
• Always say yes when someone asks for help.
  
• Be polite. Don’t complain. Don’t brag.
  

These aren’t bad lessons—they teach kindness and generosity. But over time, they shape the way we approach our lives. Without realizing it, we begin to believe that putting ourselves first is always wrong.

The result? Exhaustion, resentment, and guilt when we finally try to care for ourselves.

The Oxygen Mask Approach to Time Management

We’ve all heard the safety instructions on airplanes: put your oxygen mask on first before helping others.

The same applies to time management. When you take time to rest, plan, and pause, you’re not taking away from anyone else—you’re equipping yourself to show up stronger for the people who matter most.

But many of us get caught in the trap of believing: If I’m not doing everything, then I’m not doing enough. That perfection mindset shows up everywhere—at home, at work, in parenting, in business—and it wrecks our relationship with time.

Why There’s No “Perfect Time” for Time Management

Here’s the truth: life will always be under construction.

Back in college at LSU, I learned that campus would never be without construction projects—renovations rotated on a 20-year cycle, starting over again as soon as the last building was finished.

And that’s life, too. There’s always something unfinished, imperfect, or in progress. If you’re waiting for the perfect time to work on time management, you’ll be waiting forever.

Good time management isn’t about getting it all done. It’s about knowing when to stop, step away, and show up for yourself.

4 Truths That Will Transform Your Time Management

If you’re ready to stop wrecking your time management and start creating space for what matters, here are four truths to hold onto:

1. Starting small is enough.

Forget the all-or-nothing mindset. Real change in time management comes from small, consistent steps: five quiet minutes before checking email, saying no to one thing, or carving out an hour to rethink your schedule.

2. Now is the right time.

Life never calms down. The best time to work on time management isn’t “someday”—it’s now, right in the middle of the mess.

3. You don’t have to do it alone.

Time management is a learned skill, not something you’re born knowing. Support, guidance, and accountability make it easier—and a lot less lonely.

4. This is for you.

You don’t have to earn rest or check off every task before you deserve peace. You’re worthy of breathing room and balance right now.

Your Next Step in Time Management

Taking care of your time isn’t selfish—it’s generous. Because when you manage your time with intention, everyone benefits.

And if you’re ready to take the first step, I’d love for you to join me for my free workshop:

👉 Time Well Spent: How to Reclaim 10+ Hours Every Week Without Sacrificing What Matters Most

📅 Wednesday, September 17th at 12pm Central
📍 Save your seat at abouttimeworkshop.com

In just one hour, I’ll share simple strategies to help you stop feeling stretched thin, reclaim your time, and finally put yourself back on the priority list—without guilt.

And if you’re reading this after September 17th—don’t worry. You haven’t missed your only chance. Keep listening, because opportunities to take that first step pop up every day, and the next big moment might be sooner than you think.

Resources Mentioned:

• Join the Time Well Spent Workshop
  

Related Episodes:

• Start Small, Grow Big: The Surprisingly Small Secret to Finishing BIG Projects and Getting Organized with Tasha Lorentz
• 3 Signs You’re Doing Too Much (And What to Do About It)
  
• 3 Ways to Use Time Management to Stop Stress in its Tracks