do you really need more time?
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like time is constantly slipping through our fingers. We tell ourselves that if we just had a little more time, we could finally catch up—on work, on self-care, on all the things we "should" be doing. But what if the real issue isn’t about needing more time? What if the key to feeling more in control of our schedules and our lives isn’t found in adding more hours to the day but in rethinking how we use the time we already have?
Let’s dive into how you can shift your mindset, prioritize the right things, and start making time work for you instead of against you.
Why More Time Won’t Solve Your Problems
It’s tempting to believe that an extra hour in the morning or a few more hours at night would make all the difference. But if you suddenly had three extra hours every day, what would you do with them? Most people would default to filling that extra time with more of the same tasks that are already leaving them overwhelmed.
The real issue isn’t time—it’s how you’re managing your focus and energy. When we feel like we need more time, what we’re often craving is clarity, control, and peace of mind. And those things don’t come from more hours—they come from better choices.
Here’s the hard truth: If you don’t change your habits and priorities, even if you magically got an extra six hours a day, you’d likely still feel just as overwhelmed. Instead of asking, “How can I find more time?” ask yourself, “How can I be more intentional with the time I already have?”
How to Reclaim Control of Your Schedule
If you’re feeling like your time is constantly slipping away, it’s time to take a hard look at where it’s actually going. Here’s a practical framework to audit your schedule and take back control of your time:
1. Identify Your Biggest Time-Wasters
We all have those sneaky time-sucks that eat away at our days. The key is to become aware of them so you can start making intentional changes.
Social media scrolling – A five-minute check-in turns into 45 minutes before you even realize it.
Email overload – Constantly checking emails and responding immediately keeps you in reactive mode.
Unnecessary meetings – Many meetings could be an email or a quick voice memo.
Saying yes to everything – Taking on too many obligations leaves you with little time for what truly matters.
Action Step: Take a week to track how you’re actually spending your time. Write it down—every task, every break, every distraction. This will give you concrete data on where your time is going so you can start making informed changes.
2. Define Your Top Priorities
If everything is important, then nothing is. The key to reclaiming your time is getting crystal clear on what truly matters to you.
What are your top three priorities in life? (Family, career, personal growth, health, etc.)
Do your daily actions reflect those priorities?
What tasks are you doing out of obligation, habit, or guilt that don’t actually serve you?
Once you have clarity on what matters most, it becomes easier to say no to the things that don’t align.
3. Set Clear Boundaries
One of the biggest reasons people feel like they don’t have enough time is because they allow everyone else’s priorities to dictate their schedule. If you don’t set boundaries, other people will set them for you.
Time-block your schedule – Set specific times for deep work, breaks, and personal time.
Limit distractions – Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, use website blockers, and protect your focus.
Learn to say no – Saying no to things that don’t align with your goals isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Boundaries aren’t about being rigid; they’re about protecting your time and energy so you can show up fully for what actually matters.
The Secret to Doing More with Less Time
Now that you’ve cleared some space in your schedule, how do you make sure you’re using your time effectively? Here are three simple but powerful strategies to maximize productivity without burnout.
1. Use the 80/20 Rule
The Pareto Principle, or 80/20 rule, states that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. This means that not all tasks are created equal—some drive major impact, while others just keep you "busy."
Action Step: Identify the high-impact tasks that truly move the needle in your work and life. Focus on those first, and let the rest take a backseat.
2. Single-Task Like Your Life Depends on It
Multitasking is a myth. It makes you less productive and more mentally drained. Instead, focus on one task at a time with full attention.
Try this: Set a timer for 25-45 minutes, eliminate distractions, and go all in on a single task. You’ll get more done in one focused session than in hours of distracted, half-hearted work.
3. Embrace the Power of Rest
You don’t need to "earn" rest—it’s a requirement for doing your best work. If you’re constantly exhausted, your efficiency drops, your creativity tanks, and your ability to make good decisions suffers.
Schedule breaks – Short breaks between tasks can increase productivity.
Prioritize sleep – High-performance starts with rested energy.
Give yourself permission to pause – Slowing down can actually help you speed up.
Remember: The most successful people aren’t the busiest—they’re the most focused and intentional.
Register Today!
12 Weekly Group Coaching Calls
A one hour 1:1 Life Mapping Coaching Call with CarrieVee
Voxer Access
Copy of Valorie Burton’s Book, “It’s About Time.”
Printed Participant Mastermind Guide
Printed Handouts
It’s About Time: Transforming Your Relationship with Time
The truth is, you don’t need more time—you need more clarity, boundaries, and intention. Time is not something to "fight against" or "control"—it’s a resource to harness wisely.
Here’s your challenge:
Do a time audit – Track where your hours are actually going.
Identify your top three priorities – Make sure your schedule aligns with them.
Eliminate one major time-waster – Create space for what truly matters.
If you’re ready to completely transform how you manage your time and energy, consider joining the It's About Time Mastermind. This mastermind is designed to help high-achievers break free from overwhelm and reclaim their time with intention.
➡ Join the It’s About Time Mastermind here!
Journal Prompt: If I could only focus on three things each day, what would they be? And what would I need to let go of to make that happen?
You already have everything you need to live a fulfilling, productive, and balanced life—it’s just a matter of choosing what truly matters.
