5 Time Management Tips That Changed My Life (And Might Help You Too)

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Time is the one thing that every single one of us has the same amount of. But how we manage that time? That’s totally up to us.

Some people seem to always stay on top of their to-do lists, while others constantly feel like they’re playing catch-up. And trust me, I’ve been both of those people throughout my life.

As seasons change and kids grow, jobs shift, health needs evolve, the same schedule won’t always work. I’ve had to adjust my routines again and again. For example, I need more sleep now than I did in my 20s. I used to stay up late getting things done, but that’s not realistic anymore. 

So how do you stay on top of everything when life keeps changing?

You learn to manage your time. And to help you do that, I’ve put together the top five time management strategies that have made the biggest difference in my life.

1. Track Your Time

When we want to take control of our finances, the first step is usually to track our spending. I believe time should be treated the same way and you should track it to understand where it’s going.

Spend a day or two logging how much time you spend:

  • Scrolling social media

  • Watching TV

  • Texting

  • Running errands

  • Doing chores

You might be shocked by the patterns you uncover. I know I can lose hours on YouTube if I’m not careful!

This isn’t about feeling guilty, it’s about becoming aware. Once you know where your time is going, you can start making better decisions about how to use it. It’s a simple first step that makes scheduling and goal-setting so much easier.

2. Make a Schedule

The biggest key to managing your time is to actually create a schedule. It helps you stay motivated, keeps you focused, and gives your day structure.

Now, your schedule can be as loose or detailed as you want:

  • Some people love super-structured, hour-by-hour schedules (6:30 AM wakeup, 8:00 AM breakfast, etc.).

  • Others (like me!) prefer a flexible daily routine paired with a good to-do list.

The most important thing is that you stick to it consistently and adjust as needed. When my kids were little, we had a strict routine and it worked beautifully. Now that they’re older, I’ve relaxed things a bit—but the basic structure still keeps me on track.

3. Make a To-Do List

I love a good to-do list. It’s one of the simplest tools for productivity, but also one of the most powerful.

Why? Because it helps you prioritize. When you know exactly what needs to be done, you’re far less likely to procrastinate or get stuck in decision fatigue.

Here’s how I make my lists work for me:

  • Add a couple of quick wins (small tasks you can knock out fast).

  • Include one or two bigger or medium-sized tasks.

  • Keep the list realistic and manageable.

If your to-do list is too long or too overwhelming, you’re less likely to follow through. Start small, and build up your momentum.

💡 Check out my post on how to make a to-do list work for you if you need more ideas!

4. Find Ways to Procrastinate Less

Procrastination is time management’s worst enemy. We’ve all been there, putting off something important until the very last minute (or not doing it at all).

Here’s how to start tackling it:

  • Figure out why you’re procrastinating. Are you bored? Overwhelmed? Distracted?

  • If a task feels boring, try giving yourself “checkpoints” and small rewards (like a break or a snack) along the way.

  • If a task feels too big, break it down into mini-tasks so it feels more manageable.

Once you understand your personal triggers for procrastination, it’s much easier to work around them instead of being stuck in them.

5. Take Breaks

I used to think breaks were a waste of time. But I’ve since learned that rest is part of productivity not the opposite of it.

Whether you’re working, homeschooling, or managing a busy household, your brain (and your body) needs downtime. So give yourself permission to take intentional breaks:

  • A 10-minute walk

  • A cup of tea on the porch

  • A quick power nap

  • A moment of quiet to pray or journal

Breaks help prevent burnout and allow you to come back refreshed and ready to focus.

Final Thoughts (Plus a Few Bonus Tips!)

I’ve spent a lot of my adult life learning how to make the most of my time, and I’m still learning! I hope these tips help you feel a little more in control of your day. And if you’ve got a great time management hack, I’d love to hear it so drop it in the comments!

And before I go, here are a few bonus tips to help you manage your time even better:

  • Start Your Day Early
    I know this one’s not for everyone, but early mornings are quiet, peaceful, and distraction-free. Even an extra 30 minutes can make a big difference!

  • Learn to Say No
    You don’t have to take on everything. If you’re constantly overwhelmed, try to cut back on optional tasks and protect your time.

  • Don’t Stress the Small Stuff
    Stress kills productivity. Find ways to recharge whether it’s prayer, music, a hot bath, or a good book. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Managing your time isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making small, intentional changes that add up over time.

You've got this! 💛

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