Stop Managing Your Time: Focus on These 3 Things Instead

Time management. It’s one of the most talked-about topics in productivity, and for years, I bought into it completely. I tried all the tricks and hacks, even brushing my teeth in the shower because some guru online said it would save time. Spoiler: it didn’t. It was weird, and I stopped.

Here’s the thing: time management isn’t unimportant, but the way we focus on it is often misguided. Over the years, I’ve learned that true productivity comes from focusing on three key areas that make a real difference in how you live and work. Let’s break them down.

1. Energy: Find Your Sweet Spot

We all have a time of day when we’re at our best—when our energy levels are at their peak, and we feel unstoppable. For some, it’s early morning; for others, it’s the afternoon or even late at night. Identifying your energy “sweet spot” is crucial to getting the most out of your day.

For me, mornings have become my golden hours. After years in nightlife, where my energy spiked at night, I discovered that hitting the gym in the morning set me up for success. It’s during these early hours that I tackle my hardest tasks, and I encourage you to do the same: find the time when you’re most energized and use it to handle your most challenging work.

That said, life doesn’t always cooperate. Sometimes you just have to push through. As Winston Churchill famously said, “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Even on tough days, understanding your energy patterns can help you push through the grind and come out stronger on the other side.

2. Happiness: Prioritize Joy

Energy and happiness overlap, but they’re not the same. Joy can act as a powerful motivator and a counterbalance when your energy dips. Think about the moments that bring you happiness throughout your day and find ways to incorporate them strategically.

For example, seeing my family after work instantly lifts my spirits. If your energy is running low, focus on something that brings you joy to recharge. On the flip side, if you’re frustrated or angry, channel that into something productive, like hitting the gym or engaging in a hobby. Understanding what sparks your happiness and when to lean into it can transform your day.

A concept that stuck with me is from the book Show Your Work by Austin Kleon. He talks about the “vampire test”—identifying what sucks the joy out of your life and removing it. While it’s not always possible to avoid every unpleasant task, we often have more control over our lives than we think. Whether it’s a toxic environment or unnecessary obligations, take steps to reduce their impact on your happiness.

3. Intention: Be Fully Present

Whatever you’re doing, do it with intention. If you’re at work, focus on your tasks. If you’re relaxing on the couch with your family, be fully present. Mindlessly scrolling through your phone or halfheartedly completing tasks can eat away at your time and leave you feeling unproductive.

Atomic Habits by James Clear highlights the importance of being intentional with even small windows of time. Five minutes might not seem like much, but it’s enough to jot down an idea, respond to an important email, or make progress on a goal. Instead of wasting those moments, use them intentionally to move closer to what matters most to you.

For example, the idea for this article came to me while riding the bike at the gym. Instead of scrolling through social media, I took a quick note. Later, I expanded on it, and now here we are. Intention doesn’t mean you never relax; it just means making sure that whatever you’re doing is purposeful.

The Power of Focus

If you shift your focus from managing every second of your day to understanding your energy, prioritizing your happiness, and acting with intention, you’ll see a significant improvement in your productivity and overall satisfaction. This approach also aligns with my 2025 goal: intentionality. It’s about using time wisely and being fully present in whatever I’m doing.

Final Thoughts

Take a step back and evaluate your day. When are you most energized? What brings you joy? How can you act with more intention? Answering these questions can help you reclaim your time and live a more fulfilling life.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. If this resonated with you, let me know in the comments, and feel free to like, follow, or share. Let’s make 2025 the year we stop managing time and start focusing on what really matters. See you in the next one!