Create margins in your day
When I spot a blank space in my calendar, it makes me giddy—not silly, but excited. The thrill of unexpected time doesn't always feel available in this day and age. My first step is to scan the to-do list, looking for that one thing I can "now have time to do" and perhaps get closer to completing. It doesn't happen that often, and those extra "margins" of time can really feel like a gift.
Margins give us breathing room. They serve as a buffer to hit pause and break free from the constant "go" mindset. Sure, we can't make more hours in a day, but we can be smart about using the ones we have.
Some people build in margins as a default. They like having breaks between events or tasks, allowing them to feel at ease as they navigate through their day. It's about knowing your capacity and understanding time. A few strategies that help me build margins in my day:
Planning
Planning can feel time-consuming, but it actually creates exponentially more time than it takes. By spending a few minutes each morning or evening mapping out your priorities (for the day or week), you eliminate decision-making fatigue that drains energy. Planning also prevents scrambling or the pressure of always reacting. It's so much easier to be proactive, and we turn that focus into action.
Prioritize First
Not all tasks are created equal, yet we often treat them like they are. If you struggle to understand what's important, use the Eisenhower Matrix. Understanding the difference between urgent and meaningful activities allows you to target your energy and focus in the right places at the right time. Saying no to good opportunities means you can say yes to great ones.
Push Easy
When the gas tank is low and you're struggling to find the energy to get things done, tackling the "easy stuff" can be a fabulous way to boost your energy to move something forward. Simple, short, straightforward tasks or things that have been hanging around for a long time (because they seem basic or boring) can create an instant win. The point is to change up the task to maximize your energy.
Pause for Peace
Counterintuitively, taking breaks can create more productive time. Pausing helps to reset your mental state and prevent burnout (something we forget to do). These moments of peace improve focus and decision-making quality, making your working time more effective and reducing the need to redo tasks due to fatigue-induced mistakes.
Practice is Progress
Identifying skills that consistently slow you down can reinforce some insights toward how we achieve progress. Whether learning a new skill, doing something uncomfortable, or facing a fear, these investments compound over time. Twenty minutes of practice today might save hours of struggle tomorrow.
The key to making more time isn't working harder or faster—it's about being intentional. You might discover that time expands to accommodate what truly matters most in your life.
