Let’s be honest—most time management advice sounds great in theory but falls apart the moment life gets busy. Over the years, I’ve tried planners, apps, Pomodoro timers, color-coded calendars... you name it. But eventually, I had to stop chasing hacks and figure out what actually works for me.
Here are five time management tips I actually follow—and more importantly, stick with:
1. I Plan My Week on Sunday (Not Every Morning)
I used to spend 20–30 minutes every morning figuring out what I needed to do that day. It felt productive, but it was a sneaky form of procrastination.
Now, I block off 30 minutes every Sunday evening to map out my week:
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Top 3 priorities
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Key deadlines or meetings
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Time blocks for deep work
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Buffer zones for the unexpected
This gives me clarity, reduces decision fatigue, and helps me hit Monday running.
2. I Time Block My Day—But I Leave Room to Breathe
I break my workday into blocks (90 minutes max), assigning each to a specific task or focus area. But unlike strict scheduling, I leave a 15-30 min buffer between blocks. That space saves me when meetings run over or I need a quick recharge.
Structure + flexibility = sanity.
3. I Batch Similar Tasks Together
Switching between different types of tasks is a productivity killer. That’s why I group similar work together:
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Mornings: Deep work (writing, strategy, thinking)
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Afternoons: Meetings & emails
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Fridays: Admin, planning, wrap-up
Batching keeps my brain in the right gear and helps me stay focused longer.
4. I Use the “2-Minute Rule” Religiously
If something takes less than 2 minutes—do it now. Whether it’s replying to an email, filing a document, or confirming a meeting, I don’t let tiny tasks pile up. It keeps my to-do list clean and my mind clearer.
Bonus: It’s also a great way to beat procrastination on low-energy days.
5. I Protect My Focus Like It’s a Meeting
I treat my focused work time like I would a meeting with a client or colleague—non-negotiable. That means:
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No notifications
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No multitasking
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No guilt for saying “no” during that block
It’s easy to give everyone else your time. But if you don’t block time for your priorities, no one else will.
Final Thought
Time management isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters most—with intention, focus, and energy. These five tips help me do just that.
Try one. Test it. Make it yours.
Subhashis Das Gupta
Duncans Group
INDIA
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