5 Time Management Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them)
I used to be really bad at managing my time. As a result, my productivity suffered as did my stress levels. It took me years to learn that managing your time is as much about avoiding pitfalls as it is about mastering strategies.
I used to feel like I was constantly running out of time, no matter how much I planned or prioritized. The truth is, I was making a few key time management mistakes that were quietly sabotaging my productivity.
Once I spotted them—and found ways to fix them—everything changed. Here are five common time management mistakes that I used to make that might be holding you back and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Overloading Your To-Do List
I used to write down everything I needed to get done, thinking it would keep me organized. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Instead, I’d take too much time making that list, and then I’d stare at that mile-long list, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Overloading your to-do list is one of the most common time management mistakes.
The Fix: Start by focusing on your top three to five priorities each day. Write down what’s most important and tackle those tasks first. If you finish early, you can always add more. Keeping your list manageable makes it easier to stay focused and actually feel accomplished at the end of the day.
Mistake #2: Underestimating How Long Things Take
This one got me all the time. I’d think, “This will only take 15 minutes,” and an hour later, I’d still be working on it. Underestimating task time leads to missed deadlines, unnecessary stress, and a packed schedule that feels impossible to manage.
The Fix: Give yourself a buffer. If you think something will take 30 minutes, block off 45. For repetitive tasks, track how long they actually take and use that information to plan more accurately in the future. I also swear by setting timers—it keeps me aware of the clock and helps me stay on track.
Mistake #3: Saying “Yes” to Everything
Raise your hand if you’ve ever agreed to something you didn’t really have time for. (My hand is up – always!) Overcommitting is one of the biggest time management mistakes that can quickly lead to burnout. I learned the hard way that saying “yes” to everything often means saying “no” to things that truly matter.
The Fix: Practice saying “no” with confidence. It’s not about being rude or selfish (a thought I struggled with) —it’s about protecting your time and energy. When someone asks for your help, pause and consider if it fits your priorities before agreeing. I’ve started using phrases like, “I’d love to help, but I don’t have the bandwidth right now,” and it works wonders.
Mistake #4: Multitasking Too Much
For years, I thought multitasking was the secret to getting more done. In reality, it just made me less focused and more prone to mistakes. Jumping between tasks constantly can drain your mental energy and slow you down.
The Fix: Embrace single-tasking. Pick one task, give it your full attention, and finish it before moving on to the next. If you’re juggling multiple priorities, try time blocking—schedule specific chunks of time for each task. It feels counterintuitive at first, but I promise you’ll get more done in less time.
Mistake #5: Not Taking Breaks
It sounds ironic, but working nonstop can actually make you less productive. Its a common misconception that powering through will help you finish faster, instead, you end up exhausted and making mistakes. Skipping breaks is another of the classic time management mistakes that leave you feeling drained and inefficient.
The Fix: Schedule regular breaks into your day. I follow the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. After a few cycles, I take a longer 15-30 minute break. Use those breaks to stretch, grab a snack, or just breathe—you’ll come back refreshed and ready to dive back in. You can even buy timers with a built-in Pomodoro timer! Here’s the Pomodoro timer I use.
Bonus Tips to Master Time Management
- Use a Planner or App: Tools like Google Calendar or apps like Todoist can help you stay organized and on schedule.
- Plan Your Day the Night Before: Spend five minutes in the evening outlining your priorities for the next day. It makes mornings so much smoother (especially when combined with a morning routine)!
- Reflect on Your Progress: At the end of the day, take a moment to review what went well and what could be improved. It’s a great way to learn and grow.
Small Changes, Big Results
Time management isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making small, intentional changes that add up over time. If you’re guilty of any of these time management mistakes (and let’s be honest, most of us are), don’t beat yourself up. Start with one fix and build from there. I’ve found that even tiny adjustments can lead to big improvements in how I spend my time.
What about you? Which of these fixes will you try first? Let me know—I’d love to hear how it goes!
