4 Rules to Help You Control Your Time When You Struggle With Time Management

If you’ve ever said “I’ll start Monday,” this episode is for you. In Part 2 of my Timing Counts series, I’m sharing four mindset and productivity rules that help me stop waiting for the perfect time to take action. These tools have helped me finish 75 Hard, build consistency in my habits, and stay focused even when life feels chaotic.Show NotesI started today’s episode a little out of breath — partly because my allergies are awful, and partly because I decided to race a train on my morning walk. Spoiler alert: the train won.But that story actually ties perfectly to this episode, because it’s a reminder that sometimes we rush toward things we could simply start where we are.This is Part 2 of my Timing Counts series. In Part 1, I shared four time-management tools that make your day easier: the Five Second Rule, the One Minute Rule, Power Hour, and Time Chunking. Those were the practical, black-and-white rules for getting things done.Today, I’m diving into four mindset-driven rules that help you build momentum — the ones that keep you from waiting for the perfect timing and help you start now.Rule 1: Slingshot DaysYou don’t have to wait for a new week, month, or year to begin again. Any day can be your slingshot day.I learned this idea from John Acuff, and it changed everything about how I start. When I got home from a retreat feeling stuck, my first instinct was to say “I’ll start Monday.” Instead, I unpacked, stretched, and set my alarm. That moment became my slingshot.As leaders, waiting for the perfect time keeps us from taking action. Don’t wait for next quarter, the next team meeting, or the next goal cycle. Start with one intentional step today.Rule 2: The Law of Diminishing IntentThe longer you wait to act on a good intention, the less likely you are to do it.Maybe you’ve told yourself you’ll start a new habit after a big project ends or once your team gets through a busy season. But that momentum fades fast.Action creates clarity, not the other way around. When motivation strikes, take one small action right away — send the message, prep the materials, or block the time. It keeps you from letting good ideas die in your head.Rule 3: Timed Activities FirstThis rule is my spin on Parkinson’s Law — the idea that work expands to fill the time we give it.If you have 20 minutes before your next meeting, don’t start something open-ended like checking email or scrolling LinkedIn. Do the timed activity first. Pack the lunch, put on your shoes, get your notes ready. It’s simple, but it saves you from the stress and scramble that often come with procrastination.As a manager, leading yourself through structure is what helps you lead others through chaos.Rule 4: The Overload OffsetThis one’s new — and I might have coined the term. The idea is simple: when you feel too busy to do the small, healthy thing, do a little more instead of less.If you don’t have time for a five-minute walk, take ten. If you can’t imagine reading ten pages, read twelve. It’s not about perfection — it’s about reclaiming your energy from resistance.The Overload Offset reminds me that I’m capable of more than my excuses want to believe. And that’s a powerful mindset for any leader trying to create consistency and calm in the middle of chaos.Key TakeawaysYou don’t need a new week or new year to begin again — start today.Good intentions lose power the longer you wait to act.Do timed activities first to reduce stress and prevent overwhelm.When you feel overloaded, go slightly further instead of pulling back.Small, intentional actions compound into massive results.This podcast for managers is here to help you:• Grow your leadership development • Navigate team management with confidence • Learn how to handle conflict at work • Apply real, practical leadership tipsIf this episode helped you:Share it with another managerLeave a 5-star reviewFollow along for more supportTake the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree Taking Intentional Action: How to Choose the Life You LeadConnect:  Linked In | Instagram | Website