Take Control of Your Time—One Second at a Time
Your time is your most valuable asset – November 21, 2024 Edition
This week, I want to share a story that might feel familiar to you. It’s about a busy professional who thought he was doing everything right—until he realized his time wasn’t being spent on what truly mattered.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your schedule or like you’re constantly chasing the clock, this story—and the tools I’m sharing—might be exactly what you need. Let’s get started.
BE: The Person Who Protects Their Time
Jack was a successful corporate manager. His calendar was full, his email inbox never empty, and his to-do list seemed endless. He was doing everything he thought he needed to climb the ladder at work.
But one night, after missing yet another one of his son’s recitals, Jack realized something was wrong. “You always say you’ll come, but you never do,” his son told him.
That hit Jack hard. He saw that, despite all his hard work, he wasn’t living the life he wanted. He decided to BE the person who prioritized what mattered most—his family, his health, and his peace of mind.
Ask Yourself:
Are you spending your time on what truly matters to you? Every day, you have 86,400 seconds. Are you using them wisely?
KNOW: Time Is Your Most Precious Asset
Jack didn’t magically fix his life overnight. Instead, he learned a few key strategies that helped him take back control of his time. These strategies are simple, and I dive into them in my book, "86,400 Seconds a Day." Here’s what worked for Jack:
Set Priorities:
Jack started each week by writing down the most important things he needed to focus on—at work and in his personal life. This helped him stop wasting time on low-priority tasks.Time Blocking:
He blocked out specific times for his top priorities. For example, he made Friday evenings “family time” and stuck to it, no matter what came up at work.Learn to Say No:
Jack realized that saying yes to everything was stealing his time. He started saying no to tasks and meetings that didn’t align with his goals.Delegate:
Instead of trying to do everything himself, Jack empowered his team at work to take on more responsibilities. This freed up his schedule and helped his team grow.
These strategies helped Jack turn his life around. He didn’t just become more productive—he became more present for the things that mattered most to him.
Key Insight for You:
Your time is your most valuable asset. If you don’t protect it, other people will decide how you spend it. In "86,400 Seconds a Day," I share practical tools to help you take control of your time and live more intentionally.
DO: Start Taking Back Control Today
If you’re ready to make a change, here’s how to start:
Write Down Your Priorities:
This week, ask yourself: What matters most to me? It could be spending time with family, focusing on a personal goal, or taking care of your health.Block Time for What Matters:
Look at your calendar and block off time for these priorities. Treat this time as non-negotiable—just like an important meeting.Say No to Distractions:
Think about the tasks, requests, or habits that waste your time. Start saying no to those things so you can say yes to what truly matters.
Challenge for You:
This week, take one evening and dedicate it to something that matters most to you—whether it’s spending time with loved ones, working on a passion project, or simply resting. Make it a priority, and don’t let anything interrupt it.
Use This Tool to Help You
If Jack’s story resonates with you, you’ll love the tools in my book, "86,400 Seconds a Day." In it, I share:
Simple steps to reclaim your time.
How to build habits that last.
A proven framework for managing your day effectively.
Get your copy today and start making every second count!
Share This Message
If you found this story and these tools helpful, chances are someone else in your life would too. Feel free to share this newsletter with friends, family, or colleagues who might benefit from taking control of their time.
Final Thoughts
Jack’s story reminds us that success isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. Time is the one resource you can never get back. So, how will you spend your 86,400 seconds today?
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Reply to this email and let me know:
What’s one thing you’ll do this week to reclaim your time?
Until next time,
Pierre K. Poteau
Author of 86,400 Seconds a Day and Habit Sequencing