Myths and Truths about Time Management

Miriam Grobman
May 28
2 min read

If you are reading this, you are probably like me: someone who likes learning new things, participates in different projects, and has a hectic schedule. All these make life more interesting, but also too busy and stressful at times.

I want to share with you several insights about time management that will help you reflect on how you use your time.

Myth 1: You Should Manage Your Time Better

Reality: You can't actually manage time. Time is a constant—you can't slow it down or speed it up. What you can manage is your workload and your productivity.

The key is to focus on the things within your control (or influence): choose your projects or tasks wisely, and look for ways to do them more efficiently (more on this later). By prioritizing your activities and aligning them with your personal goals, you can get more done without feeling overwhelmed.

circle of control, CBT, time management — Source: Miriam Grobman Consulting

Myth 2: Being Busy Means Being Effective

Reality: Effectiveness is not about being busy; it's about making deliberate choices that lead to meaningful results.

Multitasking might seem like a productivity booster, but it often comes with hidden costs:

Productivity Loss: Up to 40% decrease in efficiency, with women fairing no better than men in some cases.
Cognitive Fatigue: Too much multitasking negatively affects various brain functions, such as short-term and long-term memory, emotional control, and reasoning
Quality Loss: Mistakes become more frequent with split attention.

productivity trap, time management, burnout — The productivity trap

Myth 3: You Can Handle Everything

Reality: You are a limited resource.

No matter how hard you try, you can't do it all. This simple idea became crystal clear to me when I first became a mother and suddenly 95% of my time got allocated to childcare responsibilities (+some hygiene rituals from time to time).

The first year of my child's life was like a baptism by fire in figuring out what is important and doable. A fellow new mom gave me great advice at the time: if you can get one thing done a day, you are already winning. I lived by this principle for the first two years of parenting. It took a lot of pressure off. Even now, since my daughter is older, I cherish the time she spends at daycare.

Using time wisely requires trade-offs; it has been hard to let go of some shiny projects or relationships with potential, but absolutely necessary to prioritize the aspects of life that bring me fulfillment.

Goodbye to FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and welcome JOMO (Joy of Missing Out)!