This week, I noticed a 10 a.m. slot was free. There were a few options: I could push this out to my clients, add this extra hour to my to-do list, or reclaim my time for myself. What do you think I did? Did you guess right? I removed the slot and reclaimed my time, for me. Today, I want to discuss how I will manage my time in 2025.
This isn’t the first time I’ve discussed time management, but this is the first time I’ve mentioned it this year. Often we consider balance as a productivity issue, but as my blog from last year mentioned, it needs to be reframed.
So, back to that hour. I did some exercise and had a slower breakfast. All of that of course was after my morning routine. I wonder if yours is the same as mine? Three snooze buttons, then breakfast prep, lunch box, snacks, and water bottle packaging, homework and timetable review, time-check checking, and then the longer drive to the school drop-off because of unexpected roadworks. All before 8:40 am.
Are you like me? Fed up with the “business bros”, celebrities and personal development (self-appointed) gurus telling us to get up at 5 am. But failing to mention that their staff and spouses do all the family physical and emotional load. If so, let me share with you how this working parent is managing her time in 2025.
I’ll let you in on a secret: I’m very selfish with my time. I’m getting better at asking for help or saying no to things that don’t align with my priorities. It’s crucial. When my girls were younger, I adapted my business networking to fit within school hours and brought my children to meetings and events. Now they are older, that has changed, and it is likely to change again, once the youngest is more independent.
I’m intentional about how I balance my work and personal life. Being unapologetically part-time, I create business opportunities within the time frame that works for me. I don’t work on a Friday and have my working hours clearly stated in my work communications. I rarely “hop on a quick, last-minute” call; it’s all scheduled through my diary link. This helps me plan my day in advance and gives me the predictability I need to work at my best.
The greatest thing I will bring into 2025, to help me manage my time, is that growth doesn’t always mean constant expansion. Sometimes, it means simplifying and reprioritising what matters most to you. I’m not putting myself under pressure to be everywhere and do everything; that includes personal things too! I’m very much in the JOMO (joy of missing out) stage of my life and business.
Remember, we’re all juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. The key is to find strategies that work for you, set & communicate clear boundaries, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. All of this will help you create a career to enjoy not endure. What would you add to this list? Let me know at Creating Careers to Enjoy.
Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
