Dear Dorothy,
I feel like I’m constantly racing against time. Between work, family, personal projects, and trying to maintain some sort of social life, 24 hours never seem to be enough. I start my day with a long to-do list, but by the end, I’ve barely scratched the surface. I’m exhausted, overwhelmed, and feeling like I’m failing at everything. How do I manage my time better without burning out?
— Lisa
Dear Lisa,
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people struggle with the sense that there just aren’t enough hours in the day. The truth is, we all have the same 24 hours. It’s how we use them that makes the difference.
First, take a deep breath. Feeling overwhelmed often stems from trying to do too much at once. Instead of focusing on everything you haven’t done, shift your perspective to what’s truly important.
Here are a few practical ways to take back control of your time:
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Prioritise ruthlessly – Not everything on your list is equally urgent or important. Identify your top three priorities each day and focus on those first.
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Delegate and say no – You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask for help where possible and don’t be afraid to decline commitments that don’t align with your goals.
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Time-block your schedule – Instead of bouncing between tasks, dedicate specific time slots for focused work, breaks, and personal time.
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Avoid multitasking – It might feel like you’re getting more done, but splitting your attention often leads to inefficiency and more stress.
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Set boundaries – Whether it’s work creeping into your evenings or endless social obligations, setting clear limits helps you carve out space for yourself.
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Take care of yourself – Rest, exercise, and proper meals aren’t luxuries; they’re necessities. Running on empty only makes you less productive in the long run.
You’re not failing, you’re simply human. Time will never stretch beyond 24 hours, but with a few tweaks, you can make those hours work better for you.
Warmest regards,
Dorothy