What No One is Telling You About Time Management (and What to Do Instead)

Alison Butler
Sep 8
3 min read

Updated: Oct 31

It’s not about being perfectly organized. It’s about protecting your energy and setting boundaries so your time actually works for you.

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Want to Know a Secret? Traditional Time Management Doesn’t Work

If you’ve ever bought a new planner, downloaded the latest productivity app, or color-coded your calendar, only to still feel behind, you’re not alone!

Here’s the truth no one tells you about time management: it’s not about being perfectly organized. It’s about protecting your energy and setting boundaries so your time actually works for you.

Let’s look at the most common time management myths and what to do instead.

Myth # 1: Being More Organized = Having More Time

Organization is helpful, but it doesn’t solve the problem of an overflowing schedule. More apps, lists, or calendars won’t fix too many commitments.

What to do instead: Audit your commitments. Time management starts with deciding what truly deserves space in your day.

Myth # 2: Time Management Means Doing More

Productivity culture glorifies filling every minute of your schedule. But doing more often means running on empty and never feeling “done.”

What to do instead: Focus on energy management vs time management. Ask yourself: What one thing will actually move me forward today? Let that be enough.

Myth # 3: You Just Need More Discipline

If you’ve ever thought you’re “bad at time management,” it’s probably not you — it’s your boundaries. Willpower alone can’t protect your time.

What to do instead: Build boundaries into your schedule. Try blocking out focus hours, setting “no meeting” times, or shutting down after-hours emails.

Want to read more on this topic? Check out Signs you need better boundaries

Myth # 4: Time Management Is One-Size-Fits-All

What works for one person won’t necessarily work for you. Forcing yourself into someone else’s system often creates more stress than progress.

What to do instead: Create a rhythm that works with your natural energy. Use your peak focus hours for creative or deep work and leave lower-energy times for admin.

Myth # 5: Rest Is Wasted Time

Hustle culture tells us to feel guilty for taking breaks. But rest isn’t wasted — it’s what makes time management actually effective.

What to do instead: Schedule rest and recovery the way you schedule meetings. Breaks, real lunch hours, and downtime outside of work fuel your productivity.

Want to read more on this topic? Check out Rest is your secret superpower

The Bottom Line: Real Time Management Is About Boundaries

Time management isn’t about cramming in more tasks or chasing the perfect planner. It’s about protecting your energy, setting boundaries, and letting rest be part of the plan.

Try setting one small boundary this week — like protecting your first hour in the morning, saying no to one extra meeting, or shutting down at the same time every evening.

You might be surprised at how much time opens up when you stop trying to do it all.

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Ready to Reclaim Your Time and Energy?

If you’re tired of old-school time management advice that leaves you feeling more drained than productive, it’s time for something different.

That’s why I created The (UN) Program, a refreshing, practical way to unlearn the habits that keep you stuck in overwhelm and rebuild a healthier relationship with your time, energy, and focus.

In this program, you’ll:

UN-scroll the endless distractions that steal your hours.
UN-learn the myths that keep you chained to busyness.
UN-lock simple strategies to protect your boundaries and energy.

Because managing your time isn’t about doing more, it’s about creating space for what matters most.

Join the (UN) Program here and start creating more time, energy, and calm in your day.

Alison

Hi, I'm Alison and welcome to the blog.

If you’re constantly “on” and running on low, Resilient is my free weekly email inbox break you didn’t know you needed.

Resilient helps you reclaim your time, set better boundaries, and live with more ease (without guilt). One email. Deep exhale.

Each week, I’ll send you boundary reminders, mindset shifts, and small ways to take your time back.

Be sure to connect with me on IG @alisonbutlernl or on LinkedIn.