7 Common Time Management Challenges – And How to Overcome Them

Time management is something most of us struggle with at some point. We often know what we need to do, but life, distractions, and poor habits can quickly get in the way of making real progress. Let’s explore some of the most common time management challenges – and practical solutions to help you overcome them.

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1. Failing to Prioritise

Challenge: Spending time on low-value tasks instead of focusing on what truly matters.
Solution: Start each day by identifying your top three priorities. Ask yourself: What’s the one thing that will make the biggest difference today? Use a prioritisation tool like Stephen Covey’s 4 Quadrants Matrix to separate urgent from important tasks and stay focused on the work that will have the greatest impact.

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2. Not Considering the Impact

The Challenge: Getting caught up in being busy without evaluating whether your actions are moving you towards your goals.
The Solution: Before starting a task, pause and ask: Is this moving me closer to my goal or just filling time? Regularly reflect on the outcomes you're aiming for and adjust your focus to ensure you're working on high-impact activities.

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3. Ineffective Scheduling

The Challenge: Overloading your calendar or not planning tasks to match your energy levels.
The Solution: Schedule your most important or mentally demanding tasks during your peak energy times. Avoid back-to-back meetings by intentionally leaving space for focused work and breaks. Use time blocking to create structure and reduce the chance of tasks creeping into each other.

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4. Fluctuating Productivity Levels

The Challenge: Inconsistent energy and focus throughout the day or week.
The Solution: Build daily routines that support your productivity rhythm. Pay attention to when you feel most alert and when you tend to dip. Incorporate short breaks, regular exercise, and good sleep habits to maintain steady energy levels.

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5. Procrastination

The Challenge: Delaying important tasks in favour of easier or less confronting work.
The Solution: Break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps to lower the resistance to getting started. Set short deadlines, use techniques like the Pomodoro method, and build accountability by sharing your goals with someone who can check in on your progress.

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6. Making Excuses

The Challenge: Justifying delays or lack of progress instead of addressing what’s really going on four you personally or in your business.
The Solution: Be honest with yourself about what’s getting in the way. Often, excuses mask fear, perfectionism, or lack of clarity. Reframe the situation by asking: What’s one small step I can take right now? Focus on progress over perfection.

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7. Multi-Tasking

The Challenge: Jumping between tasks, reducing focus, increasing errors, and slowing down progress.
The Solution: Commit to single-tasking. Give your full attention to one task at a time and complete it before moving on. Turn off notifications, close unused tabs, and create focused time windows where you work without distractions.

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Final Thoughts

Improving time management is less about doing more and more about doing what matters most. With small, intentional changes, you can reduce overwhelm, increase your productivity, and create more space for the things you truly value.

If you’d like personalised support to master your time and energy, I’d love to help. Get in touch to explore my time mastery coaching program or book a no obligation chat 1:1. 

‍Coaching Program: https://www.reachpotential.co.nz/services/increasing-productivity-program

1:1 Conversation: https://calendly.com/helencorban/30min

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