We all start out with the same amount of time—24 hours a day. What we choose to do with this time, day in and day out, determines where we end up. Seeing each of these 24 hours as a gift transforms the concept of time management. With technology available 24/7, compartmentalizing personal and work life is becoming increasingly difficult. We’re connected to our emails around the clock, rarely switching off entirely. Despite advice from time management experts to check emails only 2-3 times a day, I find this difficult and perhaps impractical. For many of us, speed and responsiveness are critical to our work, especially when clients or team members need immediate answers.

Rather than restrict email, I advocate for giving it the attention it deserves. Leaving essential messages unanswered often doesn’t reflect well on us, particularly when responsiveness is part of our role and garners appreciation. So, while I respect expert advice, I’ll be honest about what works for me. I spend my first 20 minutes each morning checking email and addressing key items. This approach keeps me grounded on what to expect for the day and helps ease any anxiety before I start work. I also wake up early, allowing time for exercise or reading.

During work hours, I stay connected (except during focused work or meetings) to respond promptly. If I need uninterrupted focus, I may disable email for 2-3 hours, using automatic replies or an alternate contact method for urgent matters. Flexibility is key, as each day is different and requires adapting to new priorities.

A key strategy for me is turning off all notifications for email, social media, and other apps. This way, I access updates only when I choose, fostering a sense of control that psychologists say is essential for well-being. In Smarter Faster Better, Charles Duhigg argues that people with an internal locus of control—those who feel they direct their own lives—experience higher motivation, success, and even earn more. Meanwhile, an external locus of control can correlate with higher stress.

Ultimately, I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to time management, and there’s no rule against checking email first thing in the morning or last at night. I listen to experts but ultimately decide what works best for me. I encourage you to find your own rhythm—take what resonates and make it part of your approach. A great way to reduce email volume? Send fewer emails, and you’ll receive fewer in return. Whenever possible, have conversations in person or by phone or video calls to resolve issues efficiently.

Here are some of by best tips for the greatest take-home value for Time Management

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you aim to achieve each day or week, considering the big picture. I had enjoyed The Resilient Podcast by Mike Kearney, which featured Frank Tirelli some years back, former CEO of Deloitte Italy and Herbalife. Tirelli reviews a three-page plan daily, encompassing his goals, values, gratitude list, and inspiring quotes—powerful reminders of purpose.

2. Use Lists and Calendars: Keep track of tasks with lists or schedule items directly in your calendar. This structured approach keeps you on track and organized.

3. Focus on Today: Centering on just what’s required for the day can help ease anxiety. I recommend How to Have a Good Day by Caroline Webb for more on this perspective.

4. Celebrate Progress: Mark items complete as you finish them. This small step boosts motivation.

5. Take Breaks: Even 15 minutes for yourself each day—whether exercising, reading, or listening to music—helps recharge.

6. Journal Weekly: Reflect on the positives and areas for improvement. Writing regularly enhances clarity and tracks accomplishments.

7. Prioritize High-Impact Tasks: Begin with the most crucial item on your list. In hospitals, patients are treated by severity, not arrival—apply the same prioritization to tasks.

8. Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours each night. A good night’s sleep fuels productivity and enthusiasm.

9. Exercise for Energy: Morning workouts boost energy and provide an early sense of achievement. Consistency in exercise makes it easier to sustain.

10. Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to appreciate the good in your life. It’s challenging to feel stressed when you’re grateful, and it increases happiness.

11. Create a ‘Stop Doing’ List: Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, advocates stopping time-draining activities to increase effectiveness.

12. Learn to Say No: Recognize your limits and decline commitments that could overwhelm you.

13. Balance Ambition with Peace: Ambition drives progress, but it should be tempered by a practical approach that preserves peace of mind.

14. Try a Digital Detox: Taking even a few hours away from technology can be refreshing. Padmasree Warrior, former CTO of Cisco, takes Saturdays to disconnect and nourish her creativity, which she finds vital for analytical work. For more, check out her interview in The Huffington Post on digital detox. Digital Detox

As I’ve shared, there’s no universal approach to time management. Craft your philosophy, one that aligns with your career and lifestyle. I hope some of these insights resonate and help you fine-tune your approach. The most important takeaway is to come with your own philosophy for time management and then execute it making the most of your time to the best of your ability.

Thank you for reading. These views are my own and do not represent my organization.