Time Myths: How Professionals Can Reclaim 90 Minutes a Week

Everywhere you look, people say the same thing: “I just don’t have time.”

But let’s be honest — most of us do. We’re just leaking it. Quietly, invisibly, and constantly.

I see it every day in high performers — managers, executives, founders. They’re not lazy. They’re scattered. They confuse being busy with being productive. They move from meeting to meeting, email to email, telling themselves they’ll “catch up” later. But later never comes.

And it’s not just an efficiency problem — it’s a mindset problem.

The truth: You don’t have a time problem. You have a control problem.

The Hidden Cost of the “Time Squeeze”

Research shows it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain full focus after an interruption. That means every notification, ping, or Slack message isn’t just a blip — it’s a tax on your attention.

Add to that the 120+ emails professionals send and receive each day, and it’s no surprise most people feel behind before noon.

But you don’t have to accept that as normal. You can reclaim 90 minutes a week — or more — by fixing four simple leaks.

1. Know Exactly Where to Start

The biggest waste of time isn’t Netflix or social media. It’s hesitation .We lose minutes — and momentum — not knowing what to do next.

Fix: Before you shut down for the day, write your first move for tomorrow. Be specific. Not “Work on presentation.” Try “Write the first three slides.” That five-minute habit will save you twenty the next morning.

2. Use Your Calendar Like a Shield

A blank calendar is chaos waiting to happen.

Fix: Treat your calendar as a defensive tool. Block time for deep work. Add transition gaps between meetings. Color-code your priorities.

Your calendar isn’t just for others to see your availability — it’s for you to defend it.

3. Eliminate Distractions During Focus Blocks

Every interruption costs you real time and energy.

Fix: Turn off all notifications during your deep work blocks. Put your phone out of reach. If someone truly needs you, they’ll find you.

Try this for one week and watch your output — and calm — double.

4. Close Out Email Like a Pro

Email feels productive because it looks like work. It’s not. It’s reaction.

Fix: Check email at set times — two or three windows per day. Open, act, close. Don’t let your inbox decide your priorities.

Set a 10-minute timer if you have to. When it dings, stop.

Reclaiming Control

Fixing these leaks isn’t about squeezing more hours from your day — it’s about reclaiming your authority.

When you choose where your time goes, you stop living reactively. You stop being angry about “never having enough time.” You start leading your day instead of chasing it.

Think we’re a good fit to work together. Book a free 10-minute consultation. https://calendly.com/jsrothrock/consultation

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