How to Make Time for What’s Important When You’re Busy at Work

With small, intentional steps, you can focus on what matters and maximize your time.

We’ve all had days (or weeks) where we feel like there isn’t enough time in the world for all of the things that matter to us, between showing up as our best selves at work, being present with loved ones, taking time for self-care, and all of our other to-dos. Here’s the thing: making time for what’s most important isn’t about finding more time, but rather, making the most out of the time you have.

Here are six simple Microsteps to help you get started:

Write down five things that are important to you.

Pausing to actively reflect on what matters most can help you get clear on what you need to prioritize.

When you start your work, pause and ask yourself, “why is today's work important?”

Research shows that meaning is a motivator. When you consider your work’s importance and potential impact, you’ll be much more driven to complete it.

Write down one non-work priority for the day.

Making time for what’s important outside of work — whether it’s getting outside, having dinner with a friend, or picking up your kids — is just as important as work priorities. Putting these activities in writing in the morning will help remind you to prioritize them, even if the day gets busy.

Try to find time during the day to handle any admin work.

Taking care of admin work during the day can allow you to properly log off at the end of the day and relax when you’re at home.

Call someone you trust at the end of the day.

If you didn’t have the best day, reaching out to a colleague, a friend, or a loved one is a great way to lift your spirits and remind yourself of what’s most important. Call a friend to just say hi and catch up, or reach out to a teammate to connect at the end of the day.

Think about a memory that brings you joy.

Taking time for nostalgia can help us tap into things or people that brought us joy in the past. It can remind you to reach out to a friend you’ve lost touch with, or revisit a hobby you used to enjoy.