Episode Details
Back to Episodes4 Rules to Help You Control Your Time When You Struggle With Time Management
Description
If you’ve ever said “I’ll start Monday,” this episode is for you. In Part 2 of my Timing Counts series, I’m sharing four mindset and productivity rules that help me stop waiting for the perfect time to take action. These tools have helped me finish 75 Hard, build consistency in my habits, and stay focused even when life feels chaotic.
Show Notes
I started today’s episode a little out of breath — partly because my allergies are awful, and partly because I decided to race a train on my morning walk. Spoiler alert: the train won.
But that story actually ties perfectly to this episode, because it’s a reminder that sometimes we rush toward things we could simply start where we are.
This is Part 2 of my Timing Counts series. In Part 1, I shared four time-management tools that make your day easier: the Five Second Rule, the One Minute Rule, Power Hour, and Time Chunking. Those were the practical, black-and-white rules for getting things done.
Today, I’m diving into four mindset-driven rules that help you build momentum — the ones that keep you from waiting for the perfect timing and help you start now.
Rule 1: Slingshot Days
You don’t have to wait for a new week, month, or year to begin again. Any day can be your slingshot day.
I learned this idea from John Acuff, and it changed everything about how I start. When I got home from a retreat feeling stuck, my first instinct was to say “I’ll start Monday.” Instead, I unpacked, stretched, and set my alarm. That moment became my slingshot.
As leaders, waiting for the perfect time keeps us from taking action. Don’t wait for next quarter, the next team meeting, or the next goal cycle. Start with one intentional step today.
Rule 2: The Law of Diminishing Intent
The longer you wait to act on a good intention, the less likely you are to do it.
Maybe you’ve told yourself you’ll start a new habit after a big project ends or once your team gets through a busy season. But that momentum fades fast.
Action creates clarity, not the other way around. When motivation strikes, take one small action right away — send the message, prep the materials, or block the time. It keeps you from letting good ideas die in your head.
Rule 3: Timed Activities First
This rule is my spin on Parkinson’s Law — the idea that work expands to fill the time we give it.
If you have 20 minutes before your next meeting, don’t start something open-ended like checking email
This podcast for managers is here to help you:
• Grow your leadership development
• Navigate team management with confidence
• Learn how to handle conflict at work
• Apply real, practical leadership tips
If this episode helped you:
Share it with another manager
Leave a 5-star review
Follow along for more support
Take the DISC or Working Genius Assessment and get a FREE 20 minutes debrief with Desiree