Curing Leaky Time Syndrome
Today, I am inspired to tackle a pervasive issue many of us face: leaky time syndrome. It’s that frustrating feeling of running on empty, where your energy and time seem to slip away no matter how hard you try to manage them.
Does that sound familiar?
Take a moment right now to consider how you're relating to your time and energy. Do you have plenty of both? Or do you feel depleted?
In my earlier career, I was a yes person—saying yes to every meeting and every opportunity to connect, believing that I "should" make time for people who wanted it. I feared I would miss out on an invitation, a client, or an opportunity.
However, I soon realized that this approach diluted the quality of my interactions. My conversations suffered, and I often felt overwhelmed.
I have a feeling you can identify with this idea to some degree, so let’s delve into two effective cures for "Leaky Time Syndrome."
Cure #1: Clarify your criteria for saying yes to anything that goes on your calendar.
It’s crucial to be intentional about how you spend your time.
This step requires some self-reflection to understand what truly matters to you. I revisit my “yes” qualifications monthly because life is constantly changing. If you're not clear on what matters to you most right now, I encourage you to carve out time to reflect on this.
Ask yourself: What do I want to focus on most right now?
Establishing clear criteria will help you prioritize your commitments and make decisions that align with your goals.
Cure #2: Be rigorous about the purpose of your meetings - and make sure it's clear to both/all people involved.
When someone reaches out or you decide to meet with someone, ensure you know the meeting's intent. You should be able to articulate WHY you’re meeting, what you hope to achieve, and how each party can come best prepared. **This applies whether it’s a business meeting or a casual catch-up with a friend.
For example, if you’re hiking with a dear friend, recognize that this time is valuable for nurturing your relationship. It’s not just a box to check off; it’s an opportunity to connect deeply and enjoy nature together. Or, if you're meeting with a prospective client, you want to ensure you lay some groundwork and have a clear idea of why they want to work with you, what their general pain points are, and what the purpose of the call is.
Implementing these two principles—clarifying your “yes” criteria and being intentional about your meetings—can significantly shift your energy and save you time. I encourage you to experiment with these strategies and see how they transform your approach to time management.
In closing, how you value your time is directly linked to how you value yourself. If you're giving your time away without real thought, consider how much of yourself is being leaked away. Remember:
