Have you ever felt like there’s never enough time to get everything done? That might be a sign that it’s time to start making time. Believe it or not, as we age, our brain changes how we see things. According to a study by Professor Adrian Bejan of Duke University, the process of taking in new visuals slows down, making time go faster.
However, here’s the good news: successful people make time. If you want to be one of them, it’s a habit worth adopting.
Why do they make time?
Successful people make time because they have big goals and ambitions. By planning their day, they can stay focused and productive. This also allows them to maintain a good work-life balance. They know that managing their time well is key to getting things done and enjoying their personal lives. Maximizing productivity isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter.
How do successful people make time?
1) Barack Obama
Despite admitting that he’s not organized, Barack Obama makes time by sticking to a structured daily routine that keeps him grounded. He starts his day with a 45-minute workout, which he sees as crucial for staying productive. Evenings are reserved for family dinners around 6:30 PM, giving him quality time with his loved ones. Afterward, he dives into briefings and planning, often working until midnight. This routine helps him stay physically fit, stay connected with his family, and manage his responsibilities effectively.
“His logic was always, ‘The rest of my time will be more productive if you give me my workout time,’” says Jim Cauley, who managed Obama’s 2004 U.S. Senate campaign.
2) Bill Gates
Bill Gates makes time by focusing on what matters most: strategic thinking, reading, and keeping a healthy work-life balance. Twice a year, he sets aside “Think Weeks” to step away from the daily grind and dive into extensive reading, which helps him focus on long-term trends and innovations. Gates also prioritizes early mornings, regular exercise, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep each night, knowing that personal well-being is crucial for staying productive. By carving out time for strategic planning, continuous learning, and self-care, Gates shows how even a busy leader can make time for what’s truly important.
3) Elon Musk
Elon Musk manages his time by using a strict strategy called time blocking. He breaks his day into five-minute chunks, each dedicated to a specific task or project. This approach helps him stay intensely focused and productive across all his ventures, like Tesla and SpaceX. Musk plans his schedule ahead of time, sometimes setting aside whole days for different companies or projects. This way, he can prioritize effectively and handle his workload efficiently. Even with his busy schedule, he stresses the importance of being flexible to handle any urgent issues that come up, all while sticking to his well-structured time management plan.
To make time, having energy is important.
To make the most of our time, having energy is key. It affects how well we focus, prioritize, and engage with our tasks each day. When we’re energized, we can tackle our responsibilities with enthusiasm and clear-headedness, making us more efficient and better at decision-making. On the other hand, fatigue can lead to procrastination and lower productivity, making it hard to find time for important things.
How do you keep your energy levels consistent? Just like successful people do, they manage to make time while also keeping their energy up with a healthy lifestyle. This makes their lives more efficient and productive. Some of the activities that can help could include exercising, maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress—things that all contribute to our overall well-being. By focusing on managing our energy, we can better balance our professional and personal lives, leading to a more fulfilling and productive experience.
Conclusions
Successful people like Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk prove that making time for what truly matters is key to reaching your goals and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They show us that the idea of having “no time” is just a myth by prioritizing tasks, sticking to routines, and using strategies like time blocking. Plus, staying energized through exercise, a good diet, and enough sleep is crucial for staying productive. By adopting these time management habits and focusing on your well-being, you can create time for your dreams and lead a more fulfilling life.
