Want More Time Without Working More Hours? Try These 4 Surprisingly Simple Hacks Executives Swear By

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Feel as though you’re drowning? Want more time in your day?

Who doesn’t?

Time is the one thing even the smartest leaders can't manufacture—yet you can reclaim it with strategic actions. If you’re constantly asking, “How can I possibly get it all done?” you're not alone.

In conversations with executives around the globe, I hear the same core frustration again and again: Not enough time to do what matters most.

Here’s the hard truth. In today’s high-velocity business climate, doing excellent work isn’t enough. You're falling behind if you’re not expanding your capacity, influence, or vision.

So, let’s shift that.

These four time-reclaiming strategies aren’t just productivity tips—they’re mindset shifts. Start applying even one, and watch the difference it makes.

1.    Audit Your Meeting Schedule: Meetings are where time goes to die—unless you take control.

If you’re a middle manager, meetings can eat up to 35 percent of your workweek. For upper management, it skyrockets to 50 percent.¹ What’s worse? Studies show that 71 percent of these meetings are unproductive, and 64 percent of executives say they sacrifice deep thinking to attend them.²

So, ask yourself:

Which meetings deserve my presence?

You’re looking for three key criteria:

• Do I contribute value?
• Will I gain information that improves performance?
• Can I influence the outcome?

Challenge your attendance if it’s not a resounding yes to at least one.

Politely decline or delegate. Reclaim your hours and reinvest them into high-value thinking and action.

2.    Systemize Your Interruptions: Interruptions aren’t random—they’re patterns waiting to be redesigned.

The average professional loses 28 percent of their time to unnecessary interruptions. And those constant “got-a-minute?” moments can derail even the sharpest minds.

According to research, recovering from a single distraction can take 8 to 25 minutes, depending on the task’s task complexity.³

Here’s what to do:

• Start an Interruption Log. Track when and how often you’re pulled off-task.
• Sort your interruptions. Some are job-critical. Others? Not so much.
• Design systems. Recurring distractions deserve solutions, not sighs.

Lead the change. Build new expectations with your team and peers. Systemized interruptions = regained focus.

3.     “No” Is Not Rude—It’s a Leadership Move: Strategic refusal is one of your most powerful time-management tools you have.

Every time you say “yes” without pause, you’re saying “no” to something else—often, your highest-priority work.

Before committing, ask:

•  “Am I the only one who can do this?”
•  “Is this more important than what I’m already doing?”

If the answer is no, let it go.
If the answer is yes, own it with intention.

Saying “no” with clarity earns you respect. It shows that you value results over people-pleasing and that you're aligned with what truly moves the needle.

4.    Leverage Your Prime Time: When you work matters just as much as what you work on.

Every person has a prime time—those golden hours when energy, focus, and brainpower align.

Have you identified yours?

That’s when your most challenging and strategic work should happen. Reserve it. Protect it. Let your calendar reflect your cognitive rhythm, not just your obligations.

When you match your hardest work to your highest energy, you get more done—faster, better, and with less effort.

Final Thought: Small Shifts, Big Payoffs

Yes, these may seem like simple adjustments. But don’t underestimate their power. Every minute you reclaim allows you to think bigger, lead smarter, and deliver greater impact.

And that’s what moves careers forward.

Start small. Act today. Own your time.
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¹https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-much-time-do-we-spend-in-meetings-hint-its-scary

²https://hbr.org/2017/07/stop-the-meeting-madness 

³https://hr.berkeley.edu/grow/grow-your-community/wisdom-caf%C3%A9-wednesday/impact-interruptions

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