3 Simple Strategies to Take Control of Your Time

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Time is precious. It’s the one resource we all have in equal measure, yet so many of us feel as though we never have enough of it. Despite the fact that studies like the American Time Use Survey show that the average American has at least four and a half hours of leisure time a day, many of us find ourselves constantly saying, “I don’t have time to do the things that are important to me.” So, what’s really going on here? Why, with all this free time at our disposal, do we still struggle to use it in ways that bring us joy and fulfillment?

The truth is that we can’t control time. It’s a finite resource, and once it passes, it’s gone. But what we can control is what activities we are involved in as time passes. And while it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking time slips away from us, there are strategies we can use to regain control and focus on the activities that truly matter.

Instead of letting time control you, take charge of how you use it. Here are three powerful strategies that can help you make the most of your time and start living a more fulfilling life.

1. The Joy of Addition: Fill Your Time With Purpose

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The first strategy to take control of your time is the joy of addition. While it may sound counterintuitive, sometimes the best way to manage your time is by adding more of what you love to it.

The average American spends about four and a half hours a day on leisure activities, and while not everyone uses that time wisely, this leisure time provides a key opportunity to infuse more purpose and joy into your day. So, instead of passively spending your free time on things that don’t serve you—like endlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching TV—use that time to engage in activities that are meaningful and fulfilling.

The joy of addition means actively choosing to spend your time on hobbies, passions, and activities that energize you. Whether it’s reading, exercising, learning something new, or spending quality time with loved ones, adding more purpose-driven activities will make your days feel more rewarding and aligned with what matters to you.

By consciously deciding to add more of what you love to your schedule, you’ll start to feel more in control of how your time is spent. Over time, this shift will help you feel more fulfilled and satisfied with the way you use your hours, both inside and outside of work.

2. The Art of Subtraction: Eliminate What Drains You

The second strategy to take control of your time is the art of subtraction. This approach is all about removing the things from your life that drain your energy, waste your time, or bring you unnecessary stress.

We all have obligations and responsibilities, but not everything we do is essential or meaningful. In fact, many of us spend a significant amount of time on activities that don’t align with our values or contribute to our well-being. Whether it’s attending meetings that feel pointless, engaging in conversations that leave us feeling drained, or committing to obligations that don’t align with our goals, these activities can eat away at our time and leave us feeling frustrated and unfulfilled.

To regain control of your time, start identifying the activities and commitments that are not serving you. Are there tasks at work that could be delegated or eliminated? Are there social obligations that leave you feeling exhausted rather than energized? Is there a negative influence or relationship in your life that you can distance yourself from?

The goal of subtraction is to make space for what truly matters. By removing the distractions and obligations that no longer serve you, you can focus more on the activities and relationships that are aligned with your values. Over time, this practice will help you reclaim your time and create more space for the things that bring you joy and fulfillment.

3. The Power of Substitution: Replace What You Don’t Enjoy With Something Better

The third strategy to take control of your time is substitution. This approach involves replacing activities or commitments that aren’t fulfilling with ones that are more aligned with your goals and values.

Sometimes, we can’t simply eliminate certain tasks from our lives. For instance, if you have a demanding job or a family obligation that you can’t escape, you may not have the option to completely remove these responsibilities. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless to improve how you experience them.

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Substitution is about finding ways to make the time you spend on unavoidable tasks more meaningful. For example, if your job feels draining, can you find ways to take on projects that align more closely with your interests? Or if you’re stuck in a routine that feels repetitive and boring, can you substitute some of those tasks with activities that feel more stimulating and engaging?

Another way to use substitution is by rethinking how you approach your daily tasks. For instance, if you’re spending a lot of time in meetings that feel unproductive, can you substitute some of that time with personal development or creative activities that energize you? If you have chores you don’t enjoy, can you turn them into a more enjoyable activity by adding music or a podcast to the mix?

By substituting activities that don’t bring you joy with those that do, you can start to transform the way you spend your time—even when you can’t eliminate certain responsibilities altogether. Substitution empowers you to make the best of your situation and ensure that your time is being spent in ways that contribute to your happiness and fulfillment.

Taking Control of Your Time: A New Approach to Living

Time is the one resource we all share, yet it can often feel like there’s never enough of it. But by implementing these three strategies—addition, subtraction, and substitution—you can begin to take control of how you spend your time and start living a life that’s aligned with what truly matters to you.

• Addition: Add more purpose-driven activities to your schedule that bring you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of meaning.
• Subtraction: Eliminate the things that drain your energy, waste your time, or create unnecessary stress.
• Substitution: Replace unfulfilling tasks with ones that are more aligned with your values and goals.

By applying these strategies, you can stop feeling like time is slipping through your fingers and instead take an active role in how you use it. Time is precious, and how you choose to spend it can shape the life you lead. Start taking control today and fill your life with activities that bring you happiness, growth, and fulfillment.