Forget Time Management and Discover Your Prime Time
- Eric Kaufmann
- Oct 31, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: May 14
Say "goodbye" to neurotypical time management advice and learn how to get more done by protecting your prime time.
💡 TL;DR:
Time management strategies often fail, not because there's something inherently wrong, but because energy levels weren't aligned with the task.
The "perfect" time management strategy doesn't exist.
Everyone has prime time: the times of day when our executive function skills are sharpest
When we identify and maximize our prime time, starting our most challenging tasks becomes doable.
Hi Friends,
If you're reading this, I'm sure you've tried countless time management strategies.
Reminders.
Alarms.
Pomodoro.
Time blocking.
The 2-minute rule.
And despite these strategies being popular, they don't work. We still end up with rushed, stressful mornings, late to meetings, distracted, and forgetful.
It leaves us wondering, what's wrong with me?
The truth is, nothing. There's nothing wrong with you. There's nothing wrong with common time management advice.
There's a missing piece that is often overlooked: our energy levels.
While time management strategies are important, they're ineffective without energy management. So, let's put time management aside and focus on what I call “prime time".
Your prime time is the moments in the day when you feel most focused, energized, and motivated. When you harness it, a lot can change:
You exercise more
You procrastinate less
You hit deadlines at work
Most of all, you end each day feeling accomplished.
But most people aren’t aware of their prime time. Instead, they rush from task to task, hardly getting anything done, and end the day exhausted.
Today, we are changing that.
Let’s dive.
What is Prime Time?
You know those moments when you feel most energized, motivated, and focused? That's your prime time.
Your prime time is when your executive functions are at their best. You can think more clearly, feel more organized, and find it easier to get started on boring or difficult tasks.
Everyone's prime time is different. For some, it's in the morning, for others it's at night.
This period might range from 15 minutes to a few hours. It can shift depending on factors like sleep, diet, and stress.
Unfortunately, our prime time isn’t always predictable, but when tracked over a week or two, we can zone in on the most likely hours.
If you’re struggling to find even a few minutes like this, consider speaking to a mental health professional, as consistent low energy can be a sign of deeper challenges.
What Happens to People Who Don't Have Prime Time?
When we don’t intentionally use our prime time—those peak hours when our executive function skills are sharpest—we can find ourselves in a rut.
Days start to blur together, and a sense of dread sets in. Instead of making progress, we feel exhausted. It's like we’re spinning our wheels, moving but going nowhere.
Without prime time, it’s common to feel that every productivity tool or strategy falls flat, no matter how many we try.
This constant struggle leaves little room for moments of joy or purpose.
Our to-do list gets longer every day.
We forget about important tasks or deadlines.
We end every day feeling drained despite trying really hard.
How Do I Find My Prime Time?
Since everyone’s brain is unique, your prime time will be personal to you. The best way to uncover your prime time is through tracking and reflection.
For one week, ask yourself three questions at the end of the day:
When did I feel most focused and motivated?
When was it easier to start challenging tasks?
When did I feel most creative?
Don't worry about specific hours; think of time frames like early morning, mid-morning, afternoon, etc.
After one week, patterns will emerge, and you will discover your prime time.
What Tasks Should I Reserve for Prime Time?
Now that you know when your executive functions are sharpest, protect your prime time!
Use it for tasks that demand focus, high energy, or creativity...
Revising your resume or applying to jobs.
Holding difficult conversations with colleagues.
Finalize a report or presentation for the next day.
Tasks you tend to procrastinate, like budgeting or scheduling appointments.
Personally, I use prime time for tasks that require focus or creativity, like budgeting, exercise, and writing.
How Do I Protect My Prime Time from Distractions?
While interruptions are inevitable, we can take intentional steps to protect our prime time.
Communicate
Let key people (family, roommates, colleagues) know you’re using these hours for deep work, and ask for minimal interruptions.
Limit Notifications
Turn “Do Not Disturb” on for your phone, Slack, and close your email.
Optimize Your Environment
Choose a location that helps you focus.
To learn more about creating your ideal environment, check out my article, Understanding the Relationship Between Environment and Executive Functions.
Block Off Your Calendar
This one's huge. Block off your work calendar so others can’t book meetings during your prime time.
What if My Prime Time Doesn’t Align with My Schedule?
Sometimes, your prime time may conflict with existing commitments. If possible, try:
Shifting meeting times (if possible)
Organizing a carpool for your child's extracurriculars a few days per week
Scheduling emails or messages to go out during working hours if you’re productive at night
A little flexibility can go a long way toward maximizing your prime time, even with a busy schedule.
Summary
Time management strategies only work if we align them with our energy levels. Unfortunately, most time management advice skips these steps.
It leaves us wondering why so many people can get stuff done, while we consistently fall behind.
But once we discover our prime time, the times of the day when we're most energized, motivated, and productive, our productivity begins to shift.
We can use this time to tackle challenging tasks that we often avoid and protect it by communicating with others, setting boundaries, and working in the right environment.
These are the steps to uncover and maximize your prime time:
For 3–5 days, note the times you felt the most energized and motivated.
→Patterns will emerge, showing your prime time.
Determine the tasks to start during prime time.
→ Consider tasks that feel difficult or boring, or for which you typically procrastinate.
Give it a test run.
→ Spend one day intentionally using your prime time for an important, yet difficult task.
I hope this helps fuel a calmer, more productive day. 🤙
In service,
Eric
About the Author
Eric Kaufmann is an Educational Therapist, Certified Executive Function Coach, and speaker. He is the Co-founder of UpSkill Specialists, an executive function coaching company that helps adults and workplace teams overcome disorganization, procrastination, and productivity roadblocks.
Want to learn more about 1:1 coaching? Click here.
Interested in hosting a workshop for your team or company on how to improve executive function skills in the workplace? Click here.
Looking for guidance on how to become an adult executive function coach? Click here.
