Time Management Tips to Get Yourself Unstuck

Written By Abdelis Vega

We all find ourselves in a rut every once in awhile. Maybe the tried and true time management methods you’ve been using aren’t working like they usually do, TikTok is just too tempting, or maybe you’re back in office and the distractions are everywhere. It might be time to try something new or add a new time management method to your productivity tool box. Check out some of the ways I keep myself on track. Snag what works for you and leave the rest!

  • Pomodoro Method Technique

    The Pomodoro Technique was created by Francesco Cirillo and is named after the tomato-shaped timer that Cirillo created. This technique uses a timer to break down your work into intervals, known as pomodoros.  

    How it works:

    • Choose a task you need to get done.

    • Set a timer (e.g., for 25 mins).

    • Focus on the task at hand.

    • When the timer rings, mark that as one pomodoro.

    • Take a short break: Take a break for about three to five minutes to give your brain a break.

    • Repeat steps two to five: Once you have completed this process four times, you can take longer breaks (20–30 mins).

Image of a red tomato on a wooden surface. Two blurred tomatoes are in the background.



  • Know Your Peak Energy Times

    One thing about me, I am NOT a morning person. Once I stopped trying to force myself to be what I’m not, I was better able to make note of when I have most energy. For me, that’s between 11am-3pm. Knowing when I am most present and productive allows me to schedule the day’s most important projects during those hours and less urgent tasks during my non-peak hours.

    How it works:

    • Be honest with yourself about when you’re most energetic throughout the day.

    • Begin scheduling your most important meetings or focus blocks during those hours.

    • During your non-peak energy hours, schedule less urgent tasks such as clearing out your email inbox, responding to Slack messages, etc.

Image of a mountain peak with green foliage and clouds surrounding the top.



  • Turn Up the Pressure (great for procrastinators)

    Parkinson’s Law dictates that the amount of time you give yourself to complete a specific task is the amount of time it will take you to complete that task. Any procrastinator knows this to be true. You have until Wednesday at 5pm to submit that report? Then Wednesday at 9am sounds like a great time to start, right? Wrong! Here are some ways to apply Parkinson’s Law to time management methods:

    • Head to your favorite coffee shop but leave your laptop charger at home. This will force you to finish the task at hand before your laptop dies.

    • Set strict time limits for yourself. Do you feel like you get sucked into your inbox and barely have a moment to come up for air? Give yourself 20 minutes for emails every morning and set a timer. Once that 20 minutes is up, it’s time to move on.

    • Move up deadlines. If you have a memo that needs to go out by Friday morning, try giving yourself a deadline of noon at Wednesday. Remember, per Parkinson’s Law any task will take as long as you allow it to take. By completing that memo by Wednesday afternoon, you’re freeing up your time for the rest of the week and checking on more thing off your list!

Image of an hourglass with red sand spilling downwards. Hourglass is on top of a newspaper.




I hope you’ll find of these tips helpful next time you’re in a rut! If time still seems to keep slipping away from you, it might be time to outsource some work. Let me know in the comments if you try any of these tricks and remember, be gentle with yourself.

Abdelis Vega