Making Time: The Key to Achieving Your Biggest Goals
The solution isn’t to try harder; it’s to plan smarter.
Many ambitious, high-achieving professionals are masters of committing to goals: launching a side hustle, pursuing a degree, starting a fitness journey, or tackling a demanding project at work. Yet, despite their determination, a surprising number of these goals stall, not because of lack of effort or desire, but because they failed to plan where, when, and how they would make time.
We live in a world that idolizes productivity and multitasking, yet rarely teaches the foundational skill of time blocking: intentionally allocating specific chunks of time in your schedule for the actions, skills, and practices required to achieve your goals. Without this step, your aspirations risk becoming yet another source of stress instead of the fulfillment they were meant to bring.
Here’s why scheduling is non-negotiable and how you can map out time for success, no matter how busy your life may seem.
The Problem: Unrealistic Expectations and Overcommitted Calendars
It’s easy to say, “I’ll start tomorrow.” But most people don’t consider where that time will come from. Will you exercise at 6 a.m. before your kids wake up? Will you carve out an hour during your lunch break to study for that certification exam? Have you accounted for competing demands on your time, from work deadlines to family obligations?
The truth is, every goal requires trade-offs. If you’re not proactive about making space, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by conflicting priorities or slipping into old habits, like scrolling social media or binge-watching your favorite series.
The Solution: Map Out Your Time Before You Start
The week before embarking on a new goal is crucial. This is your opportunity to do a full audit of your schedule and identify how you will integrate your goal into your existing life—without adding unnecessary stress.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to making time:
1. Start with a Weekly Review
Examine your schedule at a weekly level. What commitments are already in place? Identify blocks of time that are unproductive or could be repurposed. For example:
Are there meetings that could be shortened or eliminated?
How much time do you spend on passive activities, like watching TV or scrolling your phone?
Are there pockets of time (e.g., early mornings, evenings, or weekends) that could be dedicated to your new goal?
2. Block Time for Your Goal
Once you’ve identified available time, block it off in your calendar as non-negotiable. Treat these blocks with the same respect as you would a meeting with your boss. Be specific:
If your goal is to exercise, block 7:00-7:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for a workout.
If you’re starting a new project, set aside two hours every Sunday afternoon for deep work.
3. Eliminate Nonessential Activities
Big goals often require letting go of time-wasters. Be honest with yourself:
How much time do you spend on activities that don’t align with your priorities?
Could you limit screen time or delegate certain responsibilities?
Reclaiming just an hour or two each day can create the space you need.
4. Reevaluate Competing Priorities
Not all commitments are equal. Ask yourself:
What can be postponed or scaled back during this period?
Are there social or professional obligations you can say no to?
For instance, you might decide to limit evening outings or opt out of optional work projects while you focus on your new goal.
5. Plan for Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, and rigid schedules can backfire. Build in buffer time to account for unexpected events and adjust your plan as needed. The key is consistency, not perfection.
The Importance of Systems in Scheduling
While time blocking is a powerful habit, implementing systems for scheduling makes this process even more effective and sustainable. By using tools and technology to streamline your planning, you can ensure that your time is optimized and your goals stay on track.
Use a Digital Calendar
Apps like Google Calendar or Outlook allow you to schedule and visualize your commitments in one place. Features like reminders and recurring events ensure you stay consistent without relying on memory. Color-coding can also help you differentiate between personal, professional, and goal-specific tasks at a glance.
Leverage Productivity Apps
Tools like Todoist, Trello, or Notion can help you break down your goals into manageable tasks. These apps allow you to set deadlines, track progress, and integrate your action steps with your calendar. For larger projects, consider using project management platforms like Asana or ClickUp.
Automate Repetitive Tasks
Automation can free up significant time. For example, use apps like Zapier to connect tools you already use, or set up auto-reminders for recurring tasks. Automating bill payments, grocery orders, or other routine activities can also help you reclaim valuable hours.
Track Your Time
Apps like Toggl or Clockify can help you understand where your time goes and identify areas where you can improve efficiency. Time tracking is especially useful if you feel busy but struggle to make progress on your goals.
Set Boundaries with Technology
Use apps like Focus@Will or Freedom to minimize distractions. Setting “Do Not Disturb” times on your devices can help you stay focused during your goal-specific time blocks.
The Long-Term Benefits of Time Blocking and Systems
When you prioritize scheduling and pair it with the right tools, you’re not just setting yourself up for success with your current goal—you’re developing a habit and system that will serve you in all areas of life. Combining time blocking with systems:
Reduces stress: Automation and reminders eliminate the mental load of remembering every detail.
Increases consistency: Systems ensure that even during busy periods, you’ll stay on track.
Enhances efficiency: Streamlined processes help you focus more on doing the work and less on planning it.
Final Thoughts: Goals Need Space and Systems to Thrive
Unrealistic expectations can derail even the most motivated individuals.
The solution isn’t to try harder; it’s to plan smarter.
Before diving into your next big goal, take the time to evaluate your schedule, create space, and implement systems that will help you stay organized and focused. By doing so, you’re not just working toward your goal—you’re building a foundation for sustainable, meaningful progress.
Need Help? You’re not stuck—you’re scaling.
When you hit a wall, it doesn’t mean stop. It means upgrade.
Let’s rework your systems, goals, and mindset to match your next level.
📈 Book a free 20-minute consult. The shift starts here.
Article References
The sources cited in the article:
Verywell Mind (VM). “Want to Be More Productive? Use Time Blocking.” VM - Want to Be More Productive? Use Time Blocking
Forbes. "Why Highly Productive People Use Time Blocking.” Forbes - Why Highly Productive People Use Time Blocking
Harvard Business Review (HBR) “Align Your Time Management with Your Goals.” HBR - Align Your Time Management with Your Goals
BBC. “How to Master Skills with Deliberate Practice.” BBC - How to Master Skills with Deliberate Practice
James Clear. “10,000 Hours: How Experts Practice Better Than the Rest.” James Clear - How Experts Practice Better Than the Rest
American Psychological Association (APA). “Practice for Knowledge Acquisition.” APA - Practice for Knowledge Acquisition
