I’ve got a little suggestion for you this week—think of it as a small game, or even a gentle challenge.
Here it is: take 10 minutes to look at your calendar for next week. Ask yourself:
What do I have to do?
What do I want to do?
What should I be doing?
Jot down all the projects, prep work, meetings, and requests coming your way. Then, next to each task, note how much time you think it’ll take—task one, maybe an hour; task two, half an hour, and so on.
Next step: have a look at how much free time you actually have in your calendar for next week.
Now compare the two lists: time needed vs time available.
And… cue the deep sigh (or tears) when you realize it doesn’t quite line up.
In this video, I want to offer you three simple ideas to help you take back control of your time.
1. Be clear on what really matters
If everything’s important, nothing is.
Getting clear on your top priorities—both at work and in life—is where it starts.
Because every time you say yes to something, you’re saying no to something else (even if you don’t realize it). So be clear on what deserves your time and energy.
2. Protect your time
One thing I do with my clients is an “ideal week” exercise.
It’s about blocking out time in your calendar—treating those important priorities like actual meetings.
Then, when something new comes up, you can say, “Yes, I can help, but I only have this window available”—because you’ve already locked in time for what really matters.
3. Be brave
It’s always easier to say yes in the moment and regret it later.
But saying no (or “not now”) is one of the bravest, most powerful things you can do.
When you’ve got clarity and protected time, it becomes easier to say no with confidence—and to stick to it.
Let’s be honest: you won’t be able to do it all. That’s a given.
But if you say yes to the things that really matter, you’ll make real progress.
You’ll have more time for your biggest priorities, more time for the people you care about, and more time for you.
So, my question to you is: Are you clear on what really matters? Have you protected time in your calendar for it? And do you feel confident saying no when you need to?
This is this week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip.
Hope you have a lovely day!
A bientôt,
Cyril
