Time Management Isn’t Just a Skill: It’s Survival

Working at Microsoft, especially in a customer-facing role, time is always in short supply. But over the past few months, I’ve been deliberately reshaping how I manage my time. It’s not about squeezing more into my calendar; it’s about doing fewer things better.

I used to think multitasking was a strength. But I’ve learned that “No! Switch tasking is a thief” isn’t just clever phrasing; it’s a hard truth. Every time I switch between tasks, I lose time, clarity, and momentum. So, I’ve shifted to protect my space, mind, and time.

Here’s what’s been working for me:

• Downtime is now non-negotiable. I call it FIT — feeling balanced means I show up better.
• I ask myself regularly: Am I working on my MVAs — Most Valuable Activities? If not, why not?
• My workspace has become an inbox for everything — physical and digital. For each item, I ask three questions:

What’s the next step?

When is it due?

Where does it live (its “home”)?

Mindfulness in the morning helps center me before the day’s noise begins. From there, I apply the 80/20 rule like a filter. I calendar with intent, block time realistically, and try to respond with resolve, not react out of panic.

If you’re in a fast-paced environment like mine, I’d challenge you to audit your attention. Time isn’t the problem. Attention is.