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Time has always fascinated me — not just how we spend it, but how we value it. After more than eight years in the design and management industry, I’ve led teams, organized panel discussions, mentored rising talent, and worked closely with companies that shape the future. Time, more than any tool or software, is what I’ve learned to manage best — because it’s the one resource you never get back. In leadership roles, I’ve seen firsthand how structure, focus, and self-awareness can change the way we work. And over the years, I’ve picked up a few practical methods that have truly made a difference for myself and for the people I’ve worked with.

Forget productivity fads or apps that promise miracles. These are real habits that helped me — and the talented people I’ve mentored — stay on track and get the important things done.

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1. Time Block Your Calendar

Don’t just write “work” on your schedule — be specific. I block off focused sessions like “Presentation Draft” or “Team Feedback Review” and assign them a color in Google Calendar. It cuts the guesswork and helps me focus.

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2. Try the 1–3–5 Method

List one big task, three medium ones, and five smaller to-dos each day. It gives structure without being rigid, and it makes the day feel possible, not overwhelming.

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3. Turn Off Notifications

Distractions drain energy. I turned off most notifications on my phone and only check social apps at certain times. The difference in mental clarity was immediate.

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4. If It Takes Two Minutes, Do It Now

This simple rule has saved me countless hours. If it’s a short task — an email reply, a quick file update — do it right away instead of letting it pile up.

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5. Assign a Theme to Each Day

Give each day a focus. For example, I do meetings on Mondays, creative work on Tuesdays, and admin work on Fridays. It keeps my head clear and my week more balanced.

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6. Start Your Day Without Distractions

Before checking email or Slack, I spend the first hour working on one thing that matters. That momentum carries me through the rest of the day.

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7. Track Your Time for a Week

You’ll be surprised where your hours go. I once did this with a team I managed, and we uncovered patterns we didn’t even notice. Awareness is the first step to change.

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8. Add Buffer Time

Back-to-back tasks create stress. A 10- to 15-minute break between meetings or deep work gives space to think and reset.

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9. End With a Wrap-Up Routine

I take 10 minutes each evening to review the day, prepare my next to-do list, and clear my desk. It’s a small habit that sets up the next morning for success.

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Looking Back — and Forward

Leading panels, mentoring designers, and collaborating with major brands have taught me a lot, but one lesson stands above the rest: professionalism starts with how you manage your own time. It’s not just about checking tasks off a list — it’s about showing up prepared, focused, and ready to deliver quality. I’ve shared these strategies in team meetings, workshops, and mentoring sessions because they work. They’re not flashy. But they’re real.

If any of these habits speak to you, start with just one. Let it grow naturally. And remember — managing time well is one of the most valuable skills you can bring to any job, team, or project.

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Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

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