Smarter ways to manage your time
Finding smarter ways to manage your time is a MUST as a busy solo business owner. But is it easier said than done?
If you have a proposal to get out the door for a potential new client, does that take precedence over existing (paying) client work? If it’s a choice between admin, marketing, or time with the kids – who wins?
Time management can feel impossible. I hate to admit it, but none of us are getting to the end of that to do list! Trust me, I’m ‘Lisa of the Lists’. I know there is no bottom (scratching an old to-do list off and transferring the jobs on to a new list does not count). I see you.
But there are some smarter ways to manage your time and stay on top of things. Read on to find out more.
Six smarter ways to manage your time
1. Start with an intention for the day
To stay calm, focus on one clear intention rather than a long to-do list, just one thing you’ll feel proud to have accomplished by the end of the day. Write it down where you can see it to stay focused.
This is really helpful when you feel frantic. Some days, that’s all we need – a little clarity and a lot of grace.
2. Time-block with a twist
When you’re juggling multiple demands, time-blocking is a lifesaver. Dedicate chunks of your day to key tasks: maybe an hour in the morning for creative work, an hour after lunch for client proposals, and admin in the late afternoon when your energy dips.
Here’s the twist: build in buffer time. The life of an interior designer is rarely predictable. Whether it’s dealing with a problem on site, supplier issues, or unexpected client calls – you need wiggle room to ease the pressure.
Having a buffer really is a smarter way to manage your time as it allows you to handle surprises without throwing your entire schedule into chaos.
Bonus: if nothing unexpected comes up, you get that time back. What will you do with the gift of an unplanned hour? Take a longer lunch, finish that lingering newsletter draft, or finally cross off a personal errand? The choice is yours!
3. Match tasks to your energy
You’ve probably heard of batching tasks (like replying to all your emails in one go or creating several social media posts in one sitting). It’s a solid strategy because switching between tasks drains focus. We work much better when we ‘stay in the groove’ and avoid switching context.
But here’s what I find really makes a difference as an Interior Designer: aligning your tasks with your energy.
For me, mornings are when I’m at my best. I’m creative, inspired, and ready to tackle big-picture work. My sweet spot is 9 am to 1 pm. But for years, I wasted that juicy energy on admin tasks: replying to emails, tidying up, or ticking off easy wins from my to-do list. By the time I got to the work I loved I felt drained.
Now, I protect my mornings for creative projects and leave admin for the lower-energy part of my day.
I’d encourage you to do the same: use your peak energy (whenever that is for you) for the tasks you love most – those that made you fall in love with interior design in the first place.
4. Shift your energy (or mood)
Research shows you can’t truly shift your mood just by thinking your way out of it. We feel our emotions,so you need to move the emotion out of your body.
It doesn’t have to be a big deal: a quick walk outside (bonus points for nature), five minutes of stretching, or dancing in your design studio to your favorite song.
In my opinion, a dance break is a fabulous idea any time of the day. I’ve even created playlists for this – one to rev me up when I need creativity to flow, and another to calm me down and release tension.
It’s such a small thing, but it makes a big difference. A little energy shift can stop you procrastinating and get you back to doing your best work (more time saved!).
5. Set clear boundaries
This one’s tough, but essential. Saying “no” (or “not right now”) to requests or opportunities that don’t help you achieve your current priorities.
Remember: you’re in charge of your client projects, not the other way around. Set realistic timeframes and milestones for your design process that keep things enjoyable for you and clear for your client. Boundaries aren’t just about saying no; they’re about creating space for what truly matters.
6. End of the day rituals
Do you ever collapse into bed and think, “What did I even do all day?” I’ve been there.
Try keeping a “done list.” At the end of the day, write down everything you did accomplish, no matter how small. It’s an instant antidote to that “I’ve done nothing” feeling.
A wind down ritual is also helpful. Something that can mark your transition from work to personal time: like shutting your laptop, writing tomorrow’s to-do list, then lighting a candle, doing a short meditation, or playing some music to shift your mood. It’s a way to close the door on the day and step into the evening with a clear mind.
Smarter ways to manage our time – it’s hard, but keep at it!
Being sat at our desks with a familiar routine might be adding to the feeling of time flashing past, but small shifts can make a big difference. Sometimes, breaking the routine is all it takes to slow things down.
If you walk at lunch time – can you take a different route? Or meet a colleague in person rather than over zoom? Change your environment – work from a co-working space, a café, or even a new spot in your home. These little points of difference can help you feel more present and stretch out your day.
It won’t always go smoothly—some weeks, you’ll feel like you’re bossing it; other weeks, you might feel like you’d achieve more by staying under your duvet.
You’re definitely not alone if time doesn’t always run as you hoped. Managing a business is hard work.
Another time waster? Being ghosted! Read my article about business ghosting – and how to handle it.
Want more time back? Here are some tips on using AI in your interior design business.
A CALM reset for your business
I’m Lisa Honiball and I provice calm business guidance for established interior designers. If you’re an interior designer and your business isn’t quite where you want it to be – perhaps you’re working really hard but not seeing the results you want, or you feel overwhelmed my CALM reset could be for you.
In this six-session private coaching experience we’ll work together to review where your business is now, where you want it to be, and map out your plan to get there.
We’ll remove the overwhelm by getting clear on the steps you need to take. You’ll come away with a renewed sense of direction, increased confidence, and a focused action plan for the next stage of your business – all built around your time and energy, and the creative work that lights you up.
