If there’s one thing we can agree on, it’s this: time is the ultimate luxury. For C-Suite leaders, every decision seems monumental, every moment tightly packed, and the weight of responsibility never truly lightens. It’s a juggling act between personal aspirations, professional demands, and the overarching goal of keeping it all together without burning out.
For 30 years I’ve juggled between entrepreneur and employee – and in 2024, I landed as the CEO of The Salient Strategist and host of the podcast, Time To Press Pause. These roles now require me to focus on several directions, so the juggling continues. However, since this was not my first time in the driver’s seat, I was better prepared, and taking it one step at a time.
So how do you manage the overwhelm? The answer lies in how you make choices.
Step One: Create Time to Review Information
Imagine being handed a buffet of decisions, but you’ve got no time to read the menu. Sounds familiar, right? In the rush to keep up, we often react instead of acting with intent. Here’s the thing: not every email deserves an instant reply, and not every meeting needs your presence. The first step to making better choices is carving out time to think. Schedule “decision review” blocks on your calendar as you would a board meeting. When you can approach decisions with clarity, you naturally choose better.
Step Two: Decide Your Priorities
You’re not a machine (though some might argue you work like one). The key to managing priorities is understanding that not all tasks are created equal. Ask yourself:
- What truly matters today?
- What aligns with my long-term goals?
- What can I delegate?
Time is finite, so focus on the things that move the needle and bring you fulfillment. Whether it’s mentoring a team member, strategizing next year’s goals, or taking your kids to soccer practice, choose what brings a win-win for your time and energy.
Step Three: Embrace the Win-Win
This isn’t just about work—it’s about life. Many leaders are so focused on professional outcomes they forget about the personal ones. A win-win decision is one where neither your work nor your well-being suffers. For example:
- Need a brainstorming session? Hold it during a walk outside.
- Want to encourage collaboration? Host a meeting over coffee instead of a stale conference room.
Win-win decisions don’t require compromise; they require creativity.
A Closing Thought: Smile Through the Chaos
The paradox of leadership is this: the busier you are, the more intentional you must be with your time. The good news? Every choice you make—no matter how small—is an opportunity to move closer to the life you envision.
My choices to be CEO and podcast host did not come without deep thought, deliberation, lots of conversations, and a leap of faith. Now, I have a new set of things to learn, create, deliver, and manage – and lots of choices at my disposal.
And if you stumble now and then? Laugh it off. Even the most seasoned CEOs have their “oops” moments.
Remember, your calendar is your compass. Make sure it’s pointing where you truly want to go.
Contact me to learn how my services reduce overwhelm and improve efficiency.
