Take back control and own your day

By Keynote Speaker Abigail Ireland

The world we live in requires us to be proactive about how we use the precious, yet limited, time available to us. When we react to every demand or request that comes our way, we end up trying to accommodate for what is important to us but also the things that matter to others. This is important, although not to the extent that this approach leaves us feeling overwhelmed, overcommitted, and frustrated by our own lack of progress. By adopting a proactive approach, we can flourish and feel more in control of how we spend our time, create balance, and take actions that move closer towards achieving our goals.

Over the years, I’ve worked with thousands of clients across industries and in all corners of the world. During this time, I noticed that many people who feel stuck and out of control share a common experience. I, too, was in the same boat until a few years ago. I felt that I was not in control of my days, nor was I using my time effectively to achieve my most important goals. That was until I experienced a significant mindset shift.

My turning point came when I began observing and studying individuals who truly owned their days and achieved their outcomes. There was a notable difference between how I operated in comparison to these individuals. Over time, I started making small, deliberate adjustments in my behaviour to become someone who protected their time – sometimes ruthlessly – and remained crystal clear about how I spent my moments.

We may feel that we have no control, but in reality, we always have a choice. Perhaps you need to start challenging the status quo more often, say “no” to commitments that don’t serve your goals, or acknowledge that you might be compromising too much just to keep others happy.

You will see remarkable changes when you decide to own your choices, channel your energy, and direct your focus towards what truly matters to you. However, the reality is that this process is much harder than it appears on paper. Various psychological factors can influence and deter us from making change happen – such as the desire to be accepted, to be liked, or to avoid disappointing others. Guilt is a recurring theme I hear when I work with clients in my one-to-one and group sessions, and this sense of guilt can lead us to overcommit when deep down we would rather not.

This article is a wake-up call. We need to understand that nothing will change if we don’t start putting ourselves first. By the way, this doesn’t mean being selfish and self-centred. It means understanding that constantly putting others before ourselves will only lead to resentment, exhaustion, and burnout. We must reclaim control over how we use our time, what we invest our time doing and who we spend our precious time with. This will enable us to become more impactful, energised, and inspirational. We will also become more attentive, creative, innovative, and high-performing because we feel resourceful, organised, and aligned on a deeper level with our core objectives.

There are key mindset shifts we need to make to change our current approach and get back on track. Primarily, we must recognise that no one else will do this for us. It is up to us as individuals to make the changes necessary to reclaim control over our days. We may hesitate at this point, but we always have a choice.

Maybe it’s time to be more selective about the meetings you attend, delegate tasks more effectively, or overhaul your work processes to free up time. Perhaps you need to stop saying yes to activities you don’t really want to do in your personal life, and reflect on the idea that you’re doing these things simply to keep other people happy. Perhaps you’re always compromising. Whatever steps you choose, remember that the first and most important step is recognising that only you can break the cycle.

Once you are clear about what you truly want to spend your time on, you must optimise how you use your time. This involves refining your prioritisation techniques, managing your energy levels throughout the day, and adopting strategies that empower you to use your time as effectively as possible. On an individual basis, we all have it in us to fine-tune and adjust the way we operate, so we can be just 1% better each day. This gradual and considered approach to behavioural change will lead to significant, lasting improvements. Tiny, daily course corrections add up over time and can transform your life, so this cannot be underestimated.

Research has also shown that proactive time management is linked to reduced stress and enhanced wellbeing. A 2021 University of Pennsylvania study suggests that individuals who strategically manage their time are more satisfied and less overwhelmed by daily demands. This study demonstrated that using time in the most effective way is a critical factor in the pursuit of purpose and satisfaction.

Of course, venturing into the unknown and changing your established routines can feel overwhelming and even scary. As human beings, most of us are creatures of habit. Our established patterns dictate how we interact with others and manage our daily tasks. Reclaiming control and owning your day involves embracing change – and change can be daunting but also incredibly rewarding. On the upside, change can lead to new experiences and ways of existing. It’s up to you to make intentional, conscious decisions to own your day and empower yourself to be the best you can be – performing at a high level.

Reflect on what “peak performance” means to you. Does your current routine support your goals, or does it leave you feeling that achieving your potential is in someone else’s hands?

The reality is, if I gave you an ultimatum right now, you would be able to think of one tiny adjustment you could personally make to gain more control over your day. The key is to identify that adjustment and implement it.

In summary, taking back control of your day is not merely about managing your schedule. It starts with a fundamental shift in mindset. You can empower yourself if you protect your time, make small but impactful adjustments, and understand the psychological factors behind habit formation. In this way, you will begin to lead a more balanced, fulfilled, and productive life in both your personal and work spheres. It all starts with one conscious decision to put yourself first.

To book Peak Performance Speaker Abigail Ireland, contact The Speakers Agency on +44(0)1332 810481 or email enquiries@thespeakersagency.com and one of our experienced booking agents will be able to help.