This is the fifth article of our 7-part Corporate Sufi Habit series based on the following video covering, How to Develop Sound Time Manage Techniques. In this week’s conversation, we explore how the idea of navigating time is often misunderstood. Mainly, what really is the true challenge in managing time? Azim posits that it isn’t a lack of time, but a lack of focus, clarity, goals, and meaningful traction that is the stumbling block for most. And if we look closely, the core issue isn’t only how we manage time , but how we manage our Self.
Be sure to watch the full interview covering the topic in more depth here!
Managing Time Through Self
One of the most go-to excuses we use is ‘there’s not enough time’ to complete our to-do’s. In reality, however, time is a level playing field. Some of us may have more money or more power, but time is equal. We all have the same 24 hours in a day and 168 hours a week. Yet, some people achieve significantly more in that same time frame.
Why is that? What’s the difference?
Simply put, it’s not just about managing time; it’s about managing the Self.
Self-management is more foundational than time management. You can’t manage time effectively if you can’t manage yourself. You might have the best calendar system in the world, but if you lack discipline or procrastinate constantly, it won’t bear fruit.
Having a solid grasp on how you manage your Self enables you to stay consistent, motivated, and resilient—traits essential for long-term success. Time is an external factor, while your decisions, focus, and habits are an internal drive. In sensibly managing yourself, you increase the power to use time wisely.
In today’s fast-paced world, distractions are everywhere. Notifications popping up. Meetings piling up. The endless scroll of social media awaits. All designed to devour your attention.
We tend to do all of these in one way or another, so the problem isn’t a shortage of time — it’s how effectively we use the limited hours to find the right balance without hindering our success path and diminishing our desire for significance.
So, how do you reclaim control?
1. Set Clear, Visible Goals
Without clear, meaningful goals, even the best strategies fall flat. Define your purpose and break it down into actionable steps.
Use visual cues like screensavers, whiteboards, or post-its to keep your goals front and center—much like how companies such as Pixar and IDEO use storytelling boards and design spaces to stay aligned with their vision.
2. Reflect Daily for Growth
Self-mastery begins with self-awareness. Take a few minutes each evening to reflect on your actions, choices, and mindset. Ask yourself:
- What did I do well today, and what does it reveal about my strengths?
- What fear is holding me back right now? What’s one thing I can do tomorrow to turn it into a growth opportunity?
- What’s one meaningful action I can take to move closer to my goals?
This daily practice not only builds self-awareness but also creates a continuous feedback loop for personal growth—helping you become the best version of yourself, one day at a time.
3. Focus on Long-Term Impact
Choose actions that align with your long-term goals and values, not just short-term convenience. Ask yourself:
“Will this decision move me closer to the life I want?”
4. Use the 10/10/10 Rule
Before making a decision, consider its impact in 10 minutes, 10 months, and 10 years. This tool—popularized by Suzy Welch—helps you avoid impulsive choices and focus on long-term benefits.
5. Trust Your Intuition, but Verify with Logic
Listen to your gut, but support it with facts. Blend emotional intelligence with rational analysis for better, well-rounded decision-making.
Each morning, remind yourself that you choose how you’ll react and how you’ll feel. Choose wisely.
6. Less is More. Slow is Fast. Small is Big.
These aren’t just catchy phrases —they’re profound principles to guide your life and work.
Less is More – Focus on High-Impact Tasks
- Prioritize what truly moves the needle in your life and work.
- A tight set of priorities sharpens focus. If you have too many, you have none.
Slow is Fast – Build with Intention
- To create long-term relationships or deep results, slow down to speed up.
- Listen intently and without judgment. This deepens understanding and builds trust.
- Choose one standout skill that aligns with your long-term vision. Dedicate time to deliberate, distraction-free practice and refine it through feedback and small, continuous improvements.
Small is Big – Make Consistent Efforts
- Focus on small but meaningful actions that drive long-term impact.
- Over time, consistency compounds — leading to exponential growth and lasting success.
Together, these principles form a framework for mastery — turning setbacks into breakthroughs and potential into power.
7. Start Your Day with a Purposeful Morning Routine
Begin your day with a sustainable routine that nourishes your soul, body, and mind.
Start early — with meditation, followed by exercise and reading something uplifting. This practice isn’t selfish — it’s selfless. You cannot sustainably serve others if you’re not first investing in yourself.
The Power of Choices
Many people feel trapped by circumstances — jobs, family, financial stress, past experiences, or daily demands. They believe these forces control their thoughts, feelings, and actions.
But the truth is: the power to choose how you respond is always yours.
When you stop letting the world make your choices for you, you reclaim your freedom.
Remember, while you stay stuck, life keeps moving — and others are making decisions that shape your reality.
Self-mastery begins with taking full ownership of your actions and mindset. To build it:
- Reflect on your habits, triggers, and emotional responses through journaling, mindfulness, or feedback.
- Improve emotional regulation by learning to pause before reacting. Use tools like deep breathing, meditation, and aligning your decisions with values—not mood.
- Start small and build habits using habit stacking (attach a new habit to an existing one). As James Clear notes, consistency is key
Live Fully, In The Now
Having shared all of the above, it is important to always remember to live as fully in the moment as possible. To savor its beauty, so we do not miss the journey. At the end of the day, the journey is the destination.
The ultimate key: Aligning self with time management while also being consciously present. For deeper insights and inspiration toward mastering your self and your time, watch Azim’s full interview here. And for even more powerful tips and tricks for transforming your life, watch all our videos on the Corporate Sufi YouTube Channel. Please share your experiences, questions, and comments. And don’t forget to like and subscribe.