Time Management Myths That Might Be Holding You Back

Level: Beginner • Date: April 16, 2025

Read the article aloud on your own or repeat each paragraph after your tutor.

Are You Really Managing Time Well?

Many professionals think they know how to manage their time. But are those ideas actually helping? Or are they making life more stressful?

Let’s bust some common myths and look at what really works when it comes to time management.

Myth #1: You Must Wake Up at 5 AM

Waking up early sounds productive, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re not a morning person, forcing yourself to get up too early can make you tired all day. What matters more is using your best energy hours—whenever they happen.

Myth #2: You Need to Be Busy All the Time

Being busy isn’t the same as being effective. Back-to-back meetings, long to-do lists, and never taking breaks can lead to burnout. Sometimes, doing less actually helps you do better work.

Myth #3: Multitasking Saves Time

Trying to do many things at once usually slows you down. Your brain works better when you focus on one task at a time. Finish one thing, then move on to the next.

The Truth: Time Management is About Energy, Not Just Hours

Instead of trying to squeeze more into your day, try this:

Work during your high-energy times.
Take short breaks to refresh your mind.
Plan 3 important tasks per day, not 10.

A Better Way to Think About Time

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be smart about your habits. The best time management plan is one that works for you.

Vocabulary Builder

Bust (v.) – to show something is false.
Example: That myth was completely busted by the study.
Burnout (n.) – extreme tiredness from too much work.
Example: He quit his job due to burnout.
Effective (adj.) – doing something well.
Example: That meeting was short and effective.
Back-to-back (adj.) – happening without breaks.
Example: I had back-to-back meetings today.
Multitasking (n.) – doing many tasks at once.
Example: Multitasking sounds useful, but it can lower quality.
Refresh (v.) – to rest and get energy again.
Example: A short walk helped me refresh.
High-energy (adj.) – times when you feel most awake.
Example: I do my best thinking during high-energy hours.
To-do list (n.) – a list of tasks.
Example: I check my to-do list every morning.
Squeeze (v.) – to try to fit too much into something.
Example: I tried to squeeze five meetings into one morning.
Habit (n.) – something you do often.
Example: Drinking water every hour is a healthy habit.

Discussion Questions: About the Article

Which time management myth surprised you the most?
Do you prefer working in the morning or at night?
Have you ever tried multitasking? Did it help?
What do you think about taking breaks during work?
What are 3 important tasks you could plan for tomorrow?

Discussion Questions: On the Topic

How do you plan your workday?
Do you use a calendar or a to-do list?
What helps you stay focused?
When do you feel most productive?
What’s one habit you’d like to change?

Idiom of the Day: “Burning the candle at both ends”

Meaning: Doing too much and not getting enough rest. How it applies: If you try to do too many things at once without rest, you might burn out.

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This article was inspired by Fast Company’s “3 Time Management Myths Messing with Your Productivity”:

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