Time is undoubtedly your most precious, non-renewable resource. Protecting it isn’t just a matter of choice; it’s an absolute necessity. Without clear boundaries around your time, even the best intentions regarding self-care can crumble under the weight of others’ expectations, relentless client demands, or your own internal pressure to achieve more.
Recognizing the Value of Time in Your Life
In recent years, after experiencing the loss of several close friends and family members, I’ve gained a profound appreciation for just how fragile and finite time truly is. The truth is, none of us can predict how long we have to live our lives.
This realization transformed my perspective entirely. I made a deliberate choice to embrace life “full tilt”—leaving nothing untried, seizing opportunities, and intentionally crafting my days rather than merely reacting to circumstances as they arise.
Taking control of my time became a fundamental act of self-care that I could no longer ignore.
Embracing a Flexible Approach to Time Management
During the early stages of my legal career, I had virtually no control over my time (to put it mildly, it was nearly nonexistent). Like many in the legal profession, I operated within strict frameworks—logging time in six-minute increments, adhering to traditional ‘9–5’ schedules (and often beyond), and using weekends solely for catching up on sleep or preparing for the impending week, or more likely, an ‘urgent—must be completed now’ project. My time was dictated by client needs and expectations rather than managed by me.
Transitioning to an in-house position provided slightly more flexibility, yet even then, the business environment emphasized constant availability and visible productivity. The concept of self-care—if it was acknowledged at all—was crammed into whatever brief moments were left over.
Gradually, I came to the realization that I didn’t have to be beholden to someone else’s schedule.
As my children grew, I restructured my work to prioritize what truly mattered. I dedicated early mornings and late evenings to work, aligning my schedule with their sports activities, school events, and the rhythm of family life. Nowadays, with international clients and varying time zones to consider, I often find myself working early on weekends when the house is peaceful (it seems I’m the only morning person in the family).
This adaptable view of time empowers me to engage more fully in both my personal and professional life. It’s not about reducing work hours; it’s about working with greater intention and purpose.
Time should not merely be tracked or billed; rather, it should serve as a tool that you can design around your genuine priorities—once you grant yourself the permission to do so.
The Power of Quiet Time for Enhanced Productivity
One of the most effective boundaries I established was incorporating quiet, restorative moments into my daily routine. These periods do not need to be long; sometimes just fifteen minutes to journal, walk, or sit in reflection can be highly beneficial.
In a profession that celebrates constant output, it’s easy to underestimate the value of stillness. However, quiet time is not wasted time. It is during these moments that strategic thinking occurs. It is where creativity is reignited. It is where your mind can reset from the ceaseless demands of emails, meetings, deadlines, and client pressures.
By scheduling quiet time and treating it as non-negotiable, I found that I could work more effectively. This practice allowed me to respond with clarity, rather than react from a place of overwhelm.
Integrating Work and Travel for a Balanced Life
Another boundary I redefined was my approach to work-related travel. Rather than isolating myself in hotels, I made it a priority to stay with friends and family whenever possible. I combined business trips with personal connections—enjoying meals together, catching up, or simply being present with loved ones.
I also carved out small moments for myself—visiting an art exhibit, discovering a new coffee shop, or taking a scenic drive—even if it meant extending the trip by an hour or two.
This practice has transformed travel from a draining experience into a source of renewal. It serves as a reminder that work and life are not two separate entities; they are intricately intertwined, and establishing thoughtful boundaries can help integrate them in ways that nourish rather than deplete your energy.
Taking Control: Establishing Your Own Time Boundaries
Owning your time begins with establishing clear, protective boundaries—with your work, with others, and crucially, with yourself.
When my calendar becomes excessively crowded, I start blocking out dedicated “deep work” periods for writing or drafting. I treat these blocks with the same importance as client meetings—protected, scheduled, and non-negotiable. The outcome? Quicker turnaround on substantial work and significantly less mental fatigue.
Upon transitioning into consulting, one of the boundaries I implemented pertained to client response times. Instead of succumbing to pressure to respond immediately to every email or call, I set clear expectations upfront: “I aim to return calls within 24 hours.” This respectful communication provided me with the space to prioritize without guilt, while also helping my clients trust that they would receive thoughtful, timely responses instead of rushed ones.
Minimizing task-switching and scheduling the type of work that aligns with your personal energy profile can keep you focused and productive.
Here are some effective strategies that have benefited me and others I collaborate with:
- Be intentional about meetings: Schedule preferred times for client or internal meetings while preserving focus hours for critical work.
- Practice saying no or “not now”: Every “yes” consumes time from something else. Make your choices intentionally.
- Utilize time blocks: Designate blocks of time for similar tasks, such as returning client calls or organizing your calendar. Allocate specific periods for deep work or drafting.
- Incorporate buffers: Block out travel days, follow-up time after conferences, or recovery periods following significant deadlines.
- Safeguard your quiet time: Schedule periods for contemplation and recovery on your calendar just as you would for any important meeting.
- Redefine productivity: Recognize that rest, leisure, and strategic reflection are just as vital as client work.
- Release rigid expectations: Focus on achieving results rather than conforming to someone else’s timetable.
Time is far too precious to spend merely reacting or surviving. Establishing boundaries allows you to design your days with intention—protecting time for deep work, recovery, creativity, and meaningful connections.
Empowering Insights on Time Ownership
Owning your time transcends being a mere productivity hack; it is a profound act of self-respect, especially for professionals in the legal field, where it is all too easy to remain in reactive mode.
By protecting your time, you safeguard your energy. You preserve your focus. You defend the people and passions that matter most in your life.
Self-care should not be something you attempt to fit into the margins of someone else’s agenda. It is how you truly live.
When you protect your time, you protect your life.
Sonya L. Sigler is a lawyer, author of 30 Days to Better Self-Care, and a wellness advocate dedicated to helping busy legal professionals build practical habits that foster lasting success—both personally and professionally.
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