Boundaries for Impact: How to Protect Time for What Matters Most
- Craig Law-Smith
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
“Time is a created thing. To say ‘I don’t have time’ is to say ‘I don’t want to.’”
—Lao Tzu
One of the most common frustrations I hear is “I just don’t have time to do my actual work.” The day gets consumed by meetings, emails, and responding to other people’s priorities—leaving little room for what truly matters.
But here’s the truth: if you don’t set boundaries around your priorities, no one else will.
Failing to carve out time for deep, focused work doesn’t just affect you—it impacts your family, your team, and even your company. When your critical projects spill into late nights, workout time, or family moments, burnout becomes inevitable. Stretching yourself too thin also means your performance can suffer, as you prioritize everyone else’s work over your own.
And let’s not forget: your company and manager set your OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) for a reason. They are designed to align your role with the organization’s goals. If you’re consistently pulled away from them, it’s not just a personal challenge—it’s a missed opportunity to contribute at the highest level.
So, how do you take back control of your time in a world where you’re constantly double-booked, and even your blocked calendar slots get overridden?
Four Essential Tools for Getting Your Most Important Work Done
1. Time: Structure Your Work into Focused Blocks
Instead of trying to power through hours of work in a distracted state, use structured time blocks:
The 90-minute deep work cycle: Research suggests our brains work best in focused 90-minute bursts. With an average maximum of 3 to 4 hours a day after which our productivity declines.
The Pomodoro Technique: Work for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. This can help maintain focus and prevent fatigue.
Set boundaries on your calendar: Block time for deep work and communicate clearly that you are unavailable during these periods. Let people know and make sure you are unavailable. You need to train the people around you.
2. Objective: Focus on One Task at a Time
Multitasking is a myth when it comes to deep work. Instead:
Define a single clear objective for each session.
If the task is large, break it into manageable chunks—outline first, then draft, then refine.
Approach each session with intentionality, knowing exactly what success looks like.
2. Work in Focused Deep Work Sessions ⏳
Research shows the brain works best in 90-minute deep work cycles, followed by a short break.
The Pomodoro Technique is an alternative: 25-minute focus sprints, followed by 5-minute breaks.
Eliminate distractions during these sessions to maximize productivity.
3. Environment: Optimize for Deep Work
Your workspace directly affects your ability to focus. Create an environment that signals your brain it’s time to work:
Natural light & greenery: If possible, work near a window or include plants in your space.
Eliminate distractions: Silence notifications, close unrelated tabs, and set clear expectations with colleagues.
Noise management: If a quiet space isn’t possible, use noise-canceling headphones or play instrumental music.
Physical cues: A clean desk or a dedicated workspace can serve as a mental trigger for focus.
4. Mindset: Train Your Brain for Focus
Deep work is as much about mental discipline as it is about time and space. Strengthen your focus by:
Setting the expectation: “I am here to complete this task, and I am fully capable of doing it.”
When distractions arise (they will), gently but firmly redirect your mind back to the task.
Using techniques like box breathing (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and repeat), thought labeling (mentally noting distractions like ‘thinking,’ ‘planning,’ or ‘worrying’ before gently refocusing), or the one-breath reset (pausing to take a slow, intentional breath before returning to the task) can all help train your mind to stay present. These simple yet powerful exercises redirect attention and strengthen your ability to refocus on what truly matters.
Final Thought: The Power of Saying No
When you say no to distractions, you are saying yes to yourself, your family, your priorities, and your best work.
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about empowering you to bring your best to what matters most.”
So, what’s one boundary you can set today to protect your deep work?
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