Hey friends!
Why This Underrated Skill Is Still One of the Most Important Ones You Can Build
I’ve talked about this before—years ago, actually—but the topic has come up so often with clients lately that I knew it was time to revisit it: estimating time.
Because here’s the truth I’ve seen again and again (with clients and in my own life):
Most of us are not great at knowing how long things actually take. And that gap between what we think and what actually happens? It’s often the root of our running late, rushing around, and feeling overwhelmed.
Think about it:
How many times have you planned to send “a quick email,” then 15 minutes later you’re still editing or adding links?
Or told yourself it would only take 10 minutes to “get the kids out the door,” and somehow 30 minutes disappeared into outfit changes, forgotten water bottles, and missing shoes?
Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. I have yet to meet anyone who nails their time estimates consistently—and I’ve been doing this for over a decade.
Why Estimating Time Matters (More Than You Think)
When we miscalculate how long tasks take, we set ourselves up for:
- Overbooking our schedule
- Underestimating effort
- Constantly playing catch-up
- Feeling like we’re always behind
And that feeling? It chips away at your energy, your confidence, and your ability to stay calm and focused.
But here’s the good news: time estimation is a skill. And like any skill, it can be learned—and strengthened—with practice.
A Simple Exercise to Improve Your Time Estimation (I Assign This to My Clients All the Time)
Let’s flex that estimation muscle.
Step 1: When you write out your task list for the day (either digitally or on paper), jot down how long you think each task will take.
For example:
📝 Reply to sister’s email – 5 min
🍱 Meal prep for the week – 45 min
📧 Draft report for work – 60 min
Step 2: Then actually time yourself doing each task. (Yes, really!)
Compare your estimate to reality. Were you way off? Surprisingly spot on? A little too optimistic?
This one simple habit can uncover so much about your patterns and where your sense of time may be skewed. You might learn that digital tasks take longer because you get distracted, or that home tasks are easier to underestimate because of interruptions.
With that awareness, you can adjust—add buffer time where you need it, give yourself more space between meetings, and be more realistic with your expectations.
Use Tools That Help You See Time
One of my favorite tools to recommend (and personally use) is the Time Timer. It visually shows the passage of time, which can be way more powerful than a standard clock or countdown timer—especially for visual thinkers or people who tend to lose track of time.
There’s an app version too, but I always recommend muting your notifications or switching to Do Not Disturb so you don’t get sidetracked by texts or alerts. (We’ve all been there.)
But it doesn’t have to be fancy—any basic timer will do. The goal is to give yourself a visual anchor to stay on track and observe your habits more clearly.
Real Talk: This Is About Self-Compassion, Not Perfection
I want to be clear—this isn’t about “getting it perfect.”
It’s about noticing patterns, adjusting with intention, and giving yourself grace.
Estimating time better isn’t just about productivity—it’s about mental clarity, energy management, and being able to move through your day with less friction and more flow.
So give it a try this week. Write down your tasks, guess how long they’ll take, and see what you learn.
Start small. Be curious. You might be surprised at how much relief it brings.
Final Thoughts
🔁 You won’t get it “right” every time. That’s not the point.
📈 But over time, your awareness will grow—and so will your confidence.
🧠 The more accurately you estimate, the more clearly you can plan.
💗 And the more clearly you plan, the more peace you’ll create.
You deserve that kind of ease.
Want help practicing this in your own life, or setting up routines and systems that support your real energy and real life?
That’s what I do. Let’s work together to make your days run smoother—with less stress and more breathing room.
📩 Reach out here and let’s talk about what support would feel good for you:
👉 https://www.itspracticallyorganized.com/contact-me/
You’re not running behind—you’re just one skill away from feeling more in control. Let’s build it together.
Stay tuned for next week’s POP Talk!
