Creating and Finding Margin—Practical Steps for Leaders

Alright, now that we’ve convinced you margin is non-negotiable, the real question is: how the heck do you find it? Between back-to-back meetings, endless email threads, and a to-do list that looks more like a novel, finding margin might feel like trying to spot Bigfoot. But fear not, it’s possible—and here’s how.

Step 1: Audit Your Time

Start with a time audit. And no, this isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s basically like searching for your missing keys—except this time, you’re searching for hidden pockets of time in your day. Break out that highlighter and take a look at where your hours are really going. Spoiler: you might find that some tasks are draining your time without actually moving the needle.

Step 2: Set Boundaries

News flash: you’re allowed to say "no." In fact, setting boundaries is crucial to protecting your time and energy. Whether it’s limiting meeting times, turning off notifications after a certain hour, or creating "no work" zones in your day, boundaries are your best friend. Think of them as the invisible force field that keeps margin-stealers at bay.

Step 3: Prioritize the Essential

Not everything that screams for your attention is actually important. You don’t need to fight every fire—or every email. Focus on what’s truly essential and let the rest wait. Pro tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix to help separate what’s urgent from what’s actually important (hint: they’re not always the same).

Step 4: Schedule Breaks and Downtime

This might sound counterintuitive, but you need to schedule your downtime. Yes, put it on your calendar, right next to those budget meetings and strategy sessions. Whether it’s a 10-minute walk or a 30-minute coffee break, scheduling breaks helps you avoid the midday crash.

Step 5: Leave Room for Flexibility

We get it—you like to pack your calendar with precision. But leaving a little breathing room will save you from the inevitable last-minute fire drill. Plus, a bit of flexibility lets you respond to unexpected opportunities or challenges without going into panic mode.

Conclusion:
You now have a toolkit for creating margin, even when it feels impossible. Carving out space isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what matters more effectively. In our final article, we’ll focus on how to protect the margin you’ve created and how to use it to your advantage. (Hint: It’s more than just squeezing in a quick Netflix episode.)