Imagine you’re the CEO of your time. Every second you have is yours to spend. And here’s the kicker: Every single thing you choose to do is exactly what you’re choosing to prioritize. In this stash, we’re breaking down 10 time management principles that’ll make you the absolute boss of your day. Get ready to say "Hell Yeah" to what matters and "No" to the rest. Let’s get into it!

🔥INTRODUCTION - Time Control is Life Control 🔥

<ul><li>🧠 Definition: At any moment, you’re doing exactly what you most want to do.</li><li>📘 Example: "Instead of doing homework, I ended up binge-watching a series. If I’m honest, that was just a choice I made, not because I didn’t have time."</li><li>💡 Application: Be real. Every minute, you’re choosing how you spend it. Admit that you’re in control and choose wisely. If you skip the gym, you chose to, don’t say you "didn’t have time."</li></ul>

1.  You Own All of Your Time

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Use apps to handle scheduling so you save time.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "Instead of texting back and forth, I just sent my friends a group chat link with our available times."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Use tools like Google Calendar or set reminders on your phone for meet-ups and important tasks. Less back-and-forth means more time saved.</li></ul>

9. Automated Scheduling

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.”

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Write down what you need to do, so you don’t forget.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "I use my Notes app to list out assignments. When I complete one, I cross it off, which feels great!"</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Start a simple to-do list in your phone. Don’t rely on memory—get it down on ‘paper’ so you can actually see what needs to be done.</li></ul>

4. Using a To-Do List

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Create time that no one else can use but you.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "Mornings are my time to just read or relax. No one gets to interrupt it."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Decide on a daily "me time" where you can’t be disturbed. Use it for whatever you want—whether it’s gaming, reading, or working out.</li></ul>

7. Protected Time

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Pick one thing each day that you have to get done, no matter what.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "Today, my main goal is finishing my science project. If I get it done, the rest of the day is a win."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Every morning, decide on one priority. Focus on it. If that’s done, you’ll feel accomplished, even if the rest of the day’s a mess.</li></ul>

3. The Daily Highlight

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: If you’re not totally excited about something, don’t do it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "My friend asked me to help with their project, but it didn’t feel right for me. I decided it’s a ‘no.’ Now, I can focus on stuff that actually matters."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Save time by cutting out half-hearted ‘maybes.’ Only commit to things you truly care about—anything less should be a no.</li></ul>

2. "Hell Yeah" or "No"

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Schedule specific blocks of time for important tasks.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "I blocked out an hour after school for studying, and another for hanging out with friends. It keeps me balanced."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Take your daily highlight and schedule it. Even 30 minutes blocked for it makes a difference. Treat it like an unmissable meeting.</li></ul>

5. Time Blocking

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Set limits so people respect your time.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "If I’m studying, I put my phone on ‘Do Not Disturb.’ My friends know not to call unless it’s urgent."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Let friends and family know when you’re busy. Don’t feel guilty about it—your time is precious.</li></ul>

10. Boundaries

Problem: You’ve got a math test, a group project due, and your best friend wants to hang out this weekend. You also really want to catch up on sleep. How do you manage?

LET'S TRY IT!

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Work fills the time you give it.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "If I have an hour to finish my assignment, I somehow take the whole hour. But when I give myself 20 minutes, I get it done just as well."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Set strict time limits for tasks. You’ll get it done faster. Start with setting a timer for things you usually drag out, like studying or chores.</li></ul>

6. Parkinson's Law

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Pick Your Daily Highlight: Decide that your main focus is the math test since it’s time-sensitive.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Set Up Time Blocks: Schedule time after school each day for math review and a block for the group project.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use a To-Do List: Write out steps for both the project and studying so you don’t miss anything.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use Parkinson’s Law: Give yourself 1 hour per task, max. After that, move on.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Protect Your Time: Make Saturday morning off-limits for anything but rest. Sleep in, recharge.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use ‘Hell Yeah’ or ‘No’: Politely tell your friend you’re too busy this weekend but make a plan for next week.</li></ul>

Step-by-Step Solution:

<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">🧠 Definition: Let someone else handle things that don’t need your full attention.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">📘 Example: "Instead of doing all the editing, I let a friend who’s good at it help me out, and in return, I tutor them in math."</li><li class="ql-align-justify">💡 Application: Pass on tasks you don’t have to do alone. Share chores with family, split project tasks with friends, or even swap skills.</li></ul>

8. Delegation

📝  For each tip, you’ll see a quick definition, a relatable example, and an application that’s practical for real-life situations, especially as a student or teen juggling school, hobbies, and social life.

📖 Check out my new book Feel-Good Productivity here! https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/?utm_campaign=preorder&utm_source=youtube_long&utm_medium=video_description&utm_content=How+I+Manage+My+Time+-+10+Time+Management+Tips

Managing our time efficiently is something most of us have struggled with at some point during our personal or professional lives and so in this video I'm going to reveal the 10 principles and ideas I use to manage time as effectively as I can in my daily life.  

🍿WATCH NEXT:
How I Manage My Time as a YouTuber + Doctor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nin1OtjOlU
How I Remember Everything I Read: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjoxkxM_I5g&t=280s
Atomic Habits Book Summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7tQzmGRLA&t=76s
10 Cheap Purchases that Improved My Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_5poMWS-L4&t=476s

00:00 Intro
00:15 We own all of our time
01:19 Hell yeah or no
02:16 The daily highlight
03:00 Use a to-do list
04:06 Time blocking
05:25 Parkinson’s Law
06:22 Protected time
07:34 Delegation
08:56 Automated scheduling
10:13 The choice to be satisfied

📚 Make Time: https://geni.us/vzDlPbD
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🎬 YouTube for Beginners - Everything You Need To Know To Start  - https://go.aliabdaal.com/course/YouTube-for-Beginners

MY CREATOR COURSES
🎬 Check out my free 7 day email course on how to become a part-time YouTuber: https://aliabdaal.com/part-time-youtuber-crash-course/
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MY FAVOURITE GEAR
🎥  My YouTube Camera Gear - https://kit.co/AliAbdaal
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🎙 Check out my weekly podcast, Deep Dive - https://www.youtube.com/c/DeepDivewithAliAbdaal/ - It's also available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc.

MY FAVOURITE TOOLS
🚀 VidIQ - How I optimise my YouTube videos - https://go.aliabdaal.com/vidiq
✍️ Shortform - The BEST summaries of books - https://go.aliabdaal.com/shortform
📚  Readwise - How I remember what I read - https://go.aliabdaal.com/readwise
🎵  Epidemic Sound - Where I get my music (amazing for YouTubers) - https://go.aliabdaal.com/epidemicsound

MY KEY LINKS
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🐦  Twitter - https://twitter.com/aliabdaal
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WHO AM I:
I’m Ali, a YouTuber, podcaster, soon-to-be author and ex-Doctor working in London, UK. I make videos that explore the strategies and tools that help us live happier, healthier and more productive lives. I also have a weekly podcast called Deep Dive (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfo46ZNOV-vtehDc25A1Ug), and I write a weekly email newsletter that contains some quick thoughts + links to interesting things (https://go.aliabdaal.com/subscribe-sundaysnippets).

PS: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links that I get a kickback from 😜

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📚 Check out my first book Feel-Good Productivity here: https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/

Hey, I'm Ali, a doctor turned entrepreneur, and the world’s most followed productivity expert 😜 

On this channel, we explore evidence-based strategies and tools that can help us be more productive, and build a life that we love. 

If that sounds interesting, consider subscribing! See you in the next video x

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