It’s 2025, and we’re all running around with our hair on fire. Between work, family, social lives, and the occasional existential crisis, time is probably the most precious thing we have. And yet we waste it like we’ve got an unlimited supply of it — because let’s be honest, if we had a dollar for every time we “wasted time,” we’d probably be able to afford a nice beach house.
So how do you actually decide what’s worth your time? Spoiler: It’s not as simple as “does it make me happy?” or “is it on my to-do list?” It’s about making more intentional, systematic decisions about where your time actually goes, so you can stop feeling like you’re running in circles.
Here’s the no-BS, fun guide to evaluating what’s really worth your time — without the fluff.
1. Start with the Big Picture: What Do You Actually Want?
Before even thinking about looking at your time (which, let’s be real, can be a bit like doing math when all you actually want to do is scroll mindlessly through TikTok), you need to know your North Star. What are your big-picture goals? What matters most to you?
Ask Yourself:
* Where do you want to be in five years (not necessarily career-wise, but personally)?
* What do you need to feel successful or fulfilled?
* What makes you happy and gives you energy vs. what drains the life from you?
It’s simple to get caught up in thinking about your time and life in terms of short-term stressors or tasks, but if you have no idea what you want, every decision is a shot in the dark.
Example:
Let’s say you want to make more time for creativity. If you’re spending an hour watching Netflix every day, the question isn’t if Netflix is fun (spoiler: it is) — it’s if that hour is propelling you toward your creative intentions or holding you back. Having your higher-level intentions in mind enables you to decide what’s worth the time.
2. Uncover Your Time Leaks: What’s Your Day Consuming?
Okay, now that you have your goals in mind, it’s time to get your sleeves rolled up and do the hard work: auditing your time. This isn’t about guilt-tripping yourself (trust me, we’ve all had that one day when you realized you’d spent hours on YouTube rabbit holes). It’s about seeing what’s taking up your time that’s not pushing the needle forward.
Start by Tracking Your Time:
Record everything you do for one week. I mean everything. It’s a drag, I know, but there are also programs like Toggl or RescueTime that will do it for you by tracking your phone and computer usage. After one week, take a look at where all your time is being spent.
Ask Yourself:
* What activities are consuming an inordinate amount of time?
* What activities add the least value to your life or work?
* Are there things that regularly waste time with minimal reward?
Example:
Are you spending hours a day answering work emails but not really making concrete progress on important projects? That’s a time leak. Or maybe you’re wasting time in negative group chats that leave you drained instead of productive — another time leak. Being aware of these allows you to make conscious adjustments.
3. Use the 80/20 Rule (Because Math is Your Friend)
This is a gold rule: 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. That is, a minority of your time and energy produces the majority of your success or happiness.
Break it Down:
Take your list of daily activities and figure out what’s delivering the most results in relation to the time invested. Not just in work — look at your personal life, too. Are the things you’re doing providing the biggest payoff for your goals and happiness?
Ask Yourself:
* Which tasks or activities create the most significant results in your life or work?
* What can be trimmed or delegated that is not providing a good return on your time investment?
Example:
Maybe you’re investing hours in writing perfect emails and getting little response, while you’re on the phone with clients for just a few minutes and closing deals. Focus on the 20% that’s yielding 80% of your results — and cut out the busywork. Not only will you be more productive, but you’ll have time for what truly matters.
4. Understand Your Energy Levels: Time ≠ Energy
In 2025, we’ve learned that time isn’t just about blocks on a calendar; it’s about energy. Not everything is worth your time, especially if it’s draining you more than it’s energizing you. Evaluate what actually gives you the mental and emotional boost you need to keep going.
Ask Yourself:
- Do I feel energized or drained after this task or commitment?
- Am I putting energy into things that don’t require it, leaving me fatigued for what really matters?
- Does this contribute to my mental and emotional well-being?
Example:
Let’s say you’re scheduling social events just to keep up with everyone’s expectations, but they leave you exhausted and unhappy. That’s time you could’ve used recharging, or on things that do give you energy, like spending time with your closest friends or learning something new.
Understanding your energy levels is key. Focus on where you get the most return for your mental and emotional effort. By choosing activities that replenish you, you’ll have more energy for your goals.
5. The “Will It Matter in Five Years?” Test
This is the ultimate reality check. Sometimes, we spend so much time sweating the small stuff — like obsessing over the latest office drama or stressing about minor setbacks — that we lose sight of what truly matters in the long run.
Ask Yourself:
- Will this matter in five years? Or even in one year?
- Does it align with my long-term goals or happiness?
- Is this truly worth the emotional investment, or am I getting caught in the weeds?
Example:
You’re stressing over a minor mistake you made at work or replaying an awkward conversation you had. Sure, it feels big right now, but is this going to matter next month? Next year? Probably not. Instead, focus on long-term growth, your big-picture goals, and things that truly move the needle forward.
6. Build Boundaries, Then Stick to Them
This might sound harsh, but the truth is — if you don’t set boundaries, people will happily take up your time. Whether it’s endless meetings, requests from friends, or work that could be delegated, it’s on you to protect your time.
Ask Yourself:
- Are you saying yes to things just to avoid conflict or out of guilt?
- Can this task be outsourced or delegated?
- Are you guarding your most productive time for the things that matter?
Example:
Say no to those endless Zoom calls that could be handled in an email, or to unnecessary events that don’t align with your goals. Saying no is not rude — it’s necessary for protecting your time.
7. Reflect and Adjust Regularly
Let’s face it: life is constantly changing. New priorities, shifting goals, and unexpected events will always pop up. That means the way you evaluate your time should evolve, too.
Ask Yourself:
- Am I still on track with my goals?
- Is my current time allocation still in alignment with my priorities?
- What’s changed, and do I need to adjust my approach?
Check in with yourself every few months (or even weeks, depending on your pace). This isn’t a one-time thing — it’s an ongoing practice of evaluating and adjusting.
Time is Your Most Valuable Resource — Treat It Like It
At the end of the day, how you spend your time is a reflection of your priorities, goals, and the energy you’re willing to invest in what truly matters. By methodically evaluating what’s worth your time — starting with understanding your goals, tracking your time leaks, applying the 80/20 rule, considering energy levels, and building strong boundaries — you’ll stop feeling overwhelmed by the noise and start spending your time on what truly moves you forward.
Time is your most precious asset. Spend it wisely, and you’ll live a life that’s not only productive but fulfilling, too. So, let’s stop wasting it — starting now.