{
  "id": 13653637,
  "title": "Want to improve your time management? Lower your expectations",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/want-to-improve-your-time-management-lower-your-expectations",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-11T05:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91619959/want-to-improve-your-productivity-lower-your-expectations"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "If you struggle with time management, you may be setting unrealistic expectations for yourself. A time management coach reports that the main reason people feel dissatisfied with their time management is the gap between their plans and actual results. Even if you complete your most important tasks on time, failing to meet your own expectations can result in a poor self-assessment. Lowering your expectations can help you stay positive and productive. Planning is useful for prioritizing tasks, working ahead on projects, and knowing when to divert attention to new work. However, it doesn't guarantee that you will finish everything you planned. It's essential to accept that planning helps you focus on the present moment and adapt to unexpected changes. Allowing an hour each day for flexibility can cushion against unforeseen circumstances. You might also find it helpful to finish tasks two days before their deadline to account for off days. For large projects, aim to complete them two to four weeks early. Avoid the mistake of listing everything you hope to accomplish without considering your available time. A realistic plan involves prioritizing tasks, assessing your schedule, and focusing on the most critical items. Remember that limited time means you cannot do everything, but that's okay. Being honest about your limitations can lead to better time management and a more positive outlook.",
  "summary": "I feel like such a failure: Nothing ever goes according to how I plan, and no matter how hard I try, I can never get everything done that I want to do. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. As a time management coach for almost 18 years, I’ve seen that the gap between what you plan to do and what you actually accomplish is the biggest factor in how satisfied you feel with your time management.…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}