I’ll never forget the moment I realized I was spending more quality time at work than with my family—it was the wake-up call I needed to reclaim my life.

If you’re constantly juggling deadlines, family time, and self-care, there’s a simpler and better way…

Today’s Ladder:

3 Simple Strategies to Reclaim Your Time:

1. Reframe Rest

Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential.

Treat your weekends like mini-vacations. Plan something fun: a walk without your phone, a café visit, or even a cozy movie night.

Simple, intentional “brain breaks” let you recharge and savor life’s moments.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Be bold with your time.

Instead of saying, “I’ll be available if needed,” say, “I’m offline; call only for emergencies.” Share these boundaries with your team and hold each other accountable.

A collective commitment to unplugging can transform work culture.

3. Negotiate for Time

If a deadline threatens your personal time, don’t hesitate to ask for an extension.

Research shows that when employees negotiate for more time, they experience less stress and are seen as professional and committed.

Protecting your time shows you value quality over urgency.

Takeaway:

Leverage, Not Expand, Your Time

I used to think working longer hours meant getting more done.

So I stretched my tasks across entire days, filling every available minute.

The result?

Exhaustion, not efficiency.

Then, I stumbled upon Parkinson’s Law—the idea that work expands to fill the time available for its completion.

I decided to test it. Instead of giving myself the whole day for a report, I set a hard deadline: 2 hours, no more.

At first, it felt impossible. 

But with the clock ticking, I cut the fluff, focused on what actually mattered, and wrapped up in 90 minutes—with better quality than when I had an entire day.

That’s when it clicked:

The less time I gave myself, the more focused and productive I became.

When you reclaim your time, you not only find balance but also set an example for others. Imagine a future where your moments are meaningful, your rest is respected, and your work energizes rather than drains you.

That future?

It starts with one decision:

Do less. 

But do it with intention.

ICYMI: Links to recent issues

💥 Struggling to Connect with Coworkers? Here’s the Fix

👩🏻‍💻 How to Navigate Office Politics Without Losing Your Integrity

✋ 5 Outdated Career Advice That Could Be Holding You Back

I appreciate your feedback! It will help shape the future issues of CAREER LADDER!

If you’re curious why I want you to succeed in half the time, here’s why.

To your success,

Dr. Lex ✍️