TheUPside Podcast

Episode: Time Management Myths: 4 Lies Keeping You in Overwhelm
Host: Theresa Flood
Date: February 17, 2026

Episode Overview

In this value-packed solo episode, host Theresa Flood takes on four common myths about time management that contribute to feelings of overwhelm, inefficiency, and burnout. Drawing from her experience as a businesswoman, parent, and coach, Theresa explores why time management, as we often conceive of it, is a myth, and how redefining our relationship with time can lead to greater productivity, fulfillment, and peace. With relatable personal stories, actionable frameworks, and thought-provoking questions, she guides listeners towards practical strategies to manage themselves and their energy, not the clock.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Time Management Myth

(00:36–03:55)

• Theresa opens by challenging the very idea of "managing time":

  "I don't believe in time management. I think time management is a total myth. It doesn't actually exist. Why? Because we can't manage time. Time is time. ... What we do have the power to do is manage ourselves and our relationship with time." (01:10)

• Most people don’t have a time problem—they have a clarity problem.
  • Overwhelm is caused by a lack of clarity about what matters most.
  • If everything feels equally important, nothing truly important gets your best energy.

Four Time Management Myths (And Truths)

1. Myth: "I need more time."

(03:56–09:00)

• No one can "make more" time, but you can increase the value within your existing hours.
• Example: You can raise your “value per hour” by prioritizing activities that only you can do or that are most meaningful.
  • "So as a family, there are things that I do as a mom that have higher value per hour than others."
• Assess and optimize where your time is truly making the most impact.

2. Myth: "Being busy equals being productive."

(09:01–16:01)

• Busyness is not productivity; it often serves as a form of hiding or misplaced self-esteem.
  • "Checking boxes feels good. ... But checking things that don't necessarily matter—a to do list gives a sense of completion but not a sense of priority."
• Shift from a "to-do list" mentality to a "success list" mentality, focusing on activities that drive real results.
• Practical exercise: Write down everything on your to-do list, then categorize each as:
  • Do: Only you can do it.
  • Delete: It’s not important; remove it.
  • Delay: Doesn’t need to happen now; put on a project list.
  • Delegate: Who/systems/technology can do this?
• Encouragement to delegate even outside of work—ask for help without guilt.
  • "Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Delegate, ask for help. Sometimes we just create more stress and overwhelm for ourselves than we really have to." (15:40)

3. Myth: "Multitasking helps me get more done."

(16:02–19:19)

• Multitasking is actually "task-switching," not true productivity.
• Focus is a force multiplier; depth over breadth.
• Going "deep" in one area yields more results and less complexity than spreading yourself thin.
  • "What we do when we go wide as opposed to going deep ... is we create more complexity."
  • Key encouragement: Go deep first, not wide.

4. Myth: "Balance means equal time for everything."

(19:20–22:20)

• Perfect balance is unrealistic; what matters is alignment.
  • "There is no such thing as perfect balance, but there is such a thing as alignment."
• Living in alignment with values, priorities, and purpose creates intentionality, not constant juggling.

Actionable Frameworks & Tools

"Do/Delete/Delay/Delegate" Success List

(12:00–16:00)

• Take your overwhelming to-do list and categorize with these four D’s:
  • Do: Only you can do, top priorities.
  • Delete: No longer relevant, doesn’t serve desired outcomes.
  • Delay: Move to a future project or idea list.
  • Delegate: Outsource to people, tools, technology, or family.
• Adopt this as an ongoing practice for clarity and relief from overwhelm.

The "One Thing" Question (Gary Keller & Jay Papasan)

(23:00–24:20)

• Ask:

  "What is the one thing, such that by doing it, makes everything else easier or unnecessary?"

• Use this question to hone focus and maximize the impact of your efforts.

Managing Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

(24:21–29:19)

• Choose intentionally how you start your day (“Choose before the day chooses you”).
• Morning routines fill your "energy buckets": physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, and business.
• Align your most important work with your natural energy peak during the day.
  • Example: "My energy is higher in the morning, it's lower in the afternoon. ... It's not the most productive for me to schedule the most important meetings or conversations after 3:30." (27:15)
• Plan meetings and key activities for when energy is highest, and create recovery spaces when it wanes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the infinite nature of "laundry" and tasks:

  "So much of life is like doing the laundry, meaning wash, rinse, repeat, and it's never done. ... Even if you do every piece of laundry in your house, you have to wash the clothes you're actually wearing at the time, right?" (00:47)

• On busyness and self-worth:

  "Busyness is often a form of hiding. We get a lot of self-esteem sometimes from being busy. ... But checking things that don't necessarily matter, a to-do list gives a sense of completion but not a sense of priority." (11:49)

• On focus and saying 'no':

  "Focus sometimes feels risky because it also means saying no to certain things. ... Saying no creates discomfort before it creates freedom." (29:08)

• Reassurance:

  "I just want to give you permission right now. You don't have to do it all. You just need to do the things that are the most important." (03:15)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:36–03:55 – The false premise of "time management" and the importance of clarity
• 03:56–09:00 – Myth 1: Needing more time vs. increasing value per hour
• 09:01–16:01 – Myth 2: Busyness ≠ Productivity; To-do list vs. Success list; Delegation
• 16:02–19:19 – Myth 3: Multitasking myth, focus as a multiplier
• 19:20–22:20 – Myth 4: Balance myth, living in alignment
• 22:21–24:20 – Framework: "The One Thing" question
• 24:21–29:19 – Energy management, morning routines, aligning the day to natural energy
• 29:20–End – Permission to say no; Weekly reflection questions; Encouragement

Reflection Questions & Encouragement

(30:05–End)

• What is the one thing I can do such that by doing it makes everything else easier or unnecessary?
• What am I spending time on that doesn't align with who I wish to become?
• What would I change if I did it consistently?
• How am I confusing activity with progress?
• "Create a success list. ... What do you need to do, delete, delay, or delegate?" (30:51)

Theresa closes by reminding listeners:

"When you're investing in your personal growth every single day, it will yield you great returns. Keep living on the Upside." (End)