The Power of Time Can Elevate Your Leadership

In my last post, I touched on the importance of confidence in business. Confidence helps us feel secure in ourselves, and it’s essential for protecting our role as leaders. However, I want to expand on what’s equally critical to success—time. Confidence may give you the power to lead, but protecting your time is the tool that will get you across the finish line.

As the saying goes, “time is money,” but I believe it’s so much more than that. Time is possibly our most valuable asset, and it’s our most precious gift. That’s why it’s vital to spend it on things that bring value to your life or help you grow as a leader. (Important note: Helping or mentoring others can also develop you as a leader, so while I encourage taking time for yourself, serving others is one of the ways to do that!)

Here are three ways I protect my time every day:

1. Self-Reflection and Prayer
Every morning, as the sun rises, I set aside time to be by myself and listen to my thoughts. The most important part of this practice is sitting in deep gratitude for everything, including the challenges that serve as lessons. I reflect on my successes and the lessons God has provided, praying for guidance through tough times. This quiet time allows me to center myself, express gratitude, and stay aligned with my values. It’s a powerful way to protect my time and stay true to who I am.

2. Efficient Meetings
We’ve all been in meetings that drag on and feel unproductive. To avoid wasting time, I always create an agenda for meetings, which helps focus the conversation on the most important topics. Sticking to an agenda ensures that we hit all the critical points efficiently and that our time is used wisely. Time is too valuable to spend on drawn-out meetings that don’t move the needle.

3. Staying True to My Core Values
Knowing my core values and living by them every day allows me to focus on what truly matters. It helps me prioritize how I spend my time—whether it’s connecting with family, strengthening relationships, or pursuing meaningful work. By staying aligned with my values, I protect my time from being wasted on things that don’t contribute to my growth or fulfillment.

There’s no magic formula to protecting your time. It’s a daily practice that requires intention and effort. My hope for you is that you find the confidence to reclaim your time and use it to become the best version of yourself. Remember, when you protect your time, you protect your potential.